Discover the Top 8 Unexpected Fun Facts About Beach Volleyball You Never Knew!

1. Bikini Benefits

Bikinis: the sand-repellent superhero costumes of beach volleyball players! The athletes often don these daring duds not just for show, but because less material means fewer opportunities for pesky sand particles to get trapped, and maximum comfort and movement in various weather conditions. But fear not, culture and religion have a place in the attire lineup too, thanks to FIVB guidelines that accommodate various options, all while still adhering to strict regulations regarding fabric, color, logos, and matching with teammates. So put on your cape and volley away to victory.
Source => apnews.com

2. Sand Sock Superheroes

Whoever said "no socks on the beach" clearly never faced the perils of scorching sand and rogue seashell shards: behold the sand socks, saviors of soles in not only beach volleyball, but also in snorkeling, kayaking, and sandy trail hiking! These bad boys are made from breathable materials and tough soles, ensuring toasty toes are safely guarded during any sandy escapade.
Source => vanguardvolleyball.com

Did you know volleyball was originally invented in 1895 as a gentle alternative to basketball for older gentlemen? Discover the fascinating history behind this low-impact sport and how it got its iconic name!

=> Fun Facts about Volleyball

3. Olympic Sand Splash

Surfs up, balls flying, and tanned bodies diving: welcome to the sun-and-sand-filled world of beach volleyball! Leaving its sandy footprint in Olympic history: the sport spiked into our lives during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and though not the youngest sport around, it's been bouncing and digging its way into countless regional and international tournaments, becoming a popular and exhilarating spectacle worldwide.
Source => vanguardvolleyball.com

4. Two's Company on the Court

Beach volleyball players must have a degree in social distancing or excel in a "two's company, three's a crowd" setting: Unlike their indoor counterparts who play in teams of six, beach volleyball players team up in pairs, masterfully covering the smaller 52' x 26.25'w sandy court without the need for an attack line.
Source => oastaug.com

5. Art of Deceptive Scoring

Beach volleyball players dabble in the fine arts of deception, painting the sandy court with strokes of slyness and cunning finesse: They employ alternative scoring techniques like the roll shot, cut shot, and pokey as opposed to indoor volleyball, which primarily relies on the classic yet brutish spike to end rallies.
Source => olympics.com

6. All-Rounder Karch Kiraly

If Karch Kiraly served any more versatility, he'd be a Swiss Army knife in spandex: This volleyball virtuoso is the only player of any gender to win medals in both indoor AND beach volleyball, gracing the gold in indoor games in '84 and '88, and conquering the sandy courts in '96.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Globe-Trotting Spikers

Who says beach volleyball is only for bronzed gods and goddesses frolicking under the summer sun? Not these globe-trotting spikers! In a plot twist worthy of a telenovela, they smash stereotypes year-round: From March to December, beach volleyball professionals partake in Elite16, Challenge, and Futures tournaments hosted by the FIVB World Tour in countries such as Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, and even Burundi.
Source => en.volleyballworld.com

8. Wilson: Unintentional Volleyball Superstar

Tom Hanks may have gotten all the buzz in Cast Away, but the real VIP (Very Important Prop) was Wilson the Volleyball, who spiked its way into our hearts without even having to pay for the honor: Surprisingly, Wilson's iconic role was not the result of a product placement deal but the real-life experience of the film's screenwriter. The reliable volley companion has been the official AVP tournament ball since 1996, but it's off-screen contribution netted it between $1.85 to $11.5 million in free advertising when the screenwriter incorporated a washed-up, sun-faded Wilson ball just like the one he personally found during a week-long survival adventure.
Source => avp.com