LESSON 5 VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball, game played by two teams, usually of six players on a side, in which
the players use their hands to bat a ball back and forth over a high net, trying to
make the ball touch the court within the opponents’ playing area before it can be
returned. To prevent this a player on the opposing team bats the ball up and toward
a teammate before it touches the court surface—that teammate may then volley it
back across the net or bat it to a third teammate who volleys it across the net. A
team is allowed only three touches of the ball before it must be returned over the
net.

History

Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, physical director of the Young Men’s
Christian Association (YMCA) in Holyoke, Massachusetts. It was designed as an indoor sport
for businessmen who found the new game of basketball too vigorous. Morgan called the sport
“mintonette,” until a professor from Springfield College in  Massachusetts noted the volleying
nature of play and proposed the name of “volleyball.” The original rules were written by Morgan
and printed in the first edition of the  Official Handbook of the Athletic League of the Young
Men’s Christian Associations of North America (1897). The game soon proved to have wide
appeal for both sexes in schools, playgrounds, the armed forces, and other organizations in
the United States, and it was subsequently introduced to other countries.

In 1916 rules were issued jointly by the YMCA and the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA). The first nationwide tournament in the United States was conducted by the
National YMCA Physical Education Committee in New York City in 1922. The United States
Volleyball Association (USVBA) was formed in 1928 and recognized as the rules-making,
governing body in the United States. From 1928 the USVBA—now known as USA Volleyball
(USAV)—has conducted annual national men’s and senior men’s (age 35 and older) volleyball
championships, except during 1944 and 1945. Its women’s division was started in 1949, and a
senior women’s division (age 30 and older) was added in 1977. Other national events in the
United States are conducted by member groups of the USAV such as the YMCA and the NCAA.

Volleyball was introduced into Europe by American troops during World War I, when national
organizations were formed. The Fédération Internationale de Volley Ball (FIVB) was organized
in Paris in 1947 and moved to Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1984. The USVBA was one of the 13
charter members of the FIVB, whose membership grew to more than 210 member countries by
the late 20th century.

International volleyball competition began in 1913 with the first Far East Games, in Manila.
During the early 1900s and continuing until after World War II, volleyball in Asia was played on
a larger court, with a lower net, and nine players on a team.
The FIVB-sponsored world volleyball championships (for men only in 1949; for both men and
women in 1952 and succeeding years) led to acceptance of standardized playing rules and
officiating. Volleyball became an Olympic sport for both men and women at the 1964 Olympic
Games in Tokyo.

European championships were long dominated by Czechoslovakian, Hungarian, Polish,

Bulgarian, Romanian, and Soviet (later, Russian) teams. At the world and Olympic
level, Soviet teams have won more titles, both men’s and women’s, than those of any other
nation. Their success was attributed to widespread grassroots interest and well-organized play
and instruction at all levels of skill. A highly publicized Japanese women’s team, Olympic
champions in 1964, reflected the interest of private industry in sport. Young women working for
the sponsoring company devoted their free time to conditioning, team practice, and competition
under expert and demanding coaching. Encouraged by the Japanese Volleyball Association, this
women’s team made its mark in international competition, winning the World Championship in
1962, 1966, and 1967, in addition to the 1964 Olympics. At the end of the 20th century,
however, the Cuban women’s team dominated both the World Championships and the Olympics.

The Pan American Games (involving South, Central, and North America) added volleyball in
1955, and Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and the United States are frequent contenders for top
honours. In Asia, China, Japan, and Korea dominate competition. Volleyball, especially beach
volleyball, is played in Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the South Pacific.

A four-year cycle of international volleyball events, recommended by the FIVB, began in 1969
with World Cup championships, to be held in the year following the Olympic Games; the second
year is the World Championships; in the third the regional events are held (e.g., European
championships, Asian Games, African Games, Pan American Games); and in the fourth year the
Olympic Games.

Volleyball requires a minimum of equipment and space and can be played indoors or outdoors.
The game is played on a smooth-surfaced court 9 metres (30 feet) wide by 18 metres (60 feet)
long, divided by a centre line into two equal areas, one of which is selected by or assigned to
each of the two competing teams. Players may not step completely beyond the centre line while
the ball is in play. A line 3 metres (10 feet) from and parallel to the centre line of each half of the
court indicates the point in front of which a back court player may not drive the ball over the net
from a position above the top of the net. (This offensive action, called a spike, or kill, is usually
performed most effectively and with greatest power near the net by the forward line of players.)
A tightly stretched net is placed across the court exactly above the middle of the centre line;
official net heights
Basic Volleyball Rules: How to Play Volleyball
A volleyball game consists of two teams of six players each, separated by a net. The six
volleyball court positions are: setter, middle blocker, outside hitter, opposite hitter, libero and
serving specialist.
To score points, a team must send the ball over the net, grounding it into the opponent’s court.

