Whether it’s the adrenalin, speed, athleticism or challenging nature of the game, we can’t deny the power and enjoyment of volleyball as a sport. Since its Olympics debut in Tokyo in 1964 and the introduction of beach volleyball as a discipline in 1996 – volleyball has continued to grow in popularity.
Today it is considered as one of the most popular sports in the world. It has made a significant impact on other non-sport related industries as well, such as online gaming. Game developers constantly try to catch up with the trend of making the next sport themed game that will offer a similar sports experience, as if you were out there, playing on the field. From volleyball, basketball and football games and consoles, to galaxy-themed adventures like this Starburst slot available at SlotsWise – gaming industry has embraced the opportunity to create an alternative world for every sports or non-sports related activity we like to do.
One of the many benefits of volleyball is the fact that that it can be played year-round in both indoor and outdoor setting. Aside from the pure amusement of the game, here are several reasons to love this game and consider it as your next group activity.
Did you know that volleyball is one of the top 3 most popular sports in the world for both men and women? The other top-rated sports in terms of popularity are, as you may assume -football and basketball. Just how diverse is volleyball? Well, there are more 200 nations that are members of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). In the US, volleyball is the no.1 girls’ team sport in high school in terms of participation. More than 450.000 participants play annual, thousands more than in basketball, football or softball.
Physical benefits
Whether you play indoors or on the beach, volleyball is a great way to stay fit and healthy. This sport involves the integration of optimal physical activity combined with different movements such as jumping, running and squatting. It has a profound positive impact on your cardiovascular, respiratory health and overall wellbeing.
Another benefit of playing volleyball is that it can significantly improve your hand-eye coordination. With the quick movements of the ball and being able to follow the ball during the play, you have to not only see it but also be able to make decisions in a matter of a second. This is exactly how optimum levels of hand-eye coordination come into play.
Here we have to mention the metabolism boost. Your metabolism is how much energy your body burns in order to give you the energy you need to perform certain tasks or activities. Cardiovascular exercises which are an integral part of the game of volleyball stimulate your metabolism rate. Building lean muscle mass by playing regularly can increase your resting metabolism rate, which is the number of calories your body burns while resting. This sport will improve your cardiovascular fitness by increasing your capacity to use oxygen. It does this by increasing the capability of your heart to send blood and hence oxygen to the muscles, thereby enhancing your performance.
Mental benefits
In addition to the incredible physical benefits of playing volleyball, this sport has a positive impact on people’s emotional and mental health. When you work in a team of individuals to achieve a common goal, you’ll not only strengthen your friendships and relationships but feel a sense of belonging and importance. Team sports are a fantastic way to improve your confidence, self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety and increase your level of motivation. To tie in with the above-mentioned benefits, playing volleyball leads to regular social interaction. Whether it be with your fellow teammates or new members. As your strength, skills, and fitness improve, so does your self-image. In a turn of all this, the way you feel about yourself also improves. The feeling of happiness, support, acceptance and belonging will do wonders for your confidence.
Playing volleyball teaches you the value of hard work, dedication, persistence, and respect. It teaches you to observe and respect the rules as well as how to accept both wins and losses graciously. These traits are a true demonstration of a strong character and a person on all levels.
