William G. Morgan invented volleyball, which he originally called mintonette, when he combined elements of basketball, baseball, handball and tennis. The YMCA, of which Morgan was a graduate and instructor, is largely responsible for taking the sport international, and Volleyball.org reports that today there are nearly 800 million players worldwide who play volleyball at least once a week. Wearing spandex is one of the sport's latest advances.
Volleyball Apparel
In a high-energy sport like volleyball, where the actions have names like "attack," "spike" and "joust," ensuring that players are ready to execute aggressive moves is essential. Players are required to jump, stretch and dive during a game, and making sure clothing does not hinder any of these processes is key. Wearing spandex allows volleyball players to concentrate solely on the game instead of worrying about adjusting clothing, hindrances in movement and a more complete range of motion.
About Spandex
According to Chemical and Engineering News, DuPont scientist Joseph C. Shivers invented spandex in 1959. While it remains uncertain when exactly volleyball players began to integrate the fiber into their uniforms, it is known that by the 1970s cyclists had discarded their old uniforms for the innovative new material.
Benefits of Spandex
The chemical makeup of spandex allows it to be soft but durable at the same time. Chemical and Engineering News further reports that spandex fibers allow it to stretch up to 600 percent and return to its original shape. This is ideal for volleyball players who are constantly reaching, jumping and diving during games. The form-fitting quality not only provides privacy for athletes, but also does not break down from exposure to body oils, perspiration or sunscreen.
Popular Brands
One of the more popular brands of spandex clothing for volleyball players is Mizuno, which sponsors the U.S. Olympic volleyball team. Mizuno shorts draw moisture away from the body in order to keep players comfortable and dry. Nike also offers a range of spandex volleyball shorts and tops also within the same price range of about $20 to $30, which, like Mizuno, draw moisture from the skin to keep players comfortable.
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