The Volleyball Net Dimensions For Different Leagues
Volleyball is one of the most popular games, especially during summer. It is easy to set up, can be played indoors or outdoors, and combines team and individual play; all of this makes it one of the best sports. The net is arguably the hardest part to set up as there are a number of different volleyball net dimensions due to the different needs of the different leagues that use it. This means that there are a number of different heights for the net depending on who is playing.
The Official Volleyball Net Dimensions
Generally, the volleyball net is 32 feet long by 39 inches tall. The poles holding the net up should be about 8 feet 4 inches tall and should be 36 feet apart, and usually three feet outside of the playing court. The net height should be measured from the center and should be no greater than ¾ of an inch greater than regulation height. The net antenna should be 32″ from the top of the net. However, the actual height of the net depends on the specific league in question.
The Different Heights
For men’s indoor and beach volleyball, as well as co-ed volleyball, the height is 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches, (2.43 meters).
For women’s volleyball, the net should be at 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches tall (2.24 meters).
For disabled volleyball leagues, the net is lower as everyone is sitting. International net height is 3 feet, 9.28 inches (1.15 meters) for men’s leagues and 3 feet, 5.34 inches (1.05 meters) for women’s leagues.
For youth leagues, the regulation net height depends on the age and gender of the youths. For boys under 12 years of age and girls of 11 and 12 years of age, the net height should be 7 feet (2.13 meters) tall. For girls ten years old and younger the net is slightly shorter at 6 feet, 6 inches (1.98) tall.
Other Information
The lines on a volleyball court are two inches wide with the centerline being four inches wide. The ceiling should not be less than 23 feet high. The volleyball itself should weigh between 9.2 and 9.9 ounces and be between 25.5 to 26.5 inches (65 to 67 centimeters) in circumference. There are a wide variety of different court sizes used depending on the league and location.
Volleyball was conceived as a version of badminton, but without rackets; William G. Morgan, its inventor, originally called it “mintonette”. The first game was in Massachusetts in 1895. It was a demonstration sport at the 1924 Olympics and became a medal sport at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. A player will jump around 300 times per game, and the fastest recorded serve is 81.84 miles per hour.
Additional Terminology Used in Volleyball
- Goofy: Jumping off on the wrong foot.
- Kong: Blocking with one hand.
- Joust: When the ball is directly above the net and opposing players attempt to push it to the other side.
- Pancake: When the ball pops up while the player’s palm is flat on the floor.
