What’s an appropriate age to start playing volleyball

Volleyball is a great sport that can be enjoyed by people of almost all ages and skill levels. In girls’ volleyball, the youngest age for players to begin playing is between 5 and 6, although most girls begin at age 9.
Volleyball is not only a great sport for young adults, but for children too! It is an involved game with many rules and components that requires a level of cognitive logic and attention span that may not be appropriate for children under the age of 5.

Typically, younger children will start on a team in a recreational club. Recreational, or rec teams, are a good platform for beginners as they tend to be less competitive and mainly focus on skills development and learning the rules of the game.

There are many benefits to children playing volleyball. These benefits include physical, mental and social benefits.

Benefits of Volleyball

Physical benefits:Volleyball is a great way for kids to exercise. In a day and age where kids are often glued in front of some form of a digital screen, volleyball gives young girls the opportunity to get up and move around. Physical benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, balance, reflex, upper and lower body toning, and core strengthening. There are also cardio benefits, as volleyball involves a lot of short sprints and jumping.

Mental benefits: The sport also emphasizes both individual and team goal-setting. Achieving goals helps players to build their confidence. The mental requirements of the game often translate into better time management and improved school performance. Volleyball exercises can stimulate the brain to increase concentration and memory.

Social benefits:Volleyball teaches its young players the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. Kids learn how to win and how to deal with defeat. Through the sport, girls have the opportunity to learn how to work with others towards a common goal. It also provides a place to form new friendships. Team sports offer children the opportunity to form unique bonds with their peers.

In addition to all of the benefits that volleyball has to offer, it is a great starter sport for families who do not wish to commit to a sport that requires a lot of equipment. A player essentially only needs a ball, net, and court to play. Other accessories such as ankle support, knee pads, and volleyball shoes may also be required, but equipment requirements for volleyball are significantly less than other sports such as lacrosse or hockey.

That's Not All...

Although volleyball requires a minimal amount of equipment, depending on the club, volleyball can get a bit more pricey. Costs can include initiation fees, registration fees, travel costs and season dues. 

The Best Part of Playing Volleyball

For girls and boys who develop a love and commitment for the sport, there are a variety of volleyball and beach volleyball venues to explore and participate in. Volleyball is definitely a sport that kids can grow with and continue from a young age through college and even into adulthood.