Volleyball

1 Overview

Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players each (3 in beach volleyball) compete to send a ball over a net and land it in the opponent's court, while preventing the ball from landing in their own court. Each team may touch the ball up to three times before returning it over the net. Games are played in sets; a match is typically best of 5 sets (or best of 3 in many recreational formats).

2 Court and Equipment

• Court size: 59 feet x 29.5 feet (18m x 9m), divided by a center line and net
• Net height: 7 feet 11.7 inches (2.43m) for men; 7 feet 4.3 inches (2.24m) for women
• Attack line: 9.8 feet (3m) from the center line on each side
• Ball: Leather or synthetic sphere, 25.6 to 26.4 inches circumference

3 Gameplay

1. A rally begins with a serve from behind the end line into the opponent's court.
2. Each team may touch the ball up to 3 times before it must cross the net. The same player cannot touch the ball twice consecutively.
3. The typical 3-touch sequence is: pass (bump) to setter, set (overhead fingertip pass) to hitter, attack (spike over the net).
4. A rally ends when the ball lands in-bounds on one side, goes out of bounds, or a team commits a fault.
5. The team that wins the rally scores a point and (if they were receiving) also wins the serve.

4 Scoring

Rally point scoring: every rally results in a point. A set is played to 25 points (win by 2). Sets 1 to 4 go to 25. The deciding fifth set (if needed) goes to 15 points.

A match is won by the first team to win 3 sets (best of 5). In recreational play, many use best of 3 sets.

5 Violations and Faults

• Four hits: Team touches the ball more than 3 times
• Double contact: Same player touches the ball twice in a row (except on a block)
• Carry/lift: Ball comes to rest momentarily in the hands (scooping, lifting)
• Net fault: Player touches the net during play
• Center line violation: Player crosses completely under the net into the opponent's court
• Back row attack: Back row player attacks from in front of the attack line while the ball is above the net
• Foot fault: Server steps on or over the end line during serve

6 Rotations

When a team wins the serve from the opponent, all players rotate one position clockwise. The player rotating from position 2 (right front) becomes the new server (position 1, right back).

Rotation determines serving order and also defines front-row vs. back-row players at the time of serve. Players must maintain their rotational position relative to adjacent players until the ball is served -- after serve, players may move freely.

7 Strategy Guide

The Three-Touch System

The pass-set-hit system is the backbone of volleyball offense. A good first pass to the setter creates an easy set; an easy set creates an attackable ball. Broken first passes create chaos. Prioritize clean passing above all else.

Tip and Roll Shots

Hard spikes are expected and easier to dig. Soft tips (barely over the net into open space) and roll shots (arcing ball over defenders' reach) catch defenses off guard. Mix attack types to keep the defense guessing.

Serve Tough, Not Wild

A missed serve gives the opponent a free point. Serve to specific zones (deep corners, at seams between players) rather than trying to ace with maximum power. A serve to the opponent's weakest passer disrupts their offense more than a missed ace.

8 FAQ