Volleyball has been a popular sport in the United States for many years, but in recent years it’s popularity has been on the rise, with the passing of Title IX legislation in 1972 helping to promote gender equality in sports allowing increased opportunities and funding for women’s athletics, including Volleyball, as well as sports fans witnessing Olympic Success multiple times, with a recent gold medal at the 2020 Olympics. As a result of these things, and more, Volleyball is now situated comfortably as one of the most popular sports in the United States and while it may never quite peak past the likes of Basketball, Football and perhaps even Hockey, it still draws in big crowds every time the nation competes.
Because of this growing popularity, the United States has established itself as one of the best volleyball teams in the world, both the men’s team and the women’s. The men’s team has won three Olympic gold medals in 1984, 1988 and 2008, while the women’s team has won one in 2020. Both teams have also won numerous other international championships. Like the 2014 World Championship gold for the women’s team and in 1986 for the men’s team! The men’s team has also won the Volleyball World Cup twice in 1985 and 2015.
Here is a more detailed look at some of the reasons that we as to why the USA has one of the best volleyball programs in the world:
- Large population: The US has a population of over 330 million people, which means that there is a large pool of potential volleyball players to choose from. This gives the US a significant advantage over other countries with smaller populations.
- Strong coaching infrastructure: The US has a strong coaching infrastructure, with many experienced coaches who are able to develop young players. These coaches have a deep understanding of the game, and they are able to teach players the skills and techniques that they need to be successful.
- Strong club system: The US has a strong club system, which provides players with opportunities to compete at a high level. This system allows players to get regular playing time and to compete against other top players.
- Strong culture of support: There are many fans of volleyball in the US, and this support helps to create a positive environment for players to develop and compete. Fans attend games in large numbers, and they create a loud and supportive atmosphere. This helps to motivate players and to give them a sense of pride in representing their country.
With players like Kerri Walsh Jennings and Gabrielle Reece lining up for the US Women’s team and Thomas Jaeschke and Colton Cowell lining up for the men, it’s no wonder the States have seen a lot of recent success. When you have players like those, who the youngsters of the game can seriously look up to, it’s no wonder you have more and more people joining in Volleyball programs all across America.
Outside of the regular Volleyball team, the United States has also seen success in Beach Volleyball. With 7 Olympic Gold medals between the men’s and the women’s teams, 2004, 2008, 2012 (also silver this year) and 2020 for the women while the men won gold in 1996 (again, also silver this year), 2000 and 2008. Similarly the women have won World Championship Gold 4 times in back to back years between 2003 and 2009 while the men made it a double in 2007 to claim gold in both categories.
US Women celebrating their Olympic Gold Medal in 2020 after sweeping Brazil 3-0 in the final.
Source: USA Volleyball
With all of that being said, the US have a potential gold medal to look forward to as they are currently competing in the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations League, today we’re going to be taking a look at their upcoming Quarter Final fixture against the Japanese women’s team in Arlington, USA. While we’re here we’ll also take a look at how likely the experts think it will be for the US Women’s team to go all the way and claim gold in the Nations League on 16th July!
First up we’ll talk about the upcoming Quarter Final fixture. When it comes to it, the US should have a big advantage with them being on the home court, but things don’t always work out like that. Given that over their last 3 meetings, Japan has a 2-1 lead, beating the US in June this year 3-2, another 3-0 win over the US in June last year but a 3-0 loss in 2021 can give the US hope! In recent form however the US holds the edge, 4-1 in their last 5 while Japan are 3-2. So how do all the biggest names in USA sports betting see this one going? Well, it appears that they think the US will be taking this one!
Since the US are favorites to take the Quarter Final game over Japan, it’s safe to say that they’re ahead of them when it comes to outright betting on the Nations League title! Unfortunately, Japanese fans should look away now, at +3300 they’re the least likely to win the gold. That would see a return of $170 from $5. The top 3 teams however are, in third place, Brazil at +550 returning $32.50 from $5. Turkey takes the second spot at +450 returning $27.50 and finally the US takes top spot with odds of +150 seeing a return of $12.50 from the same $5 stake.
So Volleyball fans, firstly I want to ask you all, have you always been a fan of Volleyball or have you had your interest grown more recently with the Olympic success in the States or even because you stumbled across Haikyuu!! Next, do you guys agree that the United States has become a team that could be considered a powerhouse when it comes to Volleyball? Finally, do you think the experts are right and the US Women will be claiming gold in the FIVB Nations League? One thing is certain, we’ll be cheering them on! GO GO LETS GO LETS GO USA! I’m making this the official US chant after watching Haikyuu!!
