PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Sub-topic: BEACH VOLLEYBALL

A Written Report in PE 221 – INDIVIDUAL AND DUAL SPORTS

Submitted by:
Group 1

Submitted to:
Ms. Rosalie Gonzales
Instructor
I. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of learning about beach volleyball can be summarized as follows:

a) To gain insight into the history and evolution of beach volleyball.

b) To acquire knowledge about the techniques and strategies used in beach volleyball.
c) To learn about the physical and mental demands of playing beach volleyball.
d) To know the proper use of materials and gears in beach volleyball.
e) To understand the rules and regulations of the game.
f) To appreciate the role of beach volleyball in promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

II. DISCUSSION

ORIGIN/HISTORY OF BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Beach volleyball is a team sport played by two teams of two or more players on a sand court divided by a
net. Similar to indoor volleyball, the objective of the game is to send the ball over the net and to ground it on
the opponent’s side of the court. Each team also works in unison to prevent the opposing team from
grounding the ball on their side of the court. Teams are allowed up to three touches to return the ball across
the net, and individual players may not touch the ball twice consecutively except after a touch off an
attempted block. Making a block touch leaves only two more touches before the ball must be hit over. The
ball is put in play with a serve—a hit by the server from behind the rear court boundary over the net to the
opponents. The receiving team typically uses their three touches to pass the ball, set it up for an attack, and
then attack the ball by sending it back over the net. Meanwhile, the team on defense typically has a blocker
at the net and a defender to cover the ground. The rally continues until the ball is grounded on the playing
court, goes “out”, or a fault is made in the attempt to return the ball. The team that wins the rally scores a
point and serves to start the following rally. The players serve in the same sequence throughout the match,
changing server each time a rally is won by the receiving team.
 Beach volleyball is a variant of indoor volleyball, which was invented in 1895 by William G.
Morgan. Beach volleyball most likely originated in 1915 on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, at the Outrigger
Canoe Club. According to a 1978 interview of an Outrigger Canoe Club member, George David “Dad”
Center put a net up there, and the first recorded game of beach volleyball took place. In 1920,
new jetties in Santa Monica, California created a large sandy area for public enjoyment. This planted the
seed for beach volleyball development in that region. The first permanent nets began to appear, and people
soon began playing recreational games on public parts of the beach and in private beach clubs. Eleven such
beach clubs appeared in the Santa Monica area, beginning in late 1922. The first inter-club competitions
were staged in 1924.

Most of these early beach volleyball matches were played with teams of at least six players per side,
much like indoor volleyball. The concept of the modern two-man beach volleyball game is credited to Paul
“Pablo” Johnson of the Santa Monica Athletic Club. In the summer of 1930, while waiting for players to
show up for a six-man game at the Santa Monica Athletic Club, Johnson decided to try playing with only the
four people present, forming two two-man teams for the first recorded beach volleyball doubles game. The
players realized that with fewer players on the court, a taller player’s height advantage could be neutralized
by a shorter player’s speed and ball control. The popularity of the two-man game spread to other nearby
beach clubs and eventually to the public courts. The two-player version of the game is the most widely
played version as well as the only one contested at an elite level.

Beach volleyball grew in popularity in the United States during the Great Depression in the 1930s as it
was an inexpensive activity. The sport also began to appear in Europe during this time. By the 1940s,
doubles tournaments were being played on the beaches of Santa Monica for trophies. In 1948 the first
tournament to offer a prize was held in Los Angeles. It awarded the best teams with a case of Pepsi. In the
1960s, an attempt to start a professional volleyball league was made in Santa Monica. It failed, but a
professional tournament was held in France for 30,000 French francs. In the 1950s, the first Brazilian beach
volleyball tournament was held, sponsored by a newspaper publishing company. The first Manhattan Beach
Open was held in 1960, a tournament which grew in prestige to become, in the eyes of some, the
“Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball”.
 In the meantime, beach volleyball gained popularity: in the 1960s The Beatles tried playing in Los
Angeles and US president John F. Kennedy was seen attending a match.[12] In 1974, there was an indoor
tournament: “The $1500.00 World Indoor Two-Man Volleyball Championship” played in front of 4,000
volleyball enthusiast at the San Diego Sports Arena. Fred Zuelich teamed with Dennis Hare to defeat Ron Von
Hagen and Matt Gage in the championship match, Winston Cigarettes was the sponsor. Dennis Hare went on to
write the first book on the subject of beach volleyball: The Art of Beach Volleyball.

