The game of volleyball was created at a Massachusetts Y.M.C.A. in 1895. Since then, people from around the world have contributed to its evolution, according to Darcy Lockman's book, "Volleyball for Fun." Today's rules are standardized with help from organizations like the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball. Volleyball courts have to be a standard size, with a few exceptions for children's leagues.
Dimensions
The volleyball court is twice as long as it is wide. A standard court is 59 feet long and 29 feet and 6 inches wide (18m long and 9m wide). A center line divides the court into two playing areas that are equal in size. Children's courts may be smaller, according to the National Alliance for Youth Sports.
Attack Line
A court has an attack line, also called the 10-foot line (though it's actually 9 feet, 10 inches from the net on both sides of the court). The front zone of the court extends to the rear edge of this attack line. There's also a service line that marks the area in which a server can put the ball into play: it is 10 feet inside the court's right sideline on each back line.
Side and Base Lines
The court lines that run along the sides are called sidelines. The court lines that run along the ends of the court are called baselines. When a ball lands on any part of these lines, it is considered "in." All lines on the court are 2 inches wide.
Net and Clearance
The net that divides the court is 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches (2.43m) in height for men and 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches (2.24m) for women. Nets for children are often lowered to accommodate their smaller size. The overhead playable area needs to be at minimum 23 feet, or 7m, high.
References
- "Volleyball for Fun;" Darcy Lockman; 2006
- "Volleyball: Steps to Success;" Bonnie Kenny and Cindy Gregory; 2006
- "Coaching Volleyball for Dummies;" National Alliance for Youth Sports; 2009
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