Sitting volleyball is a Paralympic sport played by six players, similarly to indoor volleyball. It was invented in the Netherlands in 1965. In Arnhem 1980, men’s sitting volleyball was introduced to the Paralympic Games set-up. The women’s game debuted in Athens in 2004. 

The rules are relatively similar to those of indoor volleyball. Players must have at least one buttock in contact with the floor whenever they make contact with the ball, and a serve can be blocked. The sitting nature of the game means that, at club level, both disabled and able-bodied player can enjoy the game together. At Paralympic level, players are categorised to MD (Minimally Disabled) and D (Disabled), with just two MD players allowed in the squad.

At London 2012, Great Britain was represented by a sitting volleyball team in both the men’s and women’s competition. 

For more information contact the Talent Team via talent@volleyballengland.org.