A somewhat new sport to the Olympics beginning only in 1964, volleyball is a sport for two teams.  The two teams stand on a court divided in the middle by an elevated net.  The six players on each team hit the ball back in fourth trying for it not to hit the ground on their side. The players or the ball may not hit the net. The ball cannot go out of the lines on their side and one their side unless another player from the other team hits it out. There is an Olympic competition for men, and women.  The players play best of five games to 15.

   Beach volleyball is also an Olympic Sport for men and women.  It became part of the Olympic Program in 1996.    It follows the same format as volleyball, except for a few things.  Beach  volleyball is played on sand.  It makes volleyball a lot harder because the sun and the wind become factors in the game.  You also have to have great ball skills and court speed.  Another difference is that beach volleyball is only played with two people on a team, at a time.  In beach volleyball, the first two sets are played using the rally system.  They are played to 21 points.  The final set is only played to 15 points.  The winning team must win by two points.  In the Sydney 2000 Games, there was twenty-four men's pairs and women's pairs that competed.  The upcoming 2004 Athens Games will have the same competitions as the Sydney Games.  The only difference is that the formats will be in one venue having three sessions every day.  Beach volleyball also might be played on twelve days, instead of eleven, and evening sessions might be played under lights. 

For more information visit:

http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/disciplines_uk.asp?DiscCode=BV

http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/disciplines_uk.asp?DiscCode=VO

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