Adaptive Volleyball

Abstract

Volleyball is an exciting and fast sport where two teams compete on a playing court divided by a net. In general, the goal is to ground the ball on the opponent’s court and to prevent the opposing team from grounding the ball. The sport requires keeping the ball “flying” with a combination of fluid movement, explosive action, and teamwork. The rotation system inherent to the sport allows all players to operate both at the net and on the backcourt. The sport of volleyball has been easily adapted for persons with disabilities. Adaptive volleyball has utilized a similar structure of play, however, the competitors are in a seated rather than standing position and, therefore, also referred to as sitting volleyball. Recent updates on player positions and service, which mirror those of nonadaptive volleyball, have enhanced the tactical and technical elements of the game. Sitting volleyball also allows for the integration of able-bodied athletes with disabled athletes at the non-international level of competition (Volleyball. Adaptive sports for anyone with a disability. Disabled Sports USA. http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/volleyball/).