The first professional beach volleyball tournament was the Olympia World Championship of Beach
Volleyball, staged on Labor Day weekend, 1976, at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, California.
The event was organized by David Wilk of Volleyball magazine, based in Santa Barbara. The winners, the first
“world champions”, were Greg Lee and Jim Menges. They split US$2,500 out of a total prize purse of
US$5,000.

Volleyball magazine staged the event the next year at the same location, this time sponsored by Schlitz
Light Beer. In 1978 Wilk formed a sports promotion company named Event Concepts with Craig Masuoka and
moved the World Championship of Beach Volleyball to Redondo Beach, California. Jose Cuervo signed on as
sponsor and the prize purse. The event was successful and Cuervo funded an expansion the next year to three
events. The California Pro Beach Tour debuted with events in Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara and the World
Championship in Redondo.

In following years, the tour expanded nationally and was renamed the Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. It
consisted of five events in California and tournaments in Florida, Colorado, and Chicago. By 1984, the Pro
Beach consisted of 16 events around the country and had a total prize purse of US$300,000. At the end of the
year, however, Event Concepts was forced out of the sport by a players’ strike at the World Championship and
the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) was founded.
 At the professional level, the sport remained fairly obscure until the 1980s when beach volleyball
experienced a surge in popularity with high-profile players such as Sinjin Smith, Randy Stoklos, and Karch
Kiraly. Kiraly won an Olympic gold medal in beach volleyball in its first Olympic appearance in 1996, adding
that to the two Olympic golds he won as part of the USA men’s indoor team. In the 1980s, the sport gained
popularity on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[4] In 1986, the first
international beach volleyball exhibition was held in Rio de Janeiro with 5,000 spectators.

In 1987, the first international FIVB-sanctioned tournament was played on Ipanema beach in Rio de
Janeiro, with a prize purse of US$22,000. It was won by Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos. In 1989, the first
FIVB-sanctioned international circuit, called the World Series, was organized with men’s tournaments in Brazil,
Italy and Japan. The FIVB and its continental confederations began organizing worldwide professional
tournaments and laid the groundwork for the sport’s Olympic debut in 1996. The first FIVB Beach Volleyball
World Championships and FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour were held the following year. By 1998, the
sport had been added to other multi-sport events including the Pan American Games, Central American
Games, Southeast Asian Games, Goodwill Games and Universiade. In 2001, the FIVB began organizing the
annual FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships, with the annual FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World
Championships beginning the following year.

MATERIALS / GEARS IN BEACH VOLLEYBALL

1. Net

A net is used in beach volleyball game and the players always try to shoot the ball above the net. The height of
the beach volleyball net is around 8 feet for men and 7 feet 4 inches for women. The height of the net varies for
teenagers. The net that is used for beach volley ball has a length of 28 feet. Each end of the net is padded. In
official competitions the referee stand is usually attached with the net. The net is also bordered on top and
bottom with 4-inch-wide canvas.

2. Ball

As the name of the sport is volleyball so a ball is the centre of the play. The spherical ball used in beach
volleyball is either made up of flexible synthetic material or leather. The ball is striped with bright colours
which makes it look beautiful and attractive. The weight of the ball is around 300 grams. The internal air in the
ball is around 0.200 kg per square centimetres. The circumference of the ball should not exceed 70 cm and
should not be below 65 cm.

3. Knee Pads
Knee pads are very important for the players who are playing beach volleyball. One of the major equipment in
playing beach volleyball is knee pads. They provide stability to the leg of the player which allows him to play
up to his potential. One of the major advantages is that it prevents injury to a player. If a player has an injury,
then he can use knee caps to relax his knee.

4. Uniforms

The player belonging to same team or same country has same dress. Players normally prefer to wear swimsuits
while playing beach volleyball. Due to some unfavorable practices, some conservative parties have raised their
voices about it and the governing body federation international de volleyball (FIVB) has changed some rules in
ladies’ dress. While playing beach volleyball on a nice and smooth sandy surface, players are advised to wear
sporting shoes for the safety of their foot.

