Summer Olympic Sports >> Volleyball

ABOUT

Prior to Sydney 2000, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) introduced a new specialist role: the libero.  This player wears a different colored uniform from the rest of the team and can be substituted in backcourt for any player on the team.  The libero cannot serve, spike the ball over the net or rotate into the front-line positions, but plays a vital role for the team in serve reception and backcourt defense.  There must be at least one point played between a libero substituting off for a player and going back on the court for another player - hence he/she cannot be on the court for the whole game.  The libero added an extra dimension to backcourt defense during the Sydney 2000 Games, improving the reception of teams, lengthening the rallies and giving a vital role to shorter players.

COMPETITION

Matches are played best of five sets.  The first four sets are played to 25 points, with the final set being played to 15 points.  A team must win a set by two points.  There is no ceiling, so a set continues until one of the teams gains a two-point advantage.  Previously, all sets were to 15 points, with the first four sets having a ceiling of 17 and the final set requiring at least a two-point winning advantage.

Sydney 2000 There was a men's and women's volleyball event and a men's and women's beach volleyball event.

In volleyball, 12 men's teams of 12 players and 12 women's teams of 11 players competed.  In beach volleyball, 24 men's and 24 women's pairs competed.

Athens 2004 Volleyball at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games featured the same competitions as Sydney 2000 (men's and women's volleyball and beach volleyball), with the same number of teams participating (12 men's and 12 women's volleyball teams with 24 men's and 24 women's teams for beach volleyball).

The only significant difference in formats was that volleyball was played in one venue with three sessions per day.  Beach volleyball was played over 12 days (instead on 11) including one rest day, with two sessions per day.  Evening sessions were also held under lights.

LIST OF EVENTS

• Volleyball Men

• Volleyball Women