Basic Rules in Volleyball
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Jonathan RafiñanBasic Rules in Volleyball
Uploaded by
Jonathan RafiñanBASIC RULES IN VOLLEYBALL
1. TEAM COMPOSITION
Each team has 6 players on the court: 3 in the front row and 3 in the back row.
libero (defensive specialist) may be used and wears a different jersey color.
2. SCORING SYSTEM
A match is usually best of 5 sets.
A set is played to 25 points (win by 2 points).
If a 5th set is needed, it's played to 15 points (also win by 2).
Rally scoring: A point is scored on every serve, regardless of which team served.
3. SERVING
The server must serve from behind the end line.
The ball must go over the net and land in the opponent’s court.
Only one attempt to serve is allowed.
Server rotates clockwise after winning the serve from the opponent.
4. ROTATION
Teams rotate clockwise when gaining the serve.
Each player must maintain their position relative to teammates until the serve is
made.
5. HITS PER SIDE
A team may hit the ball up to 3 times before sending it over the net.
The same player cannot hit the ball twice in a row (except for blocks).
6. LEGAL & ILLEGAL HITS
Legal hits: bump (forearm pass), set, spike, block, dig.
Illegal hits: carrying the ball, double hit, or hitting the ball with an open palm
(slap).
7. NET RULES
No touching the net during play.
A player may reach over the net only after the attack hit or during blocking.
Crossing the centerline is not allowed unless it doesn’t interfere with play.
8. BLOCKING
Front row players are allowed to block.
A block does not count as one of the three touches.
Back row players cannot block or attack above the net in front of the 3-meter
line.
9. BALL IN & OUT
Ball is in: If it touches the boundary line or inside the court.
Ball is out: If it lands outside the lines, hits an antenna, or goes under the net.
10. SUBSTITUTIONS
Teams are allowed a limited number of substitutions per set (usually 6).
Players must enter in the same position they left.
COMMON VIOLATIONS IN VOLLEYBALL
1. NET TOUCH VIOLATION
A player touches the net during play (especially while spiking or blocking).
Exception: Hair or uniform accidentally brushing the net usually isn't called.
2. FOOT FAULT
The server steps on or over the end line while serving.
A player crosses the centerline under the net during play.
3. DOUBLE CONTACT
A player touches the ball twice in a row (except after a block).
o Example: Setting the ball and it touches both hands at different times.
4. LIFT OR CARRY
The ball rests in a player’s hand(s) or is thrown instead of hit.
Often occurs during a sloppy set or when using an open palm under the ball.
5. FOUR HITS
A team uses more than 3 hits before sending the ball over the net.
o Blocks don't count as one of the three hits.
6. BACK-ROW ATTACK
A back-row player jumps and attacks the ball in front of the 3-meter line (attack
line).
Legal if they take off behind the 3-meter line.
7. BLOCK VIOLATION
Blocking a serve (not allowed).
Back-row player attempting a block.
Reaching over the net to block before the opposing attack is complete.
8. ILLEGAL SERVE
Serving out of order or out of rotation.
Serving before the whistle.
Ball does not go over the net or lands out.
9. OUT OF ROTATION
Players are not in their correct rotational positions when the ball is served.
Results in a point for the opponent.
10. BALL HANDLING ERRORS
Setting with spin that shows prolonged contact.
Open-hand tips (a.k.a. "dink") that are not clean.
VOLLEYBALL OFFICIALS
1. First Referee (R1)
Position: Stands on the referee stand beside the net.
Main Responsibilities:
- Has full authority over the match.
- Starts and ends rallies with a whistle.
- Calls faults (net touches, ball handling errors, etc.).
- Determines if a ball is in or out near the top of the net.
2. Second Referee (R2)
Position: Opposite side of the court, on the ground.
Main Responsibilities:
- Assists the first referee.
- Watches the net for violations on their side.
- Monitors substitutions and timeouts.
- Watches the centerline, net crossings, and back-row attacks.
- Communicates with the scorer.
3. Scorer/Scorekeeper
Position: At the scorer’s table, between both benches.
Main Responsibilities:
- Records the score, player rotations, substitutions, and timeouts.
- Keeps track of the serving order.
- Works with the assistant scorer/libero tracker.
4. Assistant Scorer / Libero Tracker
Position: Sits beside the scorer.
Main Responsibilities:
- Tracks libero replacements.
- Ensures liberos follow rotation and substitution rules.
5. Line Judges (2 or 4)
Position: Each stands at a corner of the court.
Main Responsibilities:
- Call in/out balls on sidelines and end lines.
- Indicate touches off blocks.
- Signal foot faults during serving.
