HISTORY OF VOLLEYBALL

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Although volleyball originated in the United States, the sport has developed and changed drastically over the years and it has grown to be a very popular sport universally. The following is a very brief timeline of the history of volleyball:

1895: Volleyball originated at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Holyoke, Massachusetts by William G. Morgan

1897: Official volleyball rules included in the Handbook of the Athletic League of YMCAs of North America

1900: A specific ball was designed for the sport

1916: Offensive style of passing the ball to be struck by another player (set and spike) were introduced in the Philippines

1920: Three hits per side and back row rules were established

1964: Volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo

1984: U.S. won their first medals at the Olympics in Los Angeles. Men – Gold, Women – Silver

1996: Two-person beach volleyball was added to the Olympics