Basic Volleyball Information

Volleyball is a vastly popular sport played by men and women alike. Not only is it played in high schools and colleges, it is also an Olympic sport. This article will focus on basic information about indoor volleyball, which is played by two teams of six players each, divided by a net.

  1. Playing Area

    • A volleyball court is a rectangular, flat surface divided by a net. For men, the net height is 7 feet, 11 inches, while for women it is 7 feet, 4 inches. There are two rows of players, three in the front row and three in the back.

    Serving

    • Serving puts the ball into play and takes place from anywhere behind the back boundary line. Serves may be executed underhand, overhand or as a jump serve. In a standing serve, the player's foot may not touch the boundary line; in a jump serve, the player may land in front of the line as long as he began his jump behind the line. A serve is considered playable even if it touches the net but crosses over to the other side of the net.

    Passing

    • Passing, also called bumping or setting, is a form of hitting the ball to another player. Each team is allowed three hits of the ball on its side in order to return it to the other team. A "set" usually takes place as the second hit in order to assist with setting up a spike.

    Spiking

    • Spiking, also known as a "kill," is generally the third hit and is an overhand, forceful hit over the net. A spike is good as long as the player does not touch the net with any part of his body and as long as the hit is not blocked.

    Blocking

    • Blocking is the only true defensive play in volleyball. When a player from the opposite team attempts a spike, the defender can jump simultaneously with both arms straight in the air to try to block the spike. A block is successful if the ball goes right back to the offensive team's side; however, if the block stays on the defender's side of the net, he must try to keep it in play. A block does not count as one of the three allowed hits.

    Points, Matches and Officials

    • Matches are scored by rally points. In other words, if the ball becomes dead on your side of the net, the other team gets the point as well as possession of the ball. If a serve does not go over the net, the other team gets the point and possession of the ball. Matches are played best three out of five sets or best two out of three sets; sets are to 25 points and must be won by at least two points. The third or fifth set is only played to 15 points.

      In regulation volleyball, there are two referees, one on each of the court, right next to the net. One is on the floor and one is on a ladder. Additionally, there are two line judges, one on the back line of each side of the net. Line judges determine whether a ball lands inside or outside the boundary lines, and they also call "foot falls" on the back line during service.