- Who has claimed the men's volleyball Paralympic crown?
- 2008:
IRI - 2004:
BIH - 2000:
GER - 1996:IRI
- Who has claimed the women's volleyball Paralympic crown?
- 2008:
CHN - 2004:CHN
- 2000:IRI
- 1996:GER
The Athletes
Here's hoping the smell of victory at the London 2012 Parlaympic Games replaces the whiff associated with GB sitting volleyball star Claire Harvey's favourite movie-accompanying snack
Sitting volleyball captain Emma has made her mark on this brand new team. But will she help propel her side to 2012 glory?
ParalympicsGB sitting volleyball captain Rob Richardson talks Tom Cruise, pizza cravings, and trouncing the opposition
Meet Anton Raimondo, the ParalympicsGB sitting volleyball ace who’s magic on and off the court…
How it works: Volleyball
Teams consisting of six sitting players attempt to outfox each other as they land the ball in their opponents' half of the court. The first to three sets wins.
What you need to know
There used to be standing and sitting volleyball events at the Paralympic Games, however the upright version of the game was dispensed with before the Paralympic Games Sydney 2000.
The first team to reach 25 points with a two-point advantage wins a set, unless it's the fifth set, in which 15 points is the target. This scoring system means games could, literally, go on forever.
There is a rule that players must have at least one buttock on the floor when contact is made with the ball, which makes life interesting for the umpires.
Eight teams take part in the men's and women's Paralympic Games volleyball competitions. Split into two groups of four, two qualify from each group into the semi-finals.
Perpetual enemies Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina are old foes in the men's game, having fought out the last three Paralympic Games finals. Iran won in 2000 and 2008, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2004.
What to say: Volleyball
When competitors talk of 'digs' and 'spikes', they're not referring to a weekend spent putting up a fence. These are important defensive and attacking shots. Sprinkle liberally throughout courtside conversation.
Who's good: Volleyball
Iran are the team to beat in the men's competition, while superpower-in-waiting China are the current women's Paralympic Games champions, having beaten the US in the final.
Inside stories
Captain Fantastic
British volleyball skipper Emma Wiggs reveals how she's whipping her team into shape for 2012
Paralympic Games pioneers
Heaps of cash? Check. World-class coaches? Check. We take a look at GB's Paralympic success
Video
Upcoming events
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