National Volleyball Day

A group of diverse individuals joyfully playing volleyball on a sunny beach, wearing colorful team jerseys, surrounded by palm trees and beach umbrellas. — National volleyball day illustration

Get your knee pads ready, it's National Volleyball Day! A day dedicated to those who've mastered the art of bump, set, and spike. Seriously folks, volleyball isn't just about blowing off steam at a beach BBQ, it's a game of precision, teamwork, and impressive vertical leaps.

When is Volleyball Day?

It's national volleyball day on the 4th April.

A Dive into History

So where did this day of sandy pants and valiant dives come from? National Volleyball Day was first celebrated by Internet enthusiasts chiming in about their love for the sport. Surprisingly enough, our data shows a significant spike (pun intended) in online mentions of National Volleyball Day on April 4, 2016.

Volleyball: More than Just a Game

No, it's not just about being the tallest or the strongest, and certainly not just about looking good in a pair of shorts. Volleyball has always been known for promoting teamwork, strategy, and even enhancing spatial awareness. Plus there's that added thrill of diving, something that would ordinarily be deemed dramatically unnecessary in other sports!

Celebrating this Day at its Bump, Set, Best!

This day isn't just for professional athletes. It's the perfect excuse for everyone and anyone to grab a ball and head to the nearest beach or gymnasium! Advocates for the sport celebrate this day in myriad ways, from casual games with friends to organized tournaments, and of course, hilarious attempts at performing 'the perfect serve'.

History behind the term 'Volleyball'

1895

Creation of the game

Volleyball was created in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a physical education director in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Originally called 'Mintonette', Morgan created the game as an alternative to basketball, which was too strenuous for some of his older students. Mintonette aimed to be a less physical and more accessible sport with lower net height and slower pace.

1896

The name 'volleyball'

In 1896, Alfred Halstead, a friend of William G. Morgan, witnessed the game of Mintonette and was captivated by it. He noticed that players were volleying the ball back and forth over the net, and thus he suggested the name 'volleyball'. The name was fitting as it described the key action of the game - volleying the ball between the teams.

1900

Spread and growth

After the creation of the game, volleyball gained popularity rapidly. It spread across YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) centers in the United States, and by the year 1900, the sport had reached Canada. Volleyball was embraced as a versatile, inclusive, and sociable game, played both indoors and on outdoor courts.

1947

Formation of FIVB

In 1947, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) was founded. The FIVB is the international governing body for the sport of volleyball. This step further elevated the status of volleyball as a globally recognized and regulated sport. The FIVB establishes rules, hosts international competitions, and promotes the development of volleyball worldwide.

1964

Olympic recognition

Volleyball received a significant boost in popularity in 1964 when it was included as an indoor event in the Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan. The Olympic recognition provided the sport with a global platform to showcase its athleticism, teamwork, and strategy. Since then, volleyball has become one of the most-watched and beloved Olympic sports.

Did you know?

Did you know that volleyball was originally invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, an YMCA Physical Education director, as a pastime for businessmen which needed less physical contact than basketball?