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One of the most delightful aspects of volleyball is how easily it lends itself to the mix of men and women, boys and girls. Only a game that is predicated on skill, quick movement, team play, and physical condition,
and not strength or power, can involve both sexes. Mixed volleyball teams and competition are extremely popular, and men and women and boys and girls can play alongside one another against teams of similar
composition.
Mixed volleyball is played with from two to six players on a side. The regulation net height is 8 feet and all other rules of volleyball apply except one - if the ball is played more than once on your side of the
court, one of the touches must be made by a female player. Obviously, this rule was added to prevent unnecessary male domination of the play.
Further, positions on the court and serving order must alternate male, female, male, female, and so on. With an odd number of players, two players of the same sex, because of mathematical necessity, will serve
consecutively.
The demonstrated skill and aggressive play of women and girls post no liabilities to the quality of play in mixed volleyball. Female passing, digging, and general offensive and defensive play is at levels equal to
most male levels. The only problem females may encounter is in spiking and blocking, because the net is set at 8 feet, nearly 8 inches above the height called for in women's play. But team tactics and smart play can
help alleviate this problem.
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Mixed Volleyball
