HOW VOLLEYBALL WORKS AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES:

The historic Earls Court in the west of London will host the London 2012 Olympic Games volleyball tournament from July 28 to August 12.

The men's and women's competitions both feature 12 teams split into two pools of six.

Volleyball is the game of scoring points by hitting the ball over a net into the opponent's half of the court, keeping the ball in the air at all times.

Points are won when opponents fail to return the ball, either directly following a successful service or after a rally, or when an attempt at returning the ball is unsuccessful.

Teams consist of six players, and a match is decided over five sets. The first four sets are contested over 25 points and fifth set, if needed, is decided over 15 points, with the winner needing a two-point margin to win.

Draw for the men's and women's Olympic volleyball tournament:-

MEN

Pool A: Britain, Italy, Poland, Argentina, Bulgaria, Australia.

Pool B: Brazil, Russia, United States, Serbia, Germany, Tunisia.

MEN

Pool A: Britain, Japan, Italy, Russia, Dominican Republic, Algeria.