Sitting volleyball

*Women’s Bronze Medal Sitting Volleyball match between Brazil and Canada, Tokyo 2020*

What is Sitting volleyball?

Sitting volleyball is a variation of the sport of volleyball that is specifically designed for athletes with disabilities. The game is played on a smaller court with a lower net, and sitting volleyball players must have at least one buttock in contact with the floor during the game.

History of Sitting volleyball

It was invented in the Netherlands by the Dutch Sport Committee in 1956 as a rehabilitation sport for injured soldiers. Since then, it has become one of the most popular Para sports in the world.

Men’s Sitting volleyball was first included in the Arnhem 1980 Paralympic Games with the women’s version following in Athens 2004.

Who is eligible to play Sitting volleyball?

This sport is played by Para athletes with a range of impairments, including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, amputations and brain injuries.

How do you play Sitting volleyball?

Sitting volleyball is played on a smaller court than standing volleyball (10m x 6m), with a 2-meter attack line and a lower net. The game is normally faster than standing volleyball! Each team consists of six players on the court at a time, and teams can be mixed male and female. Para athletes must have their pelvis touching the ground at all times with no service blocks allowed. The game is played in a best-of-five set format with the winner the first team to reach 25 points.

Find out more about Sitting volleyball

For more information on Sitting volleyball visit World ParaVolley.