Volleyball Rules & Terms

Volleyball playing rules set the boundaries needed for a fair and enjoyable game. Volleyball terms help players better understand the game while in play. As teams aim to make points on the other teams court, it is important to remember any violations that may occur. Knowing the rules and terms of the volleyball game can help players identify these violations, as they may favor the opposing team by allowing them to gain control of the ball or win a point.

  1. Volleyball Terms

    • There are several terms in volleyball that are used to help players understand the game. The most common terms are serve, rotation, rally, block, bump and double hit. A serve is when the serving team's server hits the volleyball into the game, making it in play. If the serving team wins, then a rotation occurs. A rotation is when the players move in a clockwise motion to allow other players to serve the ball. Once the ball is served, players hit the ball back and forth in attempt to make a point on the other teams court. This type of action is known as a rally. Once the ball is in play each team may try to prevent the ball from entering their court by hitting it back to the offensive teams court. This is known as blocking. Players who hit the ball two times consecutively are in violation. Hitting the ball twice, one after another is called a double hit.

    Volleyball Serving Rules

    • A volleyball game begins with six players on each side of the net. A coin is tossed to determine which team will serve the ball and which will receive. Once determined, the server on the serving team must stand behind the end line, with the ball in sight and serve it underhand or overhand within eight seconds. Once the ball has gone over the net, the receiving team must bump it back. The receiving team cannot block or attack the ball, as this is a violation. If the server brushes the top of the net and the ball falls to the receivers end, then the serving team scores a point. If the ball hits the net while it is served, the receiving team takes the point. The team that loses gets to serve the ball for the next point.

    Volleyball Playing Rules

    • Volleyball playing rules help guide the two teams as they rally against each other to make a point. Teams can hit or bump the ball a total of three times to make it over the net. Any players who double hit the ball will be in violation of the game. To avoid the ball from falling into the court, players may hit the ball with any part of their bodies, but cannot touch the net. Touching the net with parts of the body or clothing is also a violation. Teams that are in violation will lose the ball and will need to give it to the other team for the next point. If the ball hits the boundary line during the game it is still considered to be fair. If the serving team wins they must rotate in a clockwise motion to give everyone a chance to serve the volleyball.

    Volleyball Scoring Rules

    • A score is counted whenever the ball lands on the receiving or offensive teams court. When the offensive or receiving team strikes the volleyball outside of the boundary line or misses it, the opposing team wins the point. The two teams must rally to make a total of 25 points. The team to accumulate all 25 points first wins. However, the winning team is required to have a minimum of two points more than the team that loses in order to win.