Premier volleyball is a type of volleyball designed for competitive play. It is played at the highest level and is characterized by its high-intensity matches, skilled players, and fast-paced gameplay. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of premier volleyball such as its rules, its history and how it differs from regular volleyball.
History of Premier Volleyball
Premier volleyball traces its roots back to the 1970s when the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) began organizing professional men’s and women’s leagues. Since then, premier volleyball has grown in popularity around the world with various leagues and tournaments being held throughout the year. The professional league for women in the US is the National Women's Volleyball Association (NWVA) while the premier league for men in the US is the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals).
Rules of Premier Volleyball
Premier volleyball follows the same basic rules of regular volleyball. The game is played on a rectangular court with a net dividing the two sides. Each team is allowed three touches to get the ball over the net and onto the opponent's side. The rally continues until one team fails to return the ball or commits a fault.
However, in premier volleyball, there are some differences regarding the number of substitutions allowed, challenges permitted by teams, and the size of the court. Each team is permitted six substitutions per set, and each team is given two challenges to use for disputed calls. The size of the court is also more extensive in premier volleyball, with a length of 29.5 meters and a width of 14.5 meters.
Skills Required in Premier Volleyball
Premier volleyball requires a high level of skill from its players. The most crucial skills include serving, receiving, digging, blocking, and spiking. The players must be physically fit, possess good timing, agility, and coordination. These skills are developed through years of practice, training, and experience.
Equipment Used in Premier Volleyball
The equipment used in premier volleyball is similar to regular volleyball. The ball is made of synthetic leather, is slightly larger than the ball used in indoor volleyball, and weighs more. The net is also slightly higher at 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women. Players typically wear knee pads to protect their knees when diving for the ball.
Premier Volleyball Tournaments
Premier volleyball tournaments are held throughout the year in various parts of the world. The most popular tournaments include the Olympic Games, World Championships, and the FIVB Volleyball Nations League. In the U.S, the most significant annual event is the AVP Championship series.
Famous Premier Volleyball Players
Several world-renowned players have graced the courts in premier volleyball. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings from the United States are two of the most successful female players of all time, having won three Olympic gold medals in 2004, 2008, and 2012. The Brazilian player Giba is another player who has made a significant impact on the game, having won a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics, along with several world championships.
How Premier Volleyball Differs from Regular Volleyball
While premier volleyball follows the same basic rules as regular volleyball, there are some differences. In premier volleyball, the net is higher, the court is larger, and the ball is heavier. Premier volleyball also allows for more substitutions, challenges, and has a different scoring system. The level of competition is also much higher in premier volleyball due to the skills and experience of the players.
How to Get Involved in Premier Volleyball
If you're looking to get involved in premier volleyball, many clubs and organizations offer training programs for players at all levels. You can also attend volleyball camps and clinics, where you will receive guidance on how to improve your skills. Many leagues, tournaments, and competitions are available for players who want to compete at a higher level.
Conclusion
Premier volleyball is a highly competitive sport that requires skill, physical fitness, and years of practice and training. It follows the same basic rules as regular volleyball but has some key differences in terms of net height, court size, and ball weight. With its fast-paced gameplay and skilled players, premier volleyball provides an exciting spectacle for audiences worldwide.
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