Air Volleyball

Air Volleyball

Air volleyball is a derivative sport of volleyball. It involves two teams, each consisting of five players, competing against each other over a central net using colored plastic inflatable balls. The game incorporates various techniques such as passing, setting, spiking, and serving to determine the outcome. Compared to traditional volleyball, air volleyball is played on a smaller court with a lower net. The ball used is larger and lighter, and its slower flight speed makes it easier to control.

I. Fitness Value

Although air volleyball has relatively simple techniques, it still requires the support of volleyball skills such as passing, setting, spiking, and serving. The sport is characterized by its game-like, entertaining, and team-oriented nature, which has positive implications for the physical and mental well-being of middle-aged and older individuals.

Firstly, air volleyball reduces the technical complexity of volleyball, slows down the speed of the ball in flight, increases the number of passes, and expands the range of hitting patterns. It helps alleviate beginners' fear of volleyball and significantly enhances the appeal, interest, and spectatorship of the game. The soft texture of the air volleyball reduces the strain on the hitting arm, and the smaller court size allows for greater flexibility in choosing a suitable playing space.

Secondly, regular participation in air volleyball enhances aerobic capacity, increases respiratory strength and endurance, delays the aging process of the cardiovascular system, increases cardiac output, improves oxygen transport function, and enhances lung ventilation.

Thirdly, air volleyball improves the functionality of the musculoskeletal system. It expands the range of joint movements, especially in the neck, shoulders, and waist. The continuous movements involved in observing the flight trajectory of the ball, spiking, and serving engage various joints and reduce muscular stiffness. The basic techniques of air volleyball involve numerous jumping actions, which contribute to increasing bone density and reducing the incidence of osteoporosis in middle-aged and older individuals.

Fourthly, air volleyball enhances the functionality of the nervous system. Each technical action requires coordinated movements of the entire body, establishing a close connection between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system in the brain cortex. This enhances oxygen supply to brain cells, improves their working capacity, and adjusts the body's flexibility, coordination, and balance. The comprehensive reaction capabilities of the hands, feet, vision, and hearing are also improved.

Fifthly, air volleyball is a physically active endeavor that takes place in a recreational and enjoyable atmosphere. It is a competitive sport played across a net, requiring active engagement, purposeful observation, memorization, and imagination to develop effective game tactics. The tactical thinking involved improves participants' technical skills, strategic abilities, self-confidence, and self-esteem, allowing individuals to experience the joy of success and alleviate negative emotions in daily life. Additionally, due to the low physical load and intensity of air volleyball, participants experience lower levels of physical fatigue and psychological pressure during matches. The relaxed and pleasant atmosphere effectively eliminates tension generated in work-related contexts.

Sixthly, air volleyball is a team-oriented activity. Participants communicate and bond with each other during training and competitions, fostering emotional connections. Through the sport, individuals break free from their self-contained selves, eliminate barriers, and develop a positive mindset for teamwork.

II. Suitable Population

Air volleyball is a modified version of volleyball that requires less physical intensity while offering strong entertainment value and moderate competitiveness. Therefore, it is suitable for middle-aged and older individuals with average physical fitness who enjoy sports. As air volleyball continues to mature as a sport, it is becoming more popular among younger age groups. Many young people have joined this engaging sport, and schools have introduced it into physical education classes. Even young children show great enthusiasm for the sport, making it increasingly accessible across all age groups.

III. Court and Equipment Requirements

The court for air volleyball measures 12 meters in length and 6 meters in width (6 meters and 3 meters shorter than a standard volleyball court, respectively) and can be played indoors or outdoors. The air volleyball is made of soft plastic, weighs approximately 100-150 grams (about half the weight of a standard volleyball), and offers elasticity and comfortable handling. The circumference of the ball ranges from 79 to 85 centimeters (15-18 centimeters less than a standard volleyball). The net height for men is 2 meters, and for women, it is 1.80 meters (0.43 meters and 0.44 meters lower than a standard volleyball net, respectively).

IV. Key Considerations

Firstly, it is important to warm up before engaging in the sport, performing joint movements and muscle stretches to effectively prevent muscle strains and reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. After engaging in the sport, it is important to relax by rotating the head, twisting the waist, shaking the limbs, and alleviating fatigue caused by physical exertion.

Secondly, volleyball involves jumping actions such as spiking and blocking, requiring athletes to continuously take off and use arm swings to hit the ball. Acute injuries in volleyball mainly occur during take-off and landing, spiking, and defensive actions, leading to shoulder joint injuries, rotator cuff injuries, finger joint sprains and dislocations, lumbar vertebral fractures, knee collateral ligament injuries, meniscus injuries, and ankle sprains.

Thirdly, it is important to control the volume and intensity of physical activity. Self-perception is an important indicator. Feeling a slightly elevated heart rate, mild shortness of breath, a slight warmth throughout the body, a slightly flushed complexion, and slight perspiration indicates an appropriate level of physical activity. Feeling palpitations, shortness of breath, a hot sensation in the chest, dizziness, and extreme fatigue indicate excessive physical exertion.

Lastly, it is important to hydrate promptly after engaging in the sport. Due to sweating during exercise, fluid loss occurs, and it is necessary to replenish fluids in a timely manner. However, excessive fluid intake should be avoided, as the reduced blood flow and impaired function of the gastrointestinal tract after exercise limit the body's ability to absorb water effectively.