Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a sports instructor at a Massachusetts YMCA who decided to blend the elements of tennis, basketball, baseball and handball. Calif. The first ever Olympic tournaments were held at the Atlanta Games in 1996. New rules for indoor volleyball are sure to invigorate this year's tournaments.
Brazil is favored for a medal in men's and women's beach volleyball.
Today's volleyball enthusiasts know that plastic equipment provides for a superior game. Beach volleyballs are made from wound nylon and covered with plastics like vinyl and polyurethane , materials preferred for their durability and shape-retaining qualities. The sun and surf environment of beach volleyball will destroy a leather ball, which will harden, crack and can become waterlogged and heavy. Nets are made from long-lasting nylon, polyester or polypropylene mesh coated with latex, which protects from harsh UV light exposure. The nets are attached to PVC plastic tops and steel poles.