THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO VOLLEYBALL

Vibhuti Saini07 mins
IMAGE BY - freepik (volleyball)

Whether you are a player, a coach, or just an ardent fan of volleyball, knowing the correct basic rules and regulations is necessary for all to be able to appreciate and understand the sport. In this article, we will break down the essential volleyball rules so that you can keep up with the fast pace, avoid common violations, and appreciate the skills of the players on court.

 

UNDERSTANDING VOLLEYBALL BASICS

Gameplay Overview

It is a sport played on a court between two teams of six players, divided by a net. The point of the game is to hit the ball over to the opponent’s court and not let them do it, thus winning the rally. Every rally will start with a serve and the teams will keep hitting the ball back in turn; a point will be scored at the end of every rally. The teams will get a right to serve again after winning the point.

Positions and Rotations

The six positions in volleyball are:

  1. Setter
  2. Middle Blocker
  3. Outside Hitter
  4. Opposite Hitter
  5. Libero
  6. Serving Specialist

In a match, the players rotate one position to the right each time their side wins the serve. This facilitates balanced game action and gets all the players experience in playing different positions.

 

BASIC RULES TO KNOW

Starting the Game

  • The match begins with a coin toss and the winning team serves first.
  • The server must serve from behind the baseline, and the serve must go over the net but shouldn’t touch it.

Rally and Scoring

  • Teams can hit the ball a maximum of three times before sending it back over the net.
  • A point is made if the ball touches the ground in the opponent’s court, the opponent makes a fault, or they do not to return the ball legally.
  • Matches are usually played in sets of either best-of-three or best-of-five.
    • The first two sets, in a three-set match, are played to 25 points, and the final set (if needed) is played to 15 points.
    • In a five-set match, the first four sets are played to 25 points, and the last set is played to 15 points.
  • At least two points have to be made for a team to win the match.

 

VIOLATIONS TO AVOID

Understanding what all are considered as violations are crucial in volleyball. Below are some of the most common violations:

  1. Net Violations: A player’s body or clothing touches the net while the ball is in play.
  2. Foot Faults: Stepping on or over the baseline while serving.
  3. Illegal Hits: Carrying, lifting, or throwing the ball instead of hitting it.
  4. Back Row Attack: A back-row player jumps to hit the ball above the net level while in front of the attack line.
  5. Reaching Over the Net: Touching the ball or reaching over the net before the opposing team has made a play.

For every foul, the opposing team scores one point and serves.

 

TIPS FOR PLAYING A FAIR GAME

In order to establish fair play and good sportsmanship, keep in mind the following:

  • Avoid Overreaching: Do not touch the net or cross the centerline with your body.
  • Play by the Rules: Avoid illegal hits, back-row attacks, and foot faults to minimize penalties.
  • Respect the Officials: Even if you disagree with a referee’s call, it’s essential to maintain composure and respect their decision.

 

SCORING SYSTEM AND WINNING

  • Each game is played to 25 points, with teams needing a minimum two-point lead to win.
  • Teams rotate players each time they win a serve, ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute.
  • The game continues until one team has won the required number of sets (best-of-three or best-of-five).

 

EQUIPMENT AND COURT SPECIFICATIONS

  • The court is a rectangle measuring 18 meters by 9 meters.
  • The height of the net varies for both men and women players. It is set at 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women.
  • A lightweight ball is used, weighing between 9 and 10 ounces and having a circumference of 65-67 cm.

 

SUMMARY

Its crucial to master the basic rules of the game in order to really enjoy playing it, whether a competitive team or a casual get-together. Knowing the structure of the game, common violations, and scores will help appreciate every point and play during the match even more. So, go out there on the court with such confidence, respect the rules, and enjoy smashing your way to victory!

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