Here are the fundamental, must-know rules of a volleyball game:

 Only 6 players on the floor at any given time: 3 in the front row and 3 in the back row.
 There is a maximum of 3 hits per side.
 Points are made on every serve for the winning team of rally (rally-point scoring).
 Players may not hit the ball twice in succession (a block is not considered a hit).
 Ball may be played off the net during a volley and on a serve.
 A ball hitting a boundary line is in.
 A ball is out if it hits an antennae, the floor completely outside the court, any of the net or
cables outside the antennae, the referee stand or pole, or the ceiling above a non-playable
area.
 It is legal to contact the ball with any part of a player’s body.
 It is illegal to catch, hold or throw the ball.
 A player cannot block or attack a serve from on or inside the 10-foot line.
 After the serve, front-line players may switch positions at the net.
 Matches are made up of sets; the number depends on level of play.
 3-set matches are two sets to 25 points and a third set to 15. Each set must be won by two
points. The winner is the first team to win two sets.
 5-set matches are four sets to 25 points and a fifth set to 15. The team must win by 2
points unless tournament rules dictate otherwise. The first team to win three sets is the
winner.

Basic Volleyball Rule Violations

Committing any of these volleyball rule violations results in a point for the opponent.

 Stepping on or across the service line when serving while making contact with the ball.
 Failure to serve the ball over the net successfully.
 Ball-handling errors and contacting the ball illegally (double touching, lifting, carrying,
throwing, etc.)
 Touching the net with any part of the body while the ball is in play.
 Blocking a ball coming from the opponent’s court and contacting the ball when reaching
over the net if your opponent has not used 3 contacts AND has a player there to make a
play on the ball.
 Attacking a ball coming from the opponent’s court and contacting the ball when reaching
over the net when the ball has not yet broken the vertical plane of the net.
 Crossing the court centerline with any part of your body, with the exception of a hand or
foot. It is only considered a violation if the entire hand or entire foot crosses the court
centerline.
 Serving out of rotation or out of order.
 Back row player blocking (deflecting a ball coming from the opponent) when, at the
moment of contact, the back row player is near the net and has part of their body above the
top of the net. This is an illegal block.
  Back row player attacking a ball inside the front zone (the area inside the 3M/10-foot
line) when, at the moment of contact, the ball is completely above the net. This is an illegal
attack.

Indoor Volleyball Court Dimensions

This volleyball court diagram shows the official indoor volleyball court specifications. The
official indoor court dimension is 9 meters by 18 meters with an attack line 3 meters from the
center line on each side of the court.

