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Setting the scene
In Holyoke, Massachusetts, YMCA physical education director William G. Morgan wanted a less strenuous indoor game than basketball for businessmen who found James Naismith's sport too demanding.
What happened
Morgan invented "mintonette" in 1895, blending elements of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball; the name volleyball followed once players began volleying the ball over a net.
Why it still matters
YMCA networks spread the sport worldwide, and volleyball later became an Olympic staple with beach variants of its own. Memorable detail: the first net was borrowed from tennis and set lower than today's standard.
Background
Mintonette later became volleyball and spread globally through YMCAs.