The history of mini-volleyball is closely related to volleyball. It may have appeared quite spontaneously, but we can only guess where and when it actually first appeared. Mini-volleyball appeared in the early sixties of the 20th century. The birthplace of mini-volleyball is the Japanese town of Taiki, where for the first time mini-volleyball was practiced as an independent sport. At the same time, Hiroshi Toyoda is considered the father of mini volleyball. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) recognized mini-volleyball in 1971, when a sub-committee on mini-volleyball was created within the FIVB Coaching Committee. In 1972, uniform rules of the game were approved, and in 1975, the first mini volleyball conference among 19 participating countries was held in Sweden.
Mini-volleyball is a game for children from 9 to 12 years old. It is often included in the school curriculum of many countries. There are two levels: mini-4 and mini-3. Both teams fighting for victory have 3 or 4 players plus 2 more substitutes. Both boys and girls can participate in the game at the same time. The game lasts up to 15 points. To win a match, you need to win 2 games, and the mini volleyball game often takes time.

Differences between mini volleyball and volleyball:
Size and type of ball - of course, the size of the ball in regular volleyball is much larger than in the game of mini volleyball. If you compare two balls, you can see that one is a smaller version of the other - or vice versa. The ball used for mini volleyball is also different in its feel to the classic one. This is due to the fact that mini volleyball is played by teenagers and the ball should not be hard and reduces the risk of injuries.
The height of the net - mini volleyball is intended for children and young people, which means that the net should be designed taking into account their growth data. The standard volleyball net is 243 cm for men and 224 cm for women, but the limit for mini volleyball is 190-200 cm for both genders (FIVB).

Number of players - The number of players in a volleyball team is always 6 for a classic team, but when it is a mini volleyball game, the number varies from 2 to 6. It is almost always played with 4 players, 2 in the front and 2 in the back.
Rules of playing mini volleyball:
The teams meet on a rectangular court with sides of 15 m and 7.5 m. The court has markings: two long side lines, two short ones - front and middle - connecting the central points of the sides. In the right corner of the court, behind the front lines, there are serving areas with a width of 3 m. The net is located on the middle line so that it divides the field into two equal parts. It is mounted using a cable or rope on two vertical racks. The distance between the posts and the side lines is 0.5 m. The length of the net slightly extends beyond the middle line, its width is 1 m, and the height at which it is installed is 2 m.
Innings.
The right to serve first is determined by drawing lots under the control of arbitrators. Instead of the right to first serve, a team can choose its side of the field. During the 5-minute break after the first game, the opponents switch halves of the court and the ball is served by another team. The place of the serving player is behind the field in a special zone. He takes his place and, throwing the ball, hits it with one hand, directing it through the net to the half of the opponents. At the same time, it is forbidden to cross the front line. As a result of a correct serve, the ball flies through the net without touching it. Children 7-8 years old who do not have sufficient serving skills are allowed to serve from a distance of 3 m. The right to serve belongs to the team until one of its members commits a violation. After that, the right to serve passes to the opponent. The players of the host side must prevent the ball from falling in their half of the field. To do this, they block the serve by hitting the ball with various technical means, but only with the help of their hands, and send it back through the net.
Scoring in the game.
Points are awarded to each side only if it has the right to serve, and the other team commits a violation of the rules. 1 point is deducted for each mistake in the game. Play 3 games to 15 points. If the score between the teams is 14:14, the match continues until one of the sides achieves an advantage of 2 points.