What is Air Volleyball? BOOK A PLACE Air volleyball is the volleyball equivalent to walking basketball, walking rugby and walking football. It began in China specifically for senior citizens who wanted to continue playing volleyball after they had left the more vigourous versions of the sport and is now played by millions in that country; it even has a national tournament. It did not make its way out of China until recently, when it began to be introduced in England. This will mark the first time it is offered in the south of the country. A lower net, smaller court and lightweight ball are the main equipment components of the game. Rules are adapted to accommodate reduced reaction times, mobility and stamina but without taking away the competitive essence of the sport. Air volleyball maintains the same requirements for teamwork and tactical play that the indoor game demands in order to achieve success. At around 170 grams, the ball is ultra-lightweight, and has a slightly larger diameter than a standard volleyball. The weight and size combine to reduce the ball’s speed in play, giving athletes more reaction time and reducing the chance of injury. It has a soft, tactile cover to assist ball control for older fingers and wrists and to reduce the swelling or bruising that can result from repeated underarm passing. Badminton courts are normally the boundaries for the court, and a badminton-style net adapted for a higher setting is commonly used to separate the teams. Teams usually have six players on the court at any one time. However, the rules are flexible and can be adjusted to allow for more than six athletes, a larger court and more robust net and posts set at standard dimensions if circumstances dictate. Game rules generally follow FIVB regulations with minor adjustments and allowances. As the game takes root in England additional modifications will be made to create a standardized version of rules for this country. However, any move to formalize the rules will never diminish the main purpose of air volleyball, which is to provide a fun, healthy and safe alternative sport for senior citizens who are either returning to the sport after a period of absence or are taking it up for the first time.

In their first season in Surrey League Division 1 the VBDC Whoopers went on a late season surge to clinch 2nd place and qualify for the end of season South East Volleyball Association (SEVA) Tournament where they finished in a respectable 5th place.

One of our young coaches was nominated for the Young Coach of the Year award and was the Runner Up