Volleyball offers many benefits to players. For example, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends you perform regular physical activity on most days of the week to maintain a safe weight and promote muscle and bone health. Playing volleyball for 45 minutes is a moderate amount of physical activity, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which means it's roughly equivalent to bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes.
Specific Physical Benefits
Jumping, short sprints, dives and coordinated hand movements are just a few of the physical movements necessary for playing volleyball. During the course of a typical game, you will use most of the major muscle groups in your body, so playing volleyball can provide an effective full-body workout that burns many calories. For example, a 125-lb. person who plays a competitive game of volleyball for 1 hour burns 454 calories, according to the American Council on Exercise.
Mental Discipline
Volleyball is a fast-paced game, so it improves your mental discipline. If you don't keep your eyes on the ball, you won't have time to position yourself properly to assist your teammates or to return the ball over the net. Effective volleyball players concentrate intensely during a game, especially when the scores are close. You'll also develop mental discipline by participating in team strategies. For example, if your position is near the net, your responsibility might be to hit the ball in the air so that a teammate can spike it over the net. Plays like this require you to be alert and focused, qualities you develop by playing volleyball regularly.
Social Benefits
Volleyball can be a fun recreational activity that fosters friendships. Other sports, such as baseball and softball, frequently require players to perform alone -- when batting, for example -- which might be intimidating for new people. But volleyball players must work together to keep the ball in the air and send it back over the net. Cooperation is essential for every play, so teammates help each other and interact often. Cheering for one another and frequent encouragement are also common, which might help new players more comfortable.
Considerations
If you're a beginner, find a casual volleyball league that introduces you to the game and its rules. If possible, include friends and family to make your volleyball games more fun. If you're serious about the sport, consider joining a school team or a highly competitive league. Training under an expert coach will improve your volleyball skills drastically. Benefits might include developing more powerful and accurate serves and gaining an advanced understanding of team strategies.
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