Introduction

Volleyball is a popular sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It involves two teams of six players each, who try to score points by hitting a ball over a net and into the opponent's court. While the sport has been around for over a century, many people don't know that the first volleyball was actually made from a basketball.

The Origins of Volleyball

The sport of volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a YMCA instructor in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Morgan wanted to create a new game that would be less physically demanding than basketball, but still require a high level of skill and athleticism. He combined elements of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball to create what he called "mintonette."

Initially, the ball used in mintonette was a basketball. However, Morgan soon realized that the heavy and bouncy nature of the basketball made it difficult to control and pass accurately. He decided to create a new ball that would be lighter and easier to handle.

The First Volleyball

In 1896, Morgan commissioned a local sporting goods manufacturer, Spalding, to create a new ball specifically for his game. The resulting ball was made from leather and had a circumference of 25 inches, which was smaller than a basketball but larger than a softball. It was also softer and lighter than a basketball, which made it easier to control and pass.

The first game of volleyball was played on July 7, 1896, at the Springfield, Massachusetts YMCA. The game was an instant hit, and soon spread to other YMCAs and schools throughout the country. In 1900, the name "volleyball" was officially adopted, and the first official rules of the game were established.

Evolution of the Volleyball

Over the years, the design of the volleyball has continued to evolve. In the early 1900s, the ball was made from leather and had a rubber bladder inside. In the 1930s, the ball was made from rubber, and in the 1950s, it was made from synthetic leather.

Today, the official volleyball used in international competition is made from synthetic leather and has a circumference of 65-67 centimeters. It weighs between 260-280 grams and has an internal pressure of 0.30-0.325 kg/cm^2. The ball is designed to be highly aerodynamic, which allows for maximum control and accuracy during play.

Conclusion

The first volleyball was made from a basketball, but over the years, the design of the ball has continued to evolve. Today, the volleyball used in international competition is highly specialized and designed to be aerodynamic, lightweight, and easy to control. Despite these changes, the spirit of the game remains the same, and volleyball continues to be a popular and exciting sport enjoyed by people all over the world.

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