In the world beach volleyball tour Rio grand slam held on 9th March, the International Rehearsing tested two technologies - eagle eye and LED tennis net. Though the LED tennis net technology had been tested in the last indoor volleyball match held in July 2015 and the players said it was acceptable without problems then, but the application in the beach volleyball match caused some dissatisfaction.

On that day, the Brazilian male player Allison and his partner Bruno 2:0 victory over American rivals, but after the match Allison went straight to the microphone to criticize LED net impact on the match. 

The FIVB Beach Volleyball project coordinator Smith explained it’s normal that the players are not used to these new technologies in the beginning and he understands Allison and Bruno criticism but the new technology can make richer and more attractive playground. He also said that the LED net used on the day was not the final version, it will get some technical updates in future to make the net better.

Smith said:”There are scientific and technological contented in the net, composed by the LED lights it will certainly be heavier but has been very amazing, the FIVB has always tried to give the add new contents to the sport to attract more viewers. I understand the uncertain rebound direct when the volleyball hit the net is a problem for player, but I think the players can make adjustments according to the new net features in the future. We hope this technology will be used on Olympic Games, but it has not yet been determined and we are developing more advanced LED net. It’s normal that players worry about the impacts from the new net, but this effect should be the same for players on both sides of the net.”