Not knowing basic volleyball rules and volleyball positions can be annoying sometimes. Are you going through the same frustration? Don’t fret! This article aims to provide you the knowledge of the fundamental rules of volleyball.
Volleyball is an exciting, fun, and popular game worldwide. It’s originally called Mintonette, and its origin can be traced back to 1895 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. William G. Morgan, an American businessman and educator, has the credit for inventing volleyball. The game has evolved since then, and in 1964, it entered in Olympic games for the 1st time as indoor volleyball.
Like all other competitive games, indoor volleyball features a unique set of rules and regulations that allow the game to be played fairly. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, new to the game of volleyball, a fan, a coach, or just a recreational player, it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of basic volleyball rules. Read on to learn about the top 10 rules of volleyball.
10 Basic Rules of Volleyball
The top 10 volleyball rules are listed below that can assist you in taking your game to the next level.
3 hits per side – A team is allowed to make up to three(3) hits to return the ball to the opposite side of the net. If the team tries to make more than 3 hits, the referee will call in a rule violation and stop the game, rewarding 1 point t the other team.
6 vs. 6 Match – A team can have a roster of 12-14 players. But during the match, each team is allowed a maximum of 6 players on the court at once. Of these, 3 players must be positioned on the back row and 3 on the front row. Although the coach is allowed to make substitutions of players during the game, the number of subs is limited in each set.
Ball Contact Rules – In volleyball, no player is allowed to make 2 consecutive hits in a row with no other alternative touch in between. It means when a player hits the ball up in the air, he can’t touch it again until any other teammate hits the ball. In case when a player is trying to block the spike of the opposing team, he is allowed a double hit, as it doesn’t count as a hit.
If 2 players contact the ball simultaneously, it’s considered a single play, and either of them can make the next hit bearing in mind the next contact must not be the team’s 4th hit.
Clockwise Rotation – After serving, the volleyball team can switch their positions (rotation), which only occurs when a team has won a point. Bear in mind the players must rotate in a clockwise manner, which means after rotation, the player in the front right must be the new server, and the older server would be in the back middle position. During this rotation, the coach can sub the new player in the game.
Net Contact Rule – During the rally, if any player is found to hit the net either accidentally or intentionally, it’s considered a violation, and their team loses a point.
Boundary Line Rule – During the match, if the ball hits on the boundary line, it’s considered as in, and a point is awarded to the team that hits it. If a volleyball lands entirely outside of the court, antennae, referee stands or pole, any net or cables that are situated outside of the antennae, or the ceiling above a non-playable area, it is deemed as out.
Legal Hits –The legal hits in the ball are those where the ball contacts a player’s body above and including the waist, which don’t allow the ball to come to rest.
Illegal Hits – In volleyball, hits are considered illegal that contains an open palm underneath the ball, throwing or carrying of the ball. These hits are rule violations that result in rewarding a point to the other team. So players must avoid these touches. Knowing about how to spike a volleyball like professionals, how to dig effectively and how to change the rotation when required is crucial to avoid these illegal hits.
Scoring Rule – The game must be played to 25 points. The team that scores 25 points first with a lead of 2 points will win the set. It means to win a set, a team must be up with a 25-23 point card. Overall the winning team in volleyball is one that wins at least 2 out of 3 sets.
Court Dimensions – A regular volleyball court is a rectangular shape that measures 18m x 9m, with an attack line that is 3 meters from the centreline.A 2.43m high net spans across the court, dividing the two opposing teams. The ball used in volleyball weighs between 9 and 10 ounces, with a diameter of 8 inches. Around the court, outlines are out of the bounce area. If the ball goes in that area during the play, a point will be awarded to the opposing team.
Top 8 New Volleyball Rules
The 37th FIVB Congress in 2021 has approved a list of new volleyball rules for 2022-2024 that are being followed from 1st January 2022. The 8 most prominent ones are listed below:
- The new rules allow that now the Libero can also be the team captain.
- When a team has completed 6 substitutions, then it’s legal that now in the next substitution, an expelled player can be substituted.
- From 2022 onward, it’s allowed to jump over the scorer’s table in order to retrieve the ball.
- Now it’s allowed that the front and back zones of the court can be of different colors.
- Any expelled player must leave the penalty area and move directly to the locker room.
- A team with 2 Liberos can use different colored jerseys for their 2 Liberos. In this case, one team may have 3 colored jerseys on the court, one color for Libero 1, the other for Libero 2, and 3rd for regular team players.
- The refereeing team may consist of the 1st referee, the 2nd referee, the reserve referee, the challenge referee,4 line judges, and the scorer. The presence of the reserve referee, the challenge referee, and an assistant scorer are compulsory for FIVB Official World Competitions.
- For each set, a 1-minute technical time-out no longer exists; rather, each team is allowed to make two 30-second time-out requests.
Basic Volleyball Rule Violations
Below are some of the basic volleyball rule violations that may result in rewarding a point to the opponent team.
- While playing the ball, it’s illegal to contact the net with any part of the body.
- When a player fails to serve the ball successfully over the net.
- Throwing, palming, or carrying the ball is illegal.
- When playing the ball, stepping over or on the service line.
- Out of order or out of rotation serve.
- Except for hands or feet, it’s illegal to cross the centerline with any of the body parts.
- If a player in the back row blocks a ball coming from the opponent and their body is above the net while being near it, it is not allowed and is considered an illegal block.
- When a player in the back row attacks a ball within the front zone, and the ball is completely above the net during contact, it is an illegal attack.
FAQs
1 – What is the other name for hit in volleyball?
The other name for a hit is “attack,” and the person who hits the ball is called a hitter or attacker.
2 – Is it legal to kick the ball during a volleyball match?
Yes, it’s a completely legal act for any player to kick the ball during a game of volleyball.
3 – How many points are scored in volleyball?
In volleyball, the scoring system is based on sets, with each set consisting of 25 points, according to the FIVB regulations.
Conclusion
Like other games, volleyball is also governed by specific rules. Understanding the volleyball rules is essential for fair and safe game. From the height and dimensions of the net to the maximum number of touches per side, these rules are designed to ensure that the game is played with skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Reaching the point home, whether playing at the amateur or professional level, understanding and following the rules of volleyball is essential for the success and enjoyment of the game.