Basic Volleyball Terminology

Ace: A serve that results directly in a point, either when the ball hits the floor on the receiving
team’s side of the court untouched or is touched but unable to be kept in play by the receiving
team.
Assist: When a player sets, passes or digs the ball directly to a teammate who attacks the ball
and gets a kill.
Attack: The action of attempting to hit the ball onto the opponent's side of the court. Types of
attacks include a spike, tip, roll shot and dump.
Attacker: Also "hitter" and "spiker." A player who attempts to hit a ball offensively with the
purpose of terminating play.
Attack Block: The defensive team's attempt to block a spiked ball.
Attack Error: An attack botched in one of 5 ways: Ball lands out of bounds; ball goes into net;
attacker commits center line or net violation, or attacker illegally contacts ball. Getting blocked
can also be considered an attack error.
Attack Line: A line 3 meters (10 feet) away from, and parallel to, the net. Separates the front-
row players from the back row players. A back row player cannot legally attack the ball above
the net unless he takes off from behind the attack line.
Back row/court: Space from baseline (end line) to attack line. There are 3 players whose court
positions are in this area (positions 1, 6 & 5 on court).
Back Row Attack: When a back row player takes off from behind the attack line (10-foot/3-
meter) line and attacks the ball. Various terms for back row attacks include "A," "B," "C," "D,"
"Pipe" and "Bic".
Back set: A set delivered to a hitter behind the setter.
Baseline: The back boundary of the court. Also called the end line.
Block: One of the six basic skills. A defensive play by one or more front-row players meant to
intercept a spiked ball. The combination of one, two or three players jumping in front of the
opposing spiker and contacting the spiked ball with the hands.
Blocking Error: Touching the net, crossing the centerline, blocking a set or serve or any other
“local” violation that occurs while making a block attempt.
Center line: The boundary that runs under the net and divides the court into two equal halves.
Closing the block: The responsibility of the assisting blocker(s) to angle their body relative to
the first blocker.
“Cover”: Refers to the hitter having his/her teammates ready to retrieve rebounds from the
opposing blockers.
Cross-court attack: An attack directed diagonally from the point of attack. Also called an angle
hit.
Cut shot: A spike from the hitter’s strong side that travels at a sharp angle across the net.
Deep: Refers to sending the ball away from the net, toward the baseline of the opponent’s court.
Defense: One of the 6 basic skills. The key skills used to receive the opponent's attack are
digging and sprawling. The dig resembles a forearm pass from a low ready position and is used
more for balls that are hit near the defender. The sprawl is a result of an attempted dig for a ball
hit farther away from the defender. It resembles a dive.
Dig: Passing a spiked or rapidly hit ball and low to ground. Defensive play. Slang for retrieving
an attacked ball close to the floor. Statistically scored on a 3.0 point system.
Dink: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent’s court using the fingertips. Also called a tip.
Double block: Two players working in unison to intercept a ball at the net.
Double hit: Violation. Two successive hits by the same player.
Down Ball: Type of attack. “Down” refers to the blockers who neither jump, nor raise their
hands above the net.
Dump: Usually performed by the setter, who delivers the ball into the opponent’s court on the
second contact.
Five-One (5-1): An offensive system that uses five hitters and one setter.
Floater: A serve with no spin so the ball follows an erratic path.
Follow: To move with and block an attacker. Athletes may change positions with another
blocker in the process.
Forearm Pass: Sometimes referred to as the “pass,” “bump” or “dig”.
Four-Two (4-2): An offensive system using four hitters and two setters.
Free ball: Returning the ball to the opponent without the intent to get a kill. Usually a slow,
arcing pass or “roll” shot rather than a spike.
Front: Position of a blocker so that she/he can block the attacker.
Front-row: Three players whose court position is in front of the attack line (3M/10 Foot), near
the net. These players are in positions 2, 3 & 4 on the court.
Game plan: Offensive and defensive emphasis for an opponent. Usually organized for each
rotation by the coaching staff.
Held ball: A ball that comes to rest during contact resulting in a violation.
Hit: One of the 6 basic skills. To jump and strike the ball with an overhand, forceful shot.
Hitter: Also “spiker” or “attacker.” The player who is responsible for hitting the ball.
Hitting percentage: A statistic derived from total kills minus total attack errors, divided by total
attempts.
Joust: When 2 opposing players contact the ball simultaneously above the net causing the ball to
momentarily come to rest; the point is replayed if this is called by the official.
Jump serve: The server uses an approach, toss, takeoff and serves the ball with a spiking motion
while in the air. There are two main types: jump float, jump spin.
Key player/play: To discern a team’s best player or probable next play by observation of
patterns or habits.
Kill: An attack that results directly in a point or side out.
Libero: A player specialized in defensive skills. This player must wear a contrasting jersey color
from his or her teammates and cannot block or attack the ball when it is entirely above net
height. When the ball is not in play, the libero can replace any back row player without prior
notice to the officials.
Lines: The marks that serve as boundaries of a court. 2 inches (5cm) wide.
Linesman: Officials located at the corners of the court; each linesman is responsible for ruling if
the ball is legally in play along the lines for which he or she is responsible. For indicating
touches and play outside of the antennae on their side of the net.
Lineup: Players starting rotation and, therefore, serving order. Numbered 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Line serve: A straight-ahead serve landing near the opponent’s left sideline.
Line shot: A ball spiked along an opponent’s sideline, closest to the hitter and outside the block.
Load: Body position for the blockers so that they are most effective.
Middle back: A defensive system that uses the middle back player in 6 to cover deep spikes.
Also called “6 back” defense.
Middle blocker: Usually plays in the middle of the net when in the front row and moves
laterally to her blocking assignments.
Middle Up: A defensive system that uses the middle-back player in 6 to cover tips or short shots
along the 3 meter/10 foot line. Also called a “6 up” defense.
Mintonette: The original name of the game of volleyball, created by William Morgan.
Net Height: Women - 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches high (2.24m). Men – 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches high
(2.43m).
Off-blocker: Outside blocker not included in the double block. Also called off-side blocker.
Off-Speed Shots: An attack that is intentionally slow. Ball spiked with less than maximum force
but with spin. Also called “roll” shot.
Opposite: Player who plays opposite the setter in the rotation. In some systems, this player is
also a setter. In other systems, this player is called a right-side.
Outside hitter: Usually plays at the ends of the net when in the front row. Also called right-side
(opposite) or left side (power).
Overhand pass: A pass with both hands open that is controlled by the fingers, with the face
below the ball. Both hands simultaneously contact the ball above the head and direct it to the
intended target.
Overhand serve: Serving the ball and striking it with the hand above the shoulder. Float or spin.
Overlap: A violation called if a team is lined up out of rotation when the ball is served.
Overpass: A ball passed across the net.
Overset: An errant set that crosses the net without being touched by another offensive player.
Pass: One of the 6 basic skills. Receiving a serve or the first contact of the ball with the intent to
control the ball to another player. Also called a “bump”.
Pancake: One-hand floor defensive technique where the hand is extended and slid along the
floor palm down while the player dives or extension rolls so the ball bounces off the back of the
hand and is considered legal.
Party ball: When the ball is passed across the net in front of the attack line so the front-row
attacker can immediately hit the ball on the first contact.
Penetration: The blocker’s ability to reach over the net above the opponent’s court.
Perimeter: Backcourt defense