In February 1895, William G. Morgan created a new game called mintonette. It wasn't until 1896 that the game was called volleyball. Mintonette was originally designed with aspects of badminton and tennis. As the game and players evolved, the net had to be adjusted accordingly.
General Regulations
The volleyball net must be 40 inches wide and span the entire width of the court. This net must be measured from the center of the court. If on a sand court, then the sand must be raked flat for measuring. The net height over the sidelines can be up to 2 cm higher than the central height. Both ends of the net must be the same height. Indoor nets are 9 m long and sand court nets are 8 m long.
Men's Net
The first volleyball net was 6 feet, 6 inches high. Over the years, the net height had to be raised to make the game more challenging. Now the net height for men is the same on all surfaces. The top of the net must be 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches from the ground.
Women's Net
The women's net height is also standard for all surfaces but a few inches shorter than the men's net. The top of a women's net must be 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches from the ground.
Age Considerations
The net's height is adjusted according to age brackets. For men 55 years and older, the net is lowered by 2 inches. For boys ages 13 and 14, the net is lowered to 7 feet, 4 5/8 inches. And for boys 12 and younger, the net is lowered to 7 feet. For women 45 years and older, the net is lowered 2 inches. For girls ages 11 and 12, the net is 7 feet high. And for girls 10 years and younger, the net is lowered to 6 feet, 6 inches.
Sitting Volleyball
Sitting volleyball is primarily designed for disabled athletes. The net height is a maximum of 4 feet.
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