5. Sunglasses and Sun Protection

As we have already mentioned that these matches are normally held under the Sun in an open ground, the
players are very keen on protecting their body and specially their eyes. To protect their eyes, they wear
sunglasses. But the glasses they put on their eyes should not have any power in it. This is also a safety guideline
for the players. To protect their body from harsh sunlight, they use sun cream on their body.

WAYS IN PLAYING BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Part 1 of 3: UNDERSTANDING THE RULES

1. Form a team of two players.

Each team consists of only two players. Professional beach volleyball does not allow for substitutions. If one
player is unable to play, then the team must forfeit the match.

2. Play using the correct equipment.

Beach volleyball is played on a rectangular court and is divided evenly into two parts by the center line and net.
For professional or Olympic beach volleyball, the court must measure 16 x 8 meters and the net must be at
height of 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women.

•Many local public beach areas will have nets set up for impromptu volleyball games. Depending on your area,
court time can be reserved through the local Parks and Recreation Department.

•Sand courts can also be found at parks and other recreation areas. Using a search engine to search for “sand
volleyball courts” in your area should show some courts that are near you.

3. Do not let the ball hit the ground.

The objective in volleyball is to make the ball hit the sand on the opposing team’s side of the court while
simultaneously preventing the ball from hitting the sand on your team’s side of the court. This can be difficult
to do and many players will go to great lengths to be able to keep the ball from falling.

4. Hit the ball only three times per side.

In beach volleyball, each team is only allowed three contacts with the ball before it must go back over net.
Players are permitted to block the serve as it comes over the net, as long as they do not come into physical
contact with the net. The ideal sequence is a dig (a pass in which the forearms are used as a platform to direct
the ball), then a set (passing the ball over the head with your hands), then an attack, where the ball is directed
over the net to the opponent’s side.

5. Do not hit the ball two times in succession.

Each player is only allowed to hit the ball one time before the other player must hit it or the ball drops.

6. Do not let the ball come to a rest.

The ball must be in motion at all times until it hits the sand. In other words, the player cannot hold or carry the
volleyball for any length of time during the rally. Doing so will earn the opposing team a point, as if the ball
had hit the ground.

Part 2 of 3: HITTING THE BALL

1. Pass the ball.

There are two ways of passing the ball in volleyball: the forearm pass and the overhand pass. A pass is a
method of receiving the ball from the other team. In order to execute the pass, the player uses their hands or
forearms to direct the ball.

•For a forearm pass, the player receives the ball with their forearms and then directs it by clasping their hands
and joining their forearms together to form a platform.

•The overhand pass is executed by directing the ball with your hands over the head. This movement must be
quick and precise.

2. Set the ball.

Setting the ball involves hitting the ball into the air so that it is in a position for you or your teammate to
execute an overhand attack or hit. This movement is generally carried out in the same manner as the overhand
pass. The player directs the ball with their hands over their head.

3. Block the ball.

Blocking the ball involves halting the ball from coming over the net by jumping with your hands overhead and
hitting the ball back to your opponent’s side. When blocking the ball, be very wary of the net. Touching the net
is a violation in beach volleyball.

4. Hit the ball.

Hitting the ball is the player’s way of getting the ball to hit the sand on the opposing team’s side of the court.
This is generally executed with a jump to increase the intensity of the hit, which can increase the difficulty of
the other team being able to return the ball.

Part 3 of 3: SCORING IN BEACH VOLLEYBALL

1. Play three games to win a match.

There are three games in every match. A team must win two of those games in order to win the match. The first
team to reach 21 points wins the game but they must be leading by at least two points. The third game is only
played to 15 points and must also be won by a two-point advantage.

2. Use a rally point system for scoring.

When the play stops at the end of each rally, a point is earned. A rally is the number of hits between the two
teams. Whichever team wins the rally will also win the next serve.

•When the opposing team serves the ball and then wins the rally, it scores one point and serves again.

•When the opposing team receives the serve and wins the rally, it scores a point and wins the right to serve.

