Well, let me tell you, these young folks and their video games. Back in my day, we played outside ’til the cows came home. But I guess times are changing. Now they got this thing, what’s it called? International Volleyball on the computer. Seems like a big deal.

My grandson, bless his heart, he tried to show me how it works. Said it’s a “Volleyball Game For PC.” I don’t know about PCs, but I know a thing or two about volleyball. We used to play in the schoolyard, with a net strung between two trees. This game, though, it’s all fancy-like, with teams from all over the world. “International” they call it.
He kept saying something about “Volleyball Download.” Like you can just pull it out of thin air! Kids these days, they think everything comes easy. He says you can play 6 on 6, that is a lot of players. Reminds me of the time when the whole village would be out to play on holidays.
They got teams in this game, with folks from all over. I saw names I couldn’t even pronounce. He told me it is the international teams. Imagine that! Playing against people from across the ocean, right there on that little screen. It is like magic.
He was clicking away, making the little players jump and dive. Said it was “realistic.” Well, I don’t know how real it can be when you’re sitting on your behind, but the young’uns sure do seem to enjoy it. They yell and cheer like they’re at a real match, those kids!
- International Volleyball 2009, I heard them say that a lot. That must be one of them games.
- They also talk about something called International Volleyball 2006. There are so many of them!
- And then there’s this other one, “The Spike – Volleyball Story.” Sounds like a movie to me!
They even play it against each other, over that internet thing. Talking to each other through those headsets, like they’re right there in the same room. It’s a different world, that’s for sure. They said they can play it on PC with something called MEmu, I don’t know what that is. Seems like a lot of steps just to play a game.
Back in my day, all you needed was a ball and a net. Maybe a few friends. And some good old-fashioned sunshine. But I guess this is how they have their fun now. And who am I to judge? As long as they’re happy, that’s all that matters.

I saw on the TV that they even play volleyball in the Olympics now. That’s something, ain’t it? They said it started in Tokyo in 1964. They play five sets, to 25 points, except the last one, which is 15. Gotta win by two. That’s how we always played, too.
And there’s this thing called VBTV, it is like a TV just for volleyball. You can watch all kinds of matches on it, all day long, 365 days a year they say! Imagine that, watching volleyball every day!
This International Volleyball game, it’s got all the bells and whistles. Different game modes, they call it. You can play quick games, or tournaments, or something called “career mode.” Like it’s a real job! Maybe it is to some of these young folks. They take it pretty seriously. It’s all about strategy and teamwork, just like the real thing. You gotta be quick on your feet, have good reflexes. And you gotta know how to work together, just like in life.
I guess there’s more to these video games than I thought. It’s not just about mashing buttons. There’s a whole world in there, a community. They make friends, they learn things, they even get a little exercise, I suppose, with all that jumping around.
It’s still not the same as playing outside, under the sun. But I guess it’s not all bad. If it keeps them out of trouble, and gives them something to do, then maybe it’s alright. They can find a volleyball game for pc, and download it, and play with all the international teams. It is like magic, if you think about it.
These kids today, they have it easy in some ways. But they also have a lot of pressure, a lot of choices. It’s a different world, that’s for sure. I just hope they don’t forget how to have fun, the old-fashioned way. Maybe one day, I’ll even try to play that International Volleyball game with them. Who knows, maybe this old dog can learn some new tricks.
