Volleyball Net Rules

Most volleyball rules and regulations stay the same for men's, women's or co-ed games. They all use courts 60 feet long and 30 feet wide divided in half lengthwise with a net, and each side may hit the ball three times before sending it back over the net to the opposing team. However, different games use some different rules regarding the net.

  1. Net Dimensions

    • Standard men's and co-ed games use a net height of 7 feet 11-5/8 inches, while women's games use a height of 7 feet 4-1/8 inches. The net is measured at its center and above each sideline. Two standards attached to the net sit 36 feet apart, or 3 feet from the sidelines. An antenna rises directly above each sideline from the top of the net, and the boundary of the court extends above each antenna straight up. To remain in play, the ball must stay within the boundary when it passes from one side of the court to the other. The ball cannot touch the antenna.

      Some leagues change the height of the net based on age group. For example, senior games might use nets with a height of 7 feet 9-5/8 inches, while preteen games often use a height of 7 feet.

    Net in Play

    • Before 2000, a ball that came in contact with the net during a serve was considered a fault. Since 2000, a ball that touches the net but continues over it and into the opponent's court has been considered in play.

      The rules regarding players touching the net changed in 2009. The old rules made touching the net with any part of the body illegal, with one exception. If one side hit the ball into the net and caused the net to make contact with a player on the other side, no foul was called. As of 2009, the official calls a foul for player contact with the net only if that contact interferes with that particular play.

      Players cannot reach over the net except on a follow-through or when blocking a ball that is being returned.

    Center Line

    • An imaginary center line that runs parallel to the net across the middle of the court. Players cannot reach under the net across the line if it interferes with play or the player makes contact with an opposing player.

      In indoor games, once a ball crosses over or under the net, it cannot be played. In a first hit on outdoor games, however, if the ball goes under the net but remains in the air, or if it goes past the net on the outside of the antennas, the side can return the ball to its own side of the court (second hit) and then hit the ball over the net (third hit).