3. Switch sides of the court.

After every seven points in the first and second set (also known as a game), and every five points in the third
set, switch sides of the court with the opposing team. This will require each team to play in the same weather
conditions, which can be more favorable on one side of the net, depending on where the sun is shining or which
way the wind is blowing.

TIPS

•Use sunscreen when playing outdoors during the day. Use a high SPF that will work even while you are
perspiring and use other protections against the sun, such as sunglasses and hats.

•Remember to smooth the sand on each side between scoring points, and when the teams switch sides.

•Avoid playing when large holes or gaps are in the sand, or if there is a lot of debris on the playing area.

RULES AND REGULATIONS IN BEACH VOLLEYBALL

International Volleyball Federation is the governing body of beach volleyball. The rules are made to make the
game fair and transparent. Listed below are some of the important rules:

• Like indoor volleyball, a team is always desperate to ground the ball in the opposition’s court.

• The team which is able to ground the ball at the opponent’s side wins a point.

• If the opponent sends the ball in an illegal manner, they commit a fault.

• Before sending the ball to the opponent’s side there may be consecutive contacts made by the players. These
contacts have to be made by different players and only three touches are allowed for a team before sending the
ball to the other side.

• During beach volleyball players can use any part of their body to return the ball, including being able to kick
the volleyball. However, throwing, holding, and catching the ball during a match is not allowed. The only
technique that must be done by the arm is serving.

• The beach volleyball playing area is completely made up of sands. Any type of rocks and debris is removed
from the surface of the court to prevent any type of injuries as normally players like to play with bare foot so
these precautions are taken.

• The level of sand should be minimum 40 centimetres deep inside the court. It may increase in different
competitions.

• A standard volley ball court has a length of 16 metres and breadth of 8 metres and the court is rectangular in
shape.

• Surrounding the court, a free zone is there which has a width of 3 metres and there is no obstruction for at
least a height of 7 metres.

• Players in beach volley can play with bare feet; it depends on the choice of the players.

• In each team, there are only two players. So, a total of four players can compete with each other.

• Scoring system in beach volley is an interesting one. The best of three sets played between the players. In each
set, a maximum of 21 points can be scored by a team to win the match. If the match is moved to the third or the
deciding set, then the maximum points are reduced to 15 instead of 21.

• Open hand touches are not allowed in beach volley. Any type of open hand touch or dink or tip is
recommended as an illegal action.

• During the match, if a block is occurred at the net, then it will be counted as a touch and the number of
allowed touches is reduced to two.
• During the match, the players can switch the sides at will. Teams can change or switch ends of the court at
every seven points.

• A net is used in beach volleyball game and the players always try to shoot the ball above the net. The height of
the beach volleyball net is around 8 feet for men and 7 feet 4 inches for women. The height of the net varies for
teenagers.

• The net that is used for beach volleyball has a length of 28 feet and each end of the net is padded. In official
competitions the referee stand is usually attached with the net.

• The net is also bordered on top and bottom with 4-inch-wide canvas.

• In beach volleyball, the ball is the centre of the play. A spherical ball used in beach volley is either made up of
flexible synthetic material or leather.

• The ball is striped with bright colours which makes it look beautiful and attractive. The weight of the ball is
around 300 grams.

• The internal air in the ball is around 0.200 kg per square centimetres. The circumference of the ball is not
above 70 cm and is not below 65 cm.

• Unlike indoor volleyball, beach volleyball rules do not allow substitutions. If a player is injured during a
match and unable to play, his/her team must forfeit the contest.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN BEACH VOLLEYBALL

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PLAYING BEACH VOLLEYBALL

1. Burning Feet

If you are going to play sand volleyball in a hot sunny day in summer, then you should definitely expect that
sand is usually 10 to 20% hotter than the actual weather. So, if your feet are not actually used to hot sand than
you might encounter the risk of burning your feet. Of course, after consistent practices your feet should become
resilient to that.

2. Ankle Sprains

The uneven terrain of the beach is riskier than the indoor court. The uneven topography renders volleyballers
more prone to spraining their ankles. Especially after landing from a jump. Always familiarise yourself with the
playing area. Do a necessary warm-up before commencing a game to avoid spraining your ankle. Furthermore,
lower body workouts will help strengthen the ligaments in the ankles. This will help improve stability and
prevent ankle sprains.

