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1. The origin of volleyball
for the blind in Japan
In Japan, visually impaired
people can play and enjoy volleyball for the blind as a ball game sporting
event for them. It was invented by physical education teachers in schools
for the blind about 40 years ago and the tools and rules of normal volleyball
were modified so visually impaired people could play by themselves.
Generally speaking, visually
impaired people have difficulty playing normal ball games because they
can not deal with the ball in the air. But ball games have many advantages
for helping sound growth, not only physically but also mentally, emotionally,
and socially. In the games, players need to make immediate decisions and
responses because of continuous and changing conditions and to think ahead
or predict. They can also feel much joy and excitement, while they must
control themselves, especially against foul plays. It is a great stimulus
for emotional growth.
Volleyball for the blind
was developed for blind people who had not experienced these events and
has been played in physical education classes in schools for the blind.
2. Advantages of volleyball
for the blind for visually impaired people
Volleyball for the blind
has many advantages for visually impaired people. Besides the advantages
of general ball games, which we mentioned above, there are other advantages
as follows;
1) It contributes to the
development of the ability to recognize the surroundings, agility, flexibility,
ability of postural regulation.
2) Through getting enough
physical activity, visually impaired people can improve their overall physical
fitness.
3) Team performance improves
with the development of individual skills.
4) It has a psychological
uplift and relaxes the mind.
5) It contributes to social
development, such as the sense of responsibility, spirit of fair play,
and cooperation with other people.
3. Details of volleyball
for the blind
The court and the ball for
volleyball for the blind are the same as those used for normal volleyball
but the net is lower; 30cm from the floor. The ball is rolled on the floor.
The team consists of six
players. The three forward players are totally blind and wear eyemasks.
They recognize the ball by its rolling sound. Three backcourt players are
partially sighted. The team returns the ball for serving to the opposing
team with three or less hits (without block). Forward players can stop
and put the ball down before hitting, but backcourt players can only hit
the ball. Since the playing zone is separated for totally blind and partially
sighted, there is almost no danger of physical contact. Also, totally blind
players in the forward court can spike and block, which are the exciting
elements of this type of volleyball.
4. Present and future of
the volleyball for the blind
Presently in Japan, volleyball
for the blind is played not only in physical education classes and as an
afterschool activity in schools for the blind, but also as a competitive
tournament with a national championship. So it has became a lifelong sporting
event for them. Moreover, some rehabilitation facilities use it for sensory
training.
People have begun to call
it 'floor volleyball' and sighted people can also participate and play
together. It may be effective in furthering integration with the sighted.
We hope that this sport
spreads all over the world and many visually impaired people can play and
enjoy it.