If you’ve ever watched the Beach Volleyball at the Olympics, you’re no doubt aware of Team USA’s successes in the sport. Since the first Olympics in 2000, the US has captured 10 gold medals, making it one of the most popular Olympic sports. However, you may not know what Beach Volleyball is and how it differs from other sports. Read on to find out more.
Team USA has taken 10 medals
The sport of beach volleyball first appeared at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and it’s expected to be a highlight of the Tokyo Olympics. Two Team USA duos are looking to add to the country’s tally of 10 medals from previous Olympics. Kelly Claes and Sarah Sponcil are the youngest U.S. beach volleyball team, and Tri Bourne is making her Olympic debut alongside Jake Gibb. The only previous Olympic teammates are Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena.
It is played on a sand court
Beach volleyball is a team sport that is played on a 16-m x 8-m sand court. It is played in sets and matches are best-of-three, with a third set played to 15 points. In beach volleyball, the first team to reach 21 points wins the match. Indoor volleyball matches can go to five sets. Both teams must win a minimum of two sets in order to advance to the next round. Points are scored when a ball is hit into the opponent’s court, a teammate’s fault, or a penalty.
It is a sand-based sport
Beach volleyball is a sand-base sport that is played on sand courts. It is a fast-paced sport characterized by high communication and intense rallies. The game is less strenuous on the body than other volleyball sports, and players benefit from increased physical conditioning.
It is played between two teams
Beach volleyball is a sport that is played between two teams. The game consists of two different types of positions: defense and attack. During an attack, players will try to hit the ball with maximum force to the opponent’s side. The attacking position is called spiking, and this involves hitting the ball with one hand in a downward trajectory. The defender’s position involves chasing down a ball that is looped up and into an open area. This position is more agile than the other player and will need to accelerate quickly to keep the game alive.
It is played with hijab
It may be surprising to learn that beach volleyball is played with a hijab in the Olympics. The sport is largely practiced in Muslim countries, where the hijab is a sign of modesty is essential to success. Some Muslim women may choose to wear the hijab as a sign of protest against oppression, while others wear it for religious reasons. Some of the athletes in the sport wear their hijab as a fashion statement.
