A recent rule change requires the female competitors to wear bikinis with tight tops and briefer briefs. The sport is played with two players to a side and, as the title would indicate, is played on a sand court. Beach volleyball first appeared in the early 1920's in Santa Monica, Calif . as a recreational sport for families. Volleyball The Olympic competition will start on Sept. 16 with a few women's preliminary matches, and culminates on Sept. 26 with the men's gold and bronze medal matches. The women's gold and bronze medal matches will be held on Sept. 25.
Brazil is the odds-on favorite in both the men's and women's division.
The U.S. and Australia are expected to be the main challengers in the women's division, while Switzerland and Argentina are expected to challenge in the men's tournament.