Raini Stamm – Why is Volleyball a Game for Intelligent Players?
Invented by William Morgan in 1895, volleyball demands good technique, fast reactions, physical capabilities, speed and explosive strength, coordination and a body type that suits the game, says Associate Professor of Volleyball at the Tallinn University School of Natural Sciences and Health, Raini Stamm.
Invented by William Morgan in 1895, volleyball demands good technique, fast reactions, physical capabilities, speed and explosive strength, coordination and a body type that suits the game, says Associate Professor of Volleyball at the Tallinn University School of Natural Sciences and Health, Raini Stamm.
Research shows that the most successful volleyball players have a larger leptomorphic body type, according to the 5SD height and weight classification. They have short anticipation times, react quickly, jump high, have a strong striking arm and the capability to read the opponent's game. For example, success in blocking is not guaranteed by the height or jumping capability of the player, but their sensing of ball travel speed, reaction times and jump timing.
Within a team, it is vital to establish a psychological environment that is based on mutual trust, understanding and team spirit. If the team has high spirits and will, they can defeat much stronger teams.
Thus, all net games like tennis, badminton and volleyball have always been considered games for intelligent people, as they require tactics, mental superiority and cunningness, rather than raw power and physical contact.
According to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), more than 800 million people in the world play volleyball. FIVB has 218 member states with 200 million active players.