When scouring the internet recently I went down the rabbit hole we all go down where we start searching for one thing in Volleyball and ended up on a different path.
Much like when you go on Youtube to watch your favourite youtuber but end up watching ‘world’s largest snake climbs tree’ or whatever strange video you end up on.
In this rabbit hole search I stumbled across the search term ‘Definition of Volleyball’.
When I saw these definitions being given by all these credible sources I realised that although most of them touch on the right answer.
The definitions just aren’t accurate and honestly they are pretty misleading.
So before I get into what I feel is wrong about the definitions given on the internet at the moment. Let me offer my definition of Volleyball.
Volleyball is a game in which teams hit a ball back and forth over a net with the aim to win points by causing the other team to make a mistake or by making the ball hit the floor on the opposition side within the perimeter lines.
So with that out of the way, you are probably looking at the other definitions online and thinking.
‘This looks pretty similar to the other definitions why are they wrong and yours right?’
So lets answer this.
Why The Dictionary’s Are Wrong?
If you google Definition of Volleyball right now you will see a long list of definitions all worded slightly different but all stating the same thing.
For example the Google Snippet at the time of reading this is as follows:
If you go to the first result you will see this definition.
Just for good measure if you then look at the second result you will see this definition.
Now I think you will agree they all read very similar to each other and in fact they read very similar to mine. So what makes mine different?
Well the reason I feel mine is correct and most definitions are not is due to the mention of one phrase that each of these share.
‘Use their hands’
Now for those versed in volleyball you have just noticed the huge mistake with this phrase.
Now yes it is true in volleyball traditionally you aim to use your hands as much as possible.
However it is very common for the ball to be returned when digging which is often arms and wrists.
However, the ball can be returned using any body part not just the hands.
You can kick the ball, knee the ball, shoulder the ball.
Even hit the ball over with your bum if you can get enough power behind.
This is really where for me the current definitions are not only not correct but extremely misleading to new players.
Related Content
So there you have it my definition and why I think the Dictionary’s are wrong.
If you want to learn about the history of Volleyball you can do so here:
If you want to learn the basic rules I would suggest reading this article: