What is it?

• This is a team game which involves hitting a large ball with one's hands across a high net with the aim of making the ball hit the ground in the opposition's area.  

• The teams of six players are normally single sex, except in the more informal games.  

• Volleyball is played both indoors and outdoors, and is common on beaches and in other informal locations.

Find out more

Organisations

English Volleyball Association  members.netscapeonline.co.uk/chasvolleyball/

Magazines

We have not managed to identify any magazines specifically concerned with volleyball.  Check with the Association opposite.

Getting started

• Find a local volleyball group or club (see organisations above).

• See if there are introductory sessions at your local club or sports centre.

• Consult books or magazines on the basics of volleyball.

• Check in your local library/paper or sports centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people

• Volleyball is fairly energetic but it can be played by both sexes and by people of all ages and abilities. 

• Handling the ball and other moves can be practiced on your own, but volley ball really requires a number of other people with whom to play.  

• Many games develop informally but there is also a structure of local groups and clubs to which more serious players belong.  

• It is better if the people you play with are of roughly the same standard as yourself;  they will usually also be of the same sex, and roughly the same age group.

Equipment or clothing

• Except for the more formal competitions, casual sports clothing is all that is needed, plus trainers or sports shoes if you are playing indoors or on a special surface.  

A place or facilities

• The essentials are the net plus posts and a suitable ball, plus an area large and high enough to play in.  

• There are facilities in many schools, social centres and  community halls, as well as marked courts in most sports centres.