The short history of volleyball
Originating in the United States, volleyball has transcended its borders to become a beloved global sport, accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, requiring only a volleyball and a net. Over the years, the sport has evolved and refined itself, giving rise to various adaptations. Among these adaptations, two have gained remarkable prominence: Beach Volleyball and Sitting Volleyball, both earning a place in the Summer Olympic Games and Summer Paralympic Games, respectively.
The beauty of volleyball lies in its simplicity. Two teams, each composed of six players, are divided by a net. The objective is straightforward: get the ball to land on the opponent's court to score points. The first team to win three sets emerges victorious. Volleyball not only brings joy and excitement to the players but also captivates the spectators with its fast-paced and dynamic nature. Yet, beyond the thrill of the game, one might wonder about the additional benefits of playing volleyball. In particular, can it contribute to an increase in height?
How does volleyball increase height?
When you explore online sources, you'll often come across volleyball listed as a sport that can contribute to increased height, and this assertion is indeed accurate. Within the context of protecting their team's court and launching attacks on the opponent's side to score, volleyball players engage in a multifaceted range of movements, including jumping, spiking, blocking, and more. These actions serve as powerful stimuli for bone growth and the strengthening of key muscle groups in the back, abdomen, and shoulders.
Notably, the standard height of a volleyball net is set at 7 feet, 11 ⅝ inches (2.43 meters) for men and 7 feet, 4 ⅛ inches (2.24 meters) for women [1]. Consequently, players are required to execute high jumps when serving, spiking, or blocking the ball. During these moments, the entire body temporarily escapes the influence of Earth's gravity. This respite allows the spine's bones to relax and stretch, while the joints' intervertebral discs expand to their maximum capacity. This combined effect significantly promotes the development of cartilage tissues and positively influences bone formation, facilitating accelerated height growth in volleyball players.
Furthermore, the dynamic nature of volleyball demands constant movement and frequent positional changes, placing substantial pressure on the knee area. This pressure serves as a stimulus for cartilage growth within the knees, fostering the continuous production of new cartilage layers and the gradual mineralization of old ones into bone. This natural process contributes to the overall increase in height among volleyball players.
Useful tips to play volleyball to increase height
To achieve a noticeable increase in height through volleyball, it's essential to understand that the sport's height-boosting potential relies on three critical factors: timing, consistency, and proper techniques.
When to Begin Playing Volleyball
Commencing volleyball training at the right age is crucial. It's important not to start too early or with individuals who may not possess the physical capabilities for the sport. The optimal age to initiate volleyball practice is typically around 10 years old. This age coincides with the onset of puberty, which is often considered a "golden stage" for promoting height growth. Parents should also ensure that the volleyball net's height is appropriate for their children's ages, encouraging them to engage in jumping and hitting the ball as part of their training.
Consistency in Practice
Height growth occurs when the body is consistently stimulated but not excessively. Therefore, the frequency of volleyball practice plays a pivotal role in determining the extent of height gain. Parents should aim to allow their children to practice volleyball for three sessions per week, with each session lasting 1-2 hours. If children develop a genuine passion for volleyball and decide to pursue it further, practice time can be increased to help them enhance their skills and physical strength. However, it is crucial to maintain a balanced practice schedule, incorporating adequate rest periods to create favorable conditions for continuous height development.
Mastering Proper Techniques
In any sport, adherence to specific rules and techniques is essential for success. Volleyball is no exception. To actively support the development of musculoskeletal systems and maximize height growth, volleyball players must execute all the fundamental moves of the game, including serving, spiking, and blocking, with precision and correctness. Therefore, when embarking on a volleyball journey, it is imperative to dedicate time to learning and mastering the rules and techniques associated with the sport. This commitment to proper technique not only ensures safe and effective play but also accelerates the potential for successful height development.
In conclusion, achieving height growth through volleyball is a multi-faceted process that involves starting at the right age, maintaining a consistent practice schedule, and mastering the essential techniques of the sport. By understanding and optimizing these factors, individuals can increase their chances of achieving their desired height while enjoying the benefits of playing volleyball.
What else to add to your volleyball routine to increase height?
In your quest to increase your height through volleyball, there are several key aspects to consider that can not only boost your vertical but also contribute to your overall health and fitness. While the importance of a balanced diet cannot be overstated, it's crucial to maintain a consistent and nutritious eating pattern to transform yourself into a fast, agile, and fit volleyball player. If your passion for the game runs deep, ensure that your daily food intake comprises nutrient-rich carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole grain bread, wholemeal pasta, or quinoa. Additionally, incorporate lean sources of protein like poultry, lean cuts of red meat, eggs, seafood, lentils, and dairy into your diet. Don't forget to include healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, fatty fish, and nuts, along with a generous portion of fruits and vegetables [2]. Tailor your individual intake based on your body size, training frequency, and nutritional requirements.
If meeting these nutritional needs proves challenging, you can always explore the option of dietary supplements. NuBest Tall is one such supplement available in the market, specifically designed to assist children (aged 5 and above) and teenagers in achieving their height goals. It provides essential bone-nourishing nutrients like calcium, collagen, and precious herbs to support growing bodies.
Beyond nutrition, proper hydration is paramount during volleyball practice. Despite the indoor setting of most volleyball games, the sport's intensity and physical demands can lead to significant fluid loss. Staying adequately hydrated ensures peak performance and promotes growth.
Last but certainly not least, sleep plays a pivotal role in your height growth journey through volleyball. Quality sleep allows your muscles the essential time for growth and repair. Surprisingly, a significant portion of your height increase occurs during sleep when the pituitary gland releases growth hormone at its highest levels.
In conclusion, by incorporating these factors into your volleyball practice routine, you can expedite your progress towards your desired height. However, it's essential to remember that using volleyball as a means to increase height is effective only when your growth plates have not yet closed. Once they've fused, no amount of practice can naturally alter your height. So, seize the opportunity while you can and strive to reach new heights in both your volleyball skills and physical stature.
