Volleyball is one of the popular sports among young people, not only because of its social aspect but also because of its potential to contribute to height increase and body shape improvement. So, does playing volleyball help increase height? How should one play to maximize height growth? Let’s explore these questions in this article.
Does playing volleyball help increase height?
Volleyball can indirectly stimulate bone and muscle development, thus supporting the process of height growth. This is because the activities involved in playing volleyball require the body to work against gravity, stimulating the production of new bone tissue.
You may not know that the standard height of the volleyball net is 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women. To pass the ball over the net or block the opponent’s ball, you need to reach higher, take long strides, and perform high jumps. These actions have a tremendous impact on bone development and body height.
Furthermore, playing volleyball also helps improve body composition by reducing fat and increasing muscle mass, contributing to a balanced physique. The lengthening process of the bones is facilitated when these factors are met.
How much height can you gain from playing volleyball?
The extent to which playing volleyball can increase height varies from person to person. It depends on several factors such as age, nutrition, and daily lifestyle. For example, if you are still in your growing years, consistent physical activity can lead to significant height gain. Conversely, if you have entered adulthood and your bones have fully ossified, the growth may be minimal or non-existent.
In addition to age, your nutrition while playing volleyball also determines how much height you can gain. A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein can support optimal growth and development.
How playing volleyball helps achieve exceptional height growth
Playing volleyball with proper technique is a prerequisite for achieving remarkable height growth. If you are new to this sport, don’t overlook the following useful information on how to play.
Age
Volleyball does not have specific age requirements for starting or playing. It is a sport for everyone who wants to learn and has a passion for it. Playing volleyball as an adult can bring many benefits such as improving posture, enhancing overall health, and increasing body flexibility.
If your goal is to increase height through volleyball, start training and maintain it during your growing years. Playing on a higher net than the standard height and focusing on proper form and technique are ways to optimize your growth potential.
Supportive Equipment
When playing volleyball, it’s important to prepare some supportive equipment for a better experience. Let’s check if you have the following items:
Comfortable and breathable clothing that allows for unrestricted movement and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry throughout the game.
A good pair of athletic shoes with adequate support and grip to prevent injuries and ensure stable running and jumping.
A volleyball that meets the proper size and weight regulations. A high-quality ball will be lightweight and minimize potential hand injuries upon contact.
Knee pads for knee protection. This is the most essential equipment you should always have since knee injuries can hinder height growth.
Lastly, it’s advisable to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated during the game. Additionally, you may consider bringing snacks, a towel, and any other personal items to ensure continuous training.
Training Duration
The training duration for height-increasing volleyball workouts may vary for individuals. However, the ideal timeframe is around 2-3 hours per training session, with 2-3 sessions per week.
According to athletes, this duration provides enough time to develop skills and improve overall fitness effectively. If you’re a beginner, start with shorter training sessions and gradually increase the duration as your skills and fitness level improve.
If you aim to achieve your ideal height quickly, pushing yourself too hard is not the way to go. Consistency is key. Make sure to train regularly each week to allow for bone stimulation and proper body recovery.
Volleyball Exercises for Height Increase
Volleyball is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires a combination of various skills, including serving, passing, setting, hitting, and blocking. If you master all these techniques and execute them smoothly, you’ll undoubtedly have more opportunities to achieve your desired height.
Serving Exercises
Serving is the first action in volleyball that requires a firm grasp of the technique. There are several types of serves, including the underhand serve, the float serve, and the topspin serve. For beginners, the underhand serve is the easiest to learn. Here’s how to perform it:
Stand behind the backline of the court with the non-dominant foot in front and the dominant foot behind.
Hold the ball in the non-dominant hand and use the dominant hand to strike the ball.
As you swing your arm forward, step forward with the dominant foot.
Using the dominant hand to serve will result in a stronger and longer serve.
Bump Exercises
The bump, also known as the forearm pass, is an important technique used when receiving or setting the ball for a teammate. For those training in the libero position, the forearms frequently come into contact with the ball. That’s why it’s essential to prepare a high-quality ball to prevent injuries. Here’s how to perform it:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bent at the knees.
Gently grip the ball with both hands and bring them together, forming a straight line with your forearms (like a platform).
As the ball approaches, move the platform to approach the ball and direct it towards the intended target.
During this exercise, you should bend your knees to generate more power in the bump. Simultaneously, as you direct the ball towards the target, your legs should straighten to propel the ball further. This contributes to stimulating growth in the knee cartilage.
Passing Drills
Passing is a technique where you pass the ball to your teammate. By using the movements of your arms and hands, you can adjust the force to easily direct the ball closer or farther. Here’s how to do it:
Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
Open up your palms, forming a diamond shape with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands.
Raise your hands up to your head and use the fingertips to push the ball upward, flexing and extending your legs to generate power.
As the ball reaches the point of contact with your hands, gently rotate your wrists to pass the ball towards the intended target.
Hitting/Spike Drills
This is an incredibly challenging drill, but in return, it has an ideal impact on increasing height. To execute a spike, you need to combine two techniques: running approach and high jump. Both contribute to stimulating knee joint cartilage effectively. Here’s how to do it:
Depending on your jumping position and current position, you will take 3-4 steps to gather momentum.
Bend your knees low, jump high, extend your arms backward, and then transition into a hitting/spiking position.
Aim for the opponent’s target area to spike the ball accurately.
An interesting fact for you, Matey Kaziyski is a volleyball legend with the highest recorded vertical jump of 3.90 meters.
Blocking Drills
Blocking is a defensive technique used to prevent the ball from crossing the net. Similar to spiking, to successfully block the ball, you must be able to execute a high jump, at least reaching the top edge of the net.
In general, volleyball drills require agile footwork. Running approach, high jump, knee bending, reaching… all contribute to the engagement of the skeletal system, stimulating height development.
Read more: Top 10 Tallest Volleyball Players in the World
Combining Volleyball and Nutrition
Volleyball is a sport that requires a combination of strength and endurance. Therefore, a nutrition plan that provides adequate energy and nourishment is crucial for achieving positive health outcomes.
Carbohydrates are the primary fuel that you need to supply your body with energy. A diet rich in carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Protein is also essential as it helps build and repair muscle tissues. Aim to include around 30-40% of protein in your daily meal plan. There are abundant and diverse sources of protein such as chicken, fish, legumes, and lentils.
Fats are also important for optimal growth and performance, as they assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Choose healthy sources of fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, which are not only beneficial for health but also for height development.
Most importantly, to maximize height growth, focus on supplementing your diet with calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. You can obtain them through natural foods such as fruits, leafy greens, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Additionally, using height growth supplements can be an effective way to meet your nutritional needs and enhance your stature.
Playing volleyball during adolescence provides an opportunity to achieve ideal height. However, don’t forget to combine it with a diverse nutrition plan, a balanced lifestyle, and the use of height growth supplements to optimize your development.
Hi everyone, I’m Tony Scotti, an expert in the field of height increase with many years of experience researching and applying height increase methods, and have achieved promising results. I have created increase height blog as a personal blog to share knowledge and experience about what I have learned during the process of improving my own height.