Sitting (Paralympic) Volleyball

The world of sports doesn’t close its doors to those with a disability. Paralympic Volleyball also known as sitting volleyball is for disabled athletes. It became first known to the world at Amhem 1980 Paralympic Games. It has a smaller court comparatively and also a lower net but is faster as compared to standing volleyball. It has a specific best of five set format in which it is played. The first one to reach 25 points along with a lead of 2 points wins the game.   There are male and female events with a requirement of six on the court at a given time. Service blocks are allowed and throughout the time, it is essential for an athlete to make sure that his/her pelvis is touching the ground. During the game, taking steps or attempting to rise or stand is not allowed. There are only two scenarios in which a brief loss of contact is allowed. First scenario is an attempt to save the ball during making a defensive play in the back zone and the second scenario is while making a defensive play in the front zone. Athletes with these disabilities can compete in sitting volleyball: spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy and amputees. Major championships comprise of Zonal championships in Asia South Pacific, Africa and Europe.