Sitting volleyball, also known as Paralympic volleyball, is a modified version of standing volleyball designed for physically impaired individuals. It is a competitive sport governed by the World Paravolley and is played both by men and women.

Sitting volleyball was originally developed in the Netherlands as a rehabilitation sport and made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 1976 Paralympic Games. Since then, it has become an official medal sport in the 1980 Paralympic Games and women’s sitting volleyball was added in 2004.

The court size is smaller and the net height is lower than standing volleyball, and the rules are slightly different. Players must keep their torsos in contact with the court, and contact with opponents under the net is allowed.

Sitting volleyball is an exciting sport that allows players with various disabilities to participate in volleyball in a seated posture.

What is it?

Sitting volleyball is a modified version of standing volleyball that is designed for physically impaired individuals to participate in, while incorporating elements of regular volleyball and a German sport called Sitzball. The court size for sitting volleyball is 32.8 x 19.6 ft (10 x 6 m) with a 6.6 ft (2 m) attack line, and the net height is 3.8 ft (1.15 m) for men and 3.4 ft (1.05 m) for women.

Players must keep their torsos in contact with the court and contact with opponents under the net is allowed. Blocking the opponent’s service over the net is also allowed. The international governing body for sitting volleyball is the World Paravolley.

Sitting volleyball originated in the Netherlands in 1956 and was added as a medal sport in the 1980 Paralympic Games, with women’s sitting volleyball added in 2004. It has since become a major Paralympic sport. Sitting volleyball is a fast-paced game due to the smaller court and low net height, and has provided a platform for differently-abled athletes to showcase their abilities.

Athletes and Rules

Athletes with varying levels of physical impairment participate in this modified version of volleyball, categorized as MD (minimally disabled) or D (disabled). The rules of sitting volleyball are slightly different from standing volleyball:

  • Court:

  • Size: 32.8 x 19.6 ft (10 x 6 m)

  • Attack line: 6.6 ft (2 m)

  • Net:

  • Height: 3.8 ft (1.15 m) for men, 3.4 ft (1.05 m) for women

  • Size: 32.8 x 2.6 ft (10 x 0.8 m)

  • Players must remain seated in contact with the court

  • Blocking service over the net is allowed

  • Contact with opponents under the net is allowed if it does not interfere with play

  • Players are not allowed to lift their torsos when executing an attack-hit

Sitting volleyball is a fast-paced game due to the smaller court and low net height, and is governed by the World Paravolley. It has evolved from a rehabilitation sport to a major Paralympic sport, and provides a platform for differently-abled athletes to showcase their abilities.

History and Evolution

The history of the modified sport dates back to 1956 in the Netherlands, where it was developed as a rehabilitation sport for injured soldiers. Sitting volleyball combines elements of regular volleyball and a German sport called Sitzball.

In 1976, standing volleyball appeared as a demonstration sport in the Paralympic Games. Sitting volleyball became a medal sport in the 1980 Paralympic Games, and women’s sitting volleyball was included in the Paralympic Games in 2004.

Sitting volleyball has evolved from a rehabilitation sport to a major Paralympic sport, accommodating athletes with different disabilities affecting their muscular strength and flexibility. It has provided a platform for differently-abled athletes to showcase their abilities.

The international governing body for sitting volleyball is the World Paravolley. Sitting volleyball has similarities to indoor and beach volleyball, but with slight modifications. It has a large fan base due to its enjoyable twist on standing volleyball.