Volleyball can be a fast-paced showcase for the agility and skill of elite athletes but also can be a fun game for people of all ages and abilities. USA Volleyball, the governing body for volleyball in the U.S., states that the game is "a lifetime sport enjoyed by players from 8 to 80." Volleyball is played by two teams on a court divided by a net. A player serves the ball and teams "rally," hitting the ball so that it stays airborne and moves back and forth across the net until a point is scored. Points are awarded when the ball is grounded or a team fails to follow the rules. Volleyball can be played by men, women, children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Disabled individuals can play sitting and standing volleyball, and a wheelchair version is in development.
Juniors
The Junior Volleyball Association would like to see volleyball players begin playing at an earlier age. While the sport might be popular at the high school level, JVA is concerned that sports such as soccer and softball are attracting more grade school and middle school children. The organization actively encourages a training and competition program meant to attract youths ages 8 to 12 to the game.
Seniors
Serious junior and senior volleyball athletes have national and international competition to aspire to. FIVB, the global governing body for volleyball, including at the Olympics, sanctions World Competitions for juniors and seniors. Senior teams may have up to 14 players. The National Senior Games Association in the U.S. partners with national and state organizations that prioritize senior health, wellness and quality of life issues. The nonprofit sanctions competitive volleyball at state and national levels so that seniors can participate in a variety of sports year-round. Team sports are offered for men's and women's age divisions spaced five years apart, from 50 to 75 years and older.
Disabled
Volleyball is a universal sport and most people with minor disabilities, as well as folks with more serious handicaps, can find a sitting or standing volleyball team that meets their special needs. Top-ranked international sitting teams may use double-leg amputees as setters and have found that these athletes do well on the volleyball court.
Net Height For Females
One easy fix to make the game more suitable for various age groups and genders is net height. Women's competition uses a net with a standard height of 7 foot 4 1/8 inch, a little over 7 inches lower than the nets used in men's competition. FIVB suggests the following net heights for various age groups: Girls from 13 to 18 should use the same height net as women, girls 11 to 12 may prefer 7-foot nets and girls 10 and under may be better suited to 6 foot 6 inch nets. Women 45 and older may find 7 foot 2 1/8 inch nets more to their liking.
Net Height For Males
Male volleyball players use a net that is 7 feet 11 5/8 inches high. FIVB suggests the following net heights for various age groups: Boys from age 15 to 18 years may use the same height nets as men, while boys 13 to 14 may use a 7 foot 4 1/8 inch net. Boys 10 to 12 may prefer 7-foot nets, while men from 55 to 60 may prefer a net height of 7 foot 9 5/8 inch. Men over 70 may be best suited to a 7 foot 6 inch net.
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