Wheelchair volleyball, also known as "chair volleyball" or "sitting volleyball," is similar to traditional volleyball. The first international sitting volleyball match was played in 1957, and the sport was among those played at the first Paralympic Games in 1996. Since sitting volleyball does not require a wheelchair, persons who do not have practice maneuvering in a wheelchair can play alongside those who do.
Scoring
As is the case in standard volleyball, the first team to score 15 points wins the game, and the first team to win two of three games wins the match. Points may only be earned by the team that serves the ball. Points are earned when the serving team sends the ball over the net so that it lands in bounds and is not returned by the opposing team. If the serving team fails to return the ball, the receiving team wins the chance to serve. Each team may hit the ball as many times as necessary to get it over the net, but no two people may hit the ball at the same time.
Penalties
In sitting volleyball, the "bottom" (or trunk) of a player's body must remain in contact with his or her chair whenever the ball is in play. The "bottom" is the portion of the body measured from the shoulder to the hip. A player's arms and legs do not have to be in contact with the chair, and may even be on the other side of the net. If a player's bottom rises while a point is in play, the other team receives a free point.
Game Play
The first team to serve is determined by a coin toss. A beach ball may be substituted for a standard volleyball for players whose limb mobility is limited. Players near the net may place a hand or foot beneath the net to steady themselves, but may not hit the ball once it goes over the net. The players do not rotate with each serve, but stay in their places and take turns serving.
Member Comments