Introduction:
Mini Volleyball is a sport that was invented in the town of Taiki which is on Japan's northern most island of Hokkaido. The rules are very similar to volleyball, but the ball and the size of the court differ from the standard game. The sport has achieved significant international popularity as an activity that can be enjoyed by younger volleyball enthusiasts. The key elements of the program are the modifications that have been introduced to make it more conducive to the physical development of junior participants. These modifications include:
- A lighter ball.
- A lower net – 2 meters high.
- A smaller court – approximately 13 meters by 6.5 meters.
- Fewer players on the court to encourage greater participation.
Discover Mini-Volleyball:
Like all NMVA national programs, the "Discover Mini Volleyball" program is delivered through its member clubs. The program is broken down into two distinct initiatives: School Programs and Community Participation Programs.
- School Programs: school mailings, clinics, and mini-volleyball tournaments.
- Community Participation Programs: development camps, tournaments and leagues.
School programs are generally held in partnership with provincial governing bodies and Volleyball Canada. Each province has a number of resources designed to facilitate the intruction of the game by phys ed teachers. These generally consist of elementary school lesson plans that are made available to the phys ed staff by the clinician.
Mini Volleyball in the community - much of the "Discover Mini Volleyball" community programs are based on the successful mini-volleyball program that has been delivered by the WMVA in Winnipeg over the past ten years.
Benefits of Mini Volleyball:
COURTS: The use of badminton courts has two main benefits. The first is that it allows for more success for the junior athlete. The second is that it allows for more participation; That is, three badminton courts fit into one volleyball court. That translates into three times as many courts in the same playing surface.
BALLS: The use of lightweight balls allows younger athletes with smaller fingers and weaker wrists the opportunity for early success.
LOWER NET: An extension pole is placed inside the badminton net to take the net height to 6'. This lower net height provides younger athletes with a realistic opportunity to experience the joys of a strong attack against an opponent.