Why Is Volleyball a Good Sport? The Complete Benefits
Volleyball is one of the most played sports in the world and one of the fastest growing in American schools. Here is why it is such a good choice for players of every age.
In this article
Volleyball is easy to start, hard to master and good for almost everyone who plays it. It works the whole body, rewards teamwork more than almost any other sport and carries far less risk of collision injuries than football, hockey or soccer. It can be played indoors or on sand, competitively or for fun, by children, adults and older players. Here is a full look at what volleyball does for your body, your mind and your social life.
Physical benefits
Explosive power and strong legs
Volleyball is built on jumping. Spikes, blocks and jump serves train the legs and core to produce force quickly, a quality called power that matters in almost every sport. Players also build strength in their shoulders and arms from serving and hitting.
Agility and quick reactions
Defenders have a fraction of a second to read a spike and move to the ball. Over time, players develop fast footwork, balance and reaction speed that carry over to daily life and to other sports.
Hand-eye coordination
Passing, setting and hitting all require precise contact with a moving ball. Volleyball is one of the best sports for developing coordination in young players.
Cardiovascular fitness and calorie burn
A competitive match involves hundreds of short, intense bursts of movement. Beach volleyball is even more demanding: running and jumping on sand burns roughly two to three times as many calories as a casual indoor game.
Less contact, fewer collision injuries
The net separates the teams, so there is no tackling, checking or body contact with opponents. Like every sport, volleyball has its own common injuries, mostly ankle sprains, finger injuries and overuse problems in the shoulders and knees, but it avoids the collision injuries that worry many parents in contact sports.
Mental benefits
- Focus – Every rally demands attention to the ball, your teammates and the opposing hitters.
- Decision-making – Setters, in particular, choose in an instant where to send the ball, much like a quarterback or point guard.
- Resilience – Because of rally scoring, every serve wins someone a point. Players learn to forget a mistake immediately and focus on the next point.
- Stress relief – Like any exercise, volleyball lowers stress and improves mood, and the social side adds to the effect.
Social benefits and teamwork
Volleyball may be the most teamwork-dependent sport there is. A player cannot hit the ball twice in a row, so every point requires the team to work together, usually through the classic pass, set and hit. Communication is constant: players call for the ball, warn teammates about hitters and celebrate every point together. That makes volleyball especially good for building confidence and friendships, and it is one reason the sport is so popular in schools and community leagues.
Good for every age
| Age group | Why volleyball works |
|---|---|
| Children | Builds coordination, teamwork and confidence; modified versions use lighter balls and lower nets |
| Teenagers | One of the most popular high school sports, with clear paths to club and college volleyball |
| Adults | Recreational leagues and beach volleyball make it easy to stay active socially |
| Older adults | Low-impact versions, such as sitting volleyball and gentle recreational play, keep players moving with less strain |
Volleyball in the United States
Volleyball was invented in the US, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in 1895, and it remains hugely popular here. Girls' volleyball is one of the most played high school sports in the country, college volleyball draws record crowds and TV audiences, and professional leagues for women have expanded in recent years. Beach volleyball, an Olympic sport since 1996, is a summer favorite from California to Florida. For how volleyball ranks against other sports worldwide, see our guide to the most played sports in the world.
How to get started
- Find a local recreational league, YMCA or park program; many offer beginner sessions.
- Buy a decent ball and, for indoor play, knee pads and court shoes with good grip.
- Learn the three basic skills first: the forearm pass, the overhead set and the underhand serve.
- Play often. Volleyball skills improve fastest through repetition and game experience.
If you are shopping for a player who already loves the game, our guide to volleyball has more ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Is volleyball good exercise?
Yes. It builds leg power, coordination and cardiovascular fitness, and beach volleyball is especially demanding because players move on sand.
Is volleyball a safe sport for kids?
It is one of the safer team sports because there is no body contact with opponents. The most common injuries are ankle sprains and jammed fingers.
What skills does volleyball teach?
Teamwork, communication, quick decision-making and resilience, along with physical skills such as coordination and jumping power.
Where was volleyball invented?
In Holyoke, Massachusetts, in 1895, by William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director.