VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball has been a part of the Olympics since 1964, but beach volleyball is making its sophomore performance in Sydney. U.S. beach teams took the gold and silver in Atlanta, but the Americans were non-factors indoors.

The size of a volleyball can range from 62 to 67cm in circumference and nine to 10 ounces in weight. 12 teams compete in the indoor tournament, while 24 two-person teams compete on the beach. Six players per side indoor, two on the beach.

A slew of new rules to keep in mind, including scoring no longer being limited to the serving team -- points can now earned on defense. Plus, all but the fifth set is played to 25 with the deciding set still limited to 15, win by two. But the court is still 18 meters long and 9 meters wide.

Can't reach for the stars with feet on the ground -- the hitters and blockers play their game above the net. If hoopers are known for leaping ability, volleyballers aren't far back, routinely skying over the cord -- almost eight-feet high for men, about 7-and-a-third for women.

Defense! In an effort to extend points, a new position has been created -- the libero. This player is a defensive and passing specialist who must play in the back row, isn't allowed to serve, can't spike or hit any ball while it's above net level and must wear a different color jersey.