One of the most exciting sports you can play is Volleyball. This combination of baseball, basketball, tennis and handball was created in 1896 by William G. Morgan. While is originated in the United States, its popularity has spread throughout the world. It is now said that approximately 46 million Americans participate in the sport and over 800 million people play throughout the world. At its inception, it was called mintonette and was played using a basketball. In the year 1900, a new ball was created specifically for the game. The volleyball now weighs between 9 and 10 ounces and the ball pressure is between 4.5 and 6 pounds.

A volleyball game consists of two teams playing against each other. Each team will generally have six players. The team is split up into three players in the back of the court and three players in the front near the net. The net separates the court into two sections. A game of volleyball can be played inside or outside. The court is rectangular and divided directly down the middle. The net is quite high, much higher than tennis. The goal is to make the ball hit the ground on the other teams side.

When a game begins, the server will hit the ball from a line on the court called the restraining line or end line. The ball must be clearly visible to the opponents before the shot is taken. The server can hit the ball underhand or overhand in order to send it across the court. When the ball hits the floor, the team that just hit is gets a point. After a serve, the teams may get into volley where the ball will be hit back and forth between the teams. Each side can hit the ball three times before it must go over the net, though each player can only hit the ball once in a row. If a player does hit the ball more than once, it is considered a foul.

Scoring is fairly simple. Each game is generally played to twenty five points. Each time the ball hits the ground, the other team gets one point. This is considered rally scoring. It is acceptable to hit the net, as long as it makes it over.

Volleyball is such a great sport to play. Grab some friends and head down to your nearest court. You will have a blast!

A game of snooker on a Sunday afternoon is quite enough sport for some – for others they like their activities to be a little more energetic with the more risk the better!

Biking for example continues to grow in popularity each year, often attracting a younger audience as it develops. As this younger audience grows, some develop into the adrenaline junkies that make others gasp in fear and amazement.

Cross country biking, stunt riding, bicycle racing and heli-biking are some of the most popular summertime extreme bicycle sports. Several ski and snowboarding resorts offer great opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts to continue their enjoyment of the great outdoors year round. Whether it’s glacier skiing, ice diving, heli-skiing or heli-biking, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest.

Stunt Riding

Stunt cyclists are often the most recognised because of their time in the air rather than on the ground. In some cases, the longer the cyclist is off of the bike, the more impressive the stunt. Some may stand in the seat or on pegs welded to the rear of the bike. Special bikes are often created just for stunts and the people who love them. Stunts range from simple wheelies to very elaborate tricks, jumps or flips. Some stunts have easy to recognise names like ‘no footers,’ ‘no handers’ or ‘bar spins.’ Other, more elaborate stunts have names like ‘540′, ‘X-Up’ or various types of ‘airing.’

BMX Racing

Motocross racing became popular during the mid to late 1920s. At that time, it consisted of off-road motor bikes ridden on rugged terrain. Bicycle Motocross, or BMX, became popular in the late 1970s and began as youngsters pretending to be their favourite Motocross driver. In today’s sporting arenas, BMX means much more than racing bikes. Now riders may specialise in the type of track they prefer to ride.

Heli-Biking

Heli-biking is a newer form of extreme cycling that involves you, your bike, a few snacks and a helicopter. The helicopter takes you to the top of a mountain that is otherwise inaccessible without climbing gear. After you’re geared up – you’re off! The journey back toward civilisation is often several hours long and requires that you bring your own snacks and drinks. Energy bars and bottled water are usually the food and drink of choice.

Ever wonder what happens at your favourite ski resort during the summer? During the winter, people enjoy heli-skiing in areas like Andorra in the Pyrenees Mountains, Whistler in British Columbia or the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The same skiers who enjoyed heli-skiing asked the helicopter pilots if they would drop cyclists off at the same place they dropped skiers during the winter. Summertime obviously doesn’t allow for great ski conditions, so the activities change. Instead of skiing, adrenaline junkies hop on a helicopter with their bikes and continue their heart-pounding trek down the mountains.

Biking Safety

Safety should always be first and foremost during any biking excursion. Helmets, pads and proper shoes are very important to every cyclist’s health and well-being. Just like any other sport, protective clothing and equipment can prevent serious injury or even death. A properly fitting helmet can help make the difference between an enjoyable ride and a trip to the