The rules of volleyball are simple, but they’re constantly changing, and they can differ depending on the level of competition. The rules we will follow in class are as follows: In volleyball, there are six people on the court at one time for each team. Usually three people are in the front row, and three are in the back row. The front row is sectioned off by a line 10 feet from the net, called the “attack line” or the “10-foot line.” Front-row players are not confined to this section of the court, but this is where most of their playing takes place.
Any ball that touches the line during play is still considered “in” the court. Any ball touches on the other side of the volleyball line is out. At Union Academy, the volleyball lines are white.
The Basics One thing that stays constant despite rule changes, though, is that during each possession on one side of the net, a team can only have three contacts with the ball. The ideal sequence of contacts is usually called bump, set and spike. No player can ever make contact with the ball twice in row, and the ball cannot be caught or carried over the net. Each play starts off with a serve. The server steps behind the line at the very back of the court, called the end line, and has freedom to serve from wherever he or she pleases as long as the foot does not touch or cross the line. If the server’s foot crosses the end line, it is considered a foot fault, and results in a side-out--a change in possession—of the ball. The server must make the ball go over the net on the serve.*It doesn’t matter if the ball touches the net on a serve anymore. Balls that hit the net on serves and still go over and stay in the court used to be illegal, but now they are allowed. These serves are called “let serves.” **Union Academy specific: if a ball touches a flag but does not change the course of flight, the ball must be played as is. If a flag stops a ball in the air or changes it’s course of flight, the point must be replayed. If a players ball hits the ceiling and goes over the net, the point is awarded to the opposing team. If a ball hits the ceiling but stays on the same side of the net, the play can still be played by the offense. Rotation The actual direction of the rotation is clockwise, however. In basic volleyball there are three players in the front row and three in the back, and each player just rotates to the next position as the plays go along. Players are not limited to those spots during play. Scoring Games are to 15 points. Matches consisted of the best two out of three games. Teams score points whenever the other team messes up, and a point is awarded on every serve. Teams must win by at least two points for games to end. Points keep going until one team wins with a margin of victory of two points even if the score is greater than 25. **Union Academy specific: if a ball touches a flag but does not change the course of flight, the ball must be played as is. If a flag stops a ball in the air or changes it’s course of flight, the point must be replayed. If a player’s ball hits the ceiling and goes over the net, the point is awarded to the opposing team. If a ball hits the ceiling but stays on the same side of the net, the play can still be played by the offense. During play, players must stay ready to play and move to the ball. Communication is key volleyball. Call “Mine” or “Got it” when you’re going for the ball.