Rules of A Volleyball Game

These are the rules for playing a game of volleyball according to the United States Volleyball Association.

  1. Basic Rules

    • The rules for playing volleyball are very simple. The ball may be hit only three times per side before it has to go over the net, one player may not hit the ball twice in a row, and the ball may be played off the net during a volley.

    Dimensions of the Volleyball Court

    • The courts used in indoor and outdoor volleyball are almost the same, with dimensions of 29 feet 6 inches by 59 feet. The only difference is that the indoor court has an attacking zone or area, located 9 feet 10 inches back from the centerline, which is located directly underneath the net.

      The height of the net for men's, coed and outdoor volleyball is 7 feet 11? inches; for women's volleyball, the height of the net is 7 feet 4? inches.

    Scoring

    • The first team to 25 points wins the game, but a team must win by two points. It is point-per-play or rally scoring, meaning that for each violation, a point is awarded to the opposing team. A team must win two out of three games to win the match.

    Teams

    • Each team has six players, arranged in two rows of three.

    Basic Violations

    • It is illegal when a ball touches any part of a player’s body except the hands, and a player cannot catch, hold or throw the ball. If this occurs, the other team is awarded a point.

    Serving

    • A team must rotate each time it wins the serve, and the team rotates in a clockwise manner. If a team serves out of order, it loses its serve and a point.