Volleyball is a team sport where players use their hands and arms to hit a ball back and forth over a high net, trying to make it land on the opponent's side of the court. Each team gets three touches to send the ball back over the net, and points are scored when the ball hits the ground on one side or goes out of bounds.

The game was invented in 1895 by William Morgan, a gym teacher in Massachusetts who wanted to create a less rough alternative to basketball. He called it “mintonette” at first, but players noticed they were volleying the ball back and forth, so the name changed to volleyball. The sport spread quickly and is now played worldwide, from school gymnasiums to the Olympics.

Teams usually have six players on the court, each with different roles. The setter positions the ball for teammates to spike it over the net. The spiker or hitter jumps high to slam the ball downward with force. Other players specialize in blocking, serving, or defending.

Beach volleyball, played on sand with just two players per team, became hugely popular starting in the 1920s. Both indoor and beach versions require quick reflexes, teamwork, and the ability to communicate clearly with your teammates about who will hit the ball next.