Seated Sports
Sports played from a seated position — on the floor, on a bench or in a chair — so that people who benefit from a stable seated base can take part.
Overview
Seated sports are played from a seated position rather than standing, which can make a sport more accessible and stable for many people. The seated base might be the floor, a bench, a static chair or a wheelchair, depending on the sport. Well-known examples include sitting volleyball, played on the floor, as well as many seated throwing and racket activities.
Playing while seated changes balance, reach and power, so technique and sometimes the court or equipment are adjusted to suit. This format welcomes a broad mix of participants — including people with a range of disabilities and, in some recreational settings, those who simply prefer or benefit from a seated game. It keeps sport competitive and fun while removing the need to stand or move on foot.
What to know
- Sports played from a seated position — on the floor, a bench or a chair — rather than standing.
- Sitting volleyball, played on the floor, is one of the best-known seated sports.
- Seated play changes balance, reach and power, so technique and equipment are often adjusted.
- The format can suit people with a range of disabilities, and some recreational players by choice.
- Overlaps with wheelchair sports, but seated sports also include games played on the floor or a bench.
In practice
- Seated sports and wheelchair sports overlap but are not identical — some seated games, like sitting volleyball, are played directly on the floor.
- A stable, comfortable seated base and good technique matter more than raw power for enjoying and improving at these sports.
- Because needs vary widely, the ideal setup and adaptations are individual to each player.
- For advice on a specific situation or on formal rules, ask the sport's governing body and a qualified professional.
Educational & inclusive
Related sports
Sports that connect to this topic — each with a clear, beginner-friendly guide.
Volleyball
A non-contact team sport of rallies, jumps and teamwork — indoors or on the beach.
Table Tennis
A fast, low-impact indoor racquet sport that sharpens reflexes and is easy to start.
Fitness
Strength and general fitness training — the foundation that supports every other sport.
Goals it supports
Build an active lifestyle
Make movement a natural, lasting part of daily life through activities and habits you genuinely enjoy.
Improve fitness
Build well-rounded fitness — stamina, strength and more — through regular, varied activity you can keep up.
Build confidence
Use sport and steady progress to feel more capable, comfortable and self-assured over time.
Social activities
Use sport as a way to meet people, make friends and stay connected while staying active.
Frequently asked questions
What are seated sports?
Seated sports are played from a seated position — on the floor, a bench or a chair — rather than standing, which can make a sport more accessible and stable. Sitting volleyball, played on the floor, is a well-known example. Technique and equipment are often adjusted because seated play changes balance, reach and power.
Are seated sports the same as wheelchair sports?
They overlap but are not identical. Wheelchair sports are played from a wheelchair, while seated sports also include games played on the floor or a bench, such as sitting volleyball. Which format suits a person is individual, so it is worth trying options and asking a club for guidance.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Seated Sports to the rest of SocialSportHub.
People
- Complete beginnersHow to start sport from scratch with accessible, low-pressure activities and a gentle, gradual approach.
- SeniorsHow gentle, supported sport can help older adults stay active, mobile and connected, with a professional check first.
- Busy professionalsHow time-efficient sport can fit a packed schedule to protect fitness, energy and stress relief.
- CouplesHow sport can fit two people doing it together — shared activity that doubles as time together, mutual motivation and a common goal.
- Office workersHow sport can offset long hours of sitting and screen time to support mobility, energy and stress relief.
Knowledge Atlas
Exercises
- Wall sitA holding exercise where you sit against a wall with no chair, holding a squat position still.
- SupermanA back-focused exercise where you lie face down and lift your arms and legs off the floor.
- Sit-upA classic core exercise where you lift your torso from the floor toward your knees and back down.
- Glute bridgeA floor exercise where you lift your hips by squeezing your glutes with your feet planted.
- Hip thrustA loaded hip-extension exercise with your upper back on a bench and a weight across the hips.
Techniques
- DeadliftA strength exercise that lifts a loaded barbell from the floor to a standing position by extending the hips and knees together.
- Volleyball DigA defensive contact that keeps a hard-driven ball in play by passing it up off the forearms, usually from a low position.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
Player roles
- CaptainThe captain is a team's on-field leader who communicates, makes in-game decisions and sets standards — a role any player can hold, not a fixed position.
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- All-RounderAn all-rounder is a versatile player who contributes across attack and defence rather than specialising in a single phase, position, or skill.
- AnchorThe anchor is a cross-sport holding role: a steadying, defensive-minded player who shields the back line, screens danger and gives teammates a reliable base.
- Utility playerA dependable, versatile player who can competently fill several different positions as the team needs, rather than specialising in just one.