Ashley Lechleidner-Rodriguez
English Composition 1101
September 30, 2011
Illustration/Compare-Contrast

Indoor and Beach Volleyball have gained immense popularity over the years. They’re both very fun sports that anyone at any age can enjoy. Although most people would think both sports are the same, the truth is they are very different. The environment, rules of play and the collegiate opportunities that many players have are a few of the main components that separate these sports. Indoor volleyball was invented in Holyoke Massachusetts by William G. Morgan on February 9, 1895. Originally, the sport was known as “Mintonette” until it was changed a year later to “volleyball” which it is still known as today. The present name seemed to fit a lot better because of the nature of the game. Since then, the sport has grown at a fast rate throughout the world. It was added to the Summer Olympics program in 1924 where both men and women competed. On the other hand, Beach volleyball was introduced several years later in 1987 and became part of the Olympics in 1996. The environment of both sports is vastly different in many ways. Indoor is completely covered and usually has wood or concrete floors which make it very easy to move on. All players must be fully equipped with uniformed jerseys, kneepads, tennis shoes and the appropriate bottoms, usually spandex for females and gym shorts for males. Beach is played outside completely uncovered and on sand. Female players mostly wear two piece swimsuits or a sports bra with spandex. Male players either are shirtless or wear a tank with swim trunks. It is also recommended to wear socks in case the sand gets too hot and sunglasses to help against the brightness of the sun. Indoor volleyball consists of six players on the court which all have their specific positions or roles on the court. These positions are known as