3. Finger Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Finger tendon and ligament injuries are particularly common in beach volleyball. Other elements like weariness
and ball impact can cause “jammed” fingers. This can happen while blocking or setting the volleyball.

4. Finger injuries are often unavoidable

Yet, there are solutions on the market to strengthen ligaments and tendons. Wearing wraps or tapes around the
joints of one’s fingers is the best available option.

5. Jumpers Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)

Although the sand is a softer surface than a hardwood floor, knee injuries still happen. Jumping and landing
cause sometimes cause major injuries. This results in irritation of the patella tendon in the knee. Always warm-
up before games. Try applying knee wraps to reduce the range of motion in your knees. This will help prevent
pre-existing problems
 6. Lower Back Injuries

Landing after repeated jumping causes many lower back injuries. Another reason may be the uneven terrain.
Lower back injuries in the form of sprains and strains do occur in beach volleyball. They may be far less
common than in other sports. Warming up before the game is critical. Diving for the ball is not advised,
especially if you have a history of lower back issues.

7. Rotator Cuff Injury

Volleyballers are more likely to have rotator cuff injuries. Spiking and the continuous overhead motions of the
shoulders are the cause for the same. Players get an inflamed tendon due to overuse. To avoid it, do warm-up
and strengthening exercises for your shoulders. If it hurts while playing, consult a physical therapist to avoid
more harm. Use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to an inflamed area.

Rest: For the first 24-48 hours, avoid putting any weight on your ankle. To minimise discomfort and swelling,
ice your ankle for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. Reusable ankle wraps are a no-mess option. Use two so that
one can chill while the other is in use. Wrap your injuries with a compressive bandage to reduce swelling.

Elevation: Raise your ankle above your heart level. Prop yourself up on pillows or a wedge cushion.

After the immediate inflammation and swelling have subsided. You can support your ankle with an ankle brace
or kinesiology tape as it heals.

8. Shoulder Injuries

Spiking and serving in volleyball are high-stress exercises. They can cause injuries to the shoulder’s tendons
and ligaments. Casual players are unlikely to injure their shoulders. Competitive players should limit the
number of serves and spikes. They should pay attention to their body’s pain signals.

HOW TO AVOID THESE RISKS?

It’s a physical as well as mentally demanding sport. Beach volleyball is aerobic. Anyone who has played it for
even 10 minutes can attest. Although the sand is comfortable to land on. Running or stepping on it is not easy.

So a few easy precautions might help you avoid getting hurt while having fun in the sun.

Sprains and strains are the most common volleyball injuries. Keep a few simple rules in mind while playing in
the sand to avoid them.

• Beach volleyball players should wear kneepads to protect their knees. Kneepads give the player’s leg stability.
This allows them to perform to their full potential.

• Experts agree that warming up before a game is vital. Athletes who stretch and warm up have a lower risk of
tearing or straining their muscles.

• Know how to offer first aid for minor injuries. Such as facial cuts, bruises, minor tendonitis, strains, or
sprains.

• Prepare for emergencies and have a strategy in place to contact medical help. For injuries like concussions,
dislocations, elbow contusions, wrist or finger sprains, and fractures.

• Always inspect the ground for sharp items and glass before playing.

• Using sunglasses protects eyes and prevents blisters and sores. Making clothes of breathable materials will
avoid irritation. This will help wick the moisture away from the skin.
• When playing on the beach, players should be cautious. The sand might mask risks such as shattered glass.

• Players should also be aware of the weather. Try to avoid playing on the beach during severe weather such as
strong winds, rain, or high heat.

• Players colliding with each other are the most common cause of volleyball-related injury. To prevent colliding
with the equipment players should jump straight up and down. Rather than towards the net when blocking and
spiking the ball.

• The best approach to avoid sunburn and other sun damage is to use sunscreen and lip balm. It is critical to stay
hydrated. While participating in demanding activities in the heat by drinking plenty of water.

III. SUMMARY/RECOMMENDATION

IV. ASSESSMENT

Answers Key:

V. REFERENCE