VOLLEYBALL

Summary of events, what happens?

Teams will play a set of five games each to 25 points with a minimum of a two point lead. First team to win three games will win the set. If there is a 2-2 tie the fifth game will only be played to 15 with a minimum of a two point lead. Twelve teams participate in the event.

There are two phases in the competition, in the first phase there is a qualification round were the teams are divided into two pools. In the qualification round each team will play the other teams in its pool with the top four advancing and the bottom three being eliminated. The next round consists of the finals, semi-finals and quarter finals where the two pools mix. Winners of the quarter finals go into the semi-finals and the semi-final winners in to the finals, losers of the semi-finals play for bronze.

What does it feel like to participate?

Being in an Olympic volleyball competition would very exhilarating and interesting. For an actual interview with an Olympic volleyball player go to: http://www.olympicvolleyball2008.com/ this is U.S.A spiker Gabriel Gardner.

What kind of training is involved?

A lot of strength endurance is used in training. But training in all aspects of the sport like spiking and jumping is also needed. A well designed training schedule consisting of everything evenly will always be the best way to prepare for the Olympic sport.

What equipment is needed?

In indoor Olympic volleyball the only things mandatory are the nets, ball and shoes. Knee pads and elbow pads can be used too.

When and where is the event being held during the upcoming Olympics in Beijing?

The volleyball event of the 29th Olympic Games will be held in Beijing from August 9-24, 2008. The preliminary competitions will be held at the Capital Indoor Stadium and Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium and the finals will be held at the Capital Indoor Stadium.