Not being a regular viewer of beach or gym volleyball, I have wondered if one is considered superior to the other. I remember Karch Kiraly won a couple of Olympic golds in gym volleyball, and then transitioned to beach volleyball when his skills began declining (and won that gold as well).
However, I think beach volleyball should be more attractive to “star” players since their individual skill can stand out more. But I was watching beach volleyball at a bar when I overheard someone, who sounded like he knew what he was talking about, basically say that “these women would never make the ‘real’ volleyball team.”
I’ve always assumed that each has a different required skill set, and some players are simply better at one than the other.
Probably follow the money. There’s only 2 people on a BV team while a regular V team has many people. But overall, who’s getting the sponsors, who’s getting the bigger payments, who plays on TV more?
I do seem to feel that other than the Olympics, we just do not see men’s volleyball, regular or beach, at all. If I turn on ESPN and there’s volleyball on, its usually women
Following the money would give a skewed picture from the US viewpoint–beach is quicker and flashier, so it suits broadcasters more.
But there are indoor leagues all around the world. Top US indoor players go to Russia, Italy, China, etc, some for million-dollar contracts. On the other hand, the AVP, the American Beach Volleyball league, just came out of bankruptcy (for the second time, I think?).
Sports-wise, I don’t think there’s much in the way of “looking down” on beach. You have to be more of a generalist–a beach player has to be part setter, part libero, part hitter, whereas if an indoor Middle Blocker can’t dig well in the back court, it’s not nearly as much of a problem.
Perhaps beach volleyball has risen in popularity because it is more accessible to the masses. All you need is a stretch of sand, a couple poles, a net, a ball, and at least 4 willing participants. Indoor volleyball has more infrastructure requirements, and I would expect there are many areas lacking access to such facilities. Just guessing.
I agree there are two different skill sets in play, and beach volleyball is definitely flashier, but I would not consider one or the other “lesser” to the other. Same as Mtn biking being an offshoot of road cycling - neither is lesser than the other, and each has a specific skill set required (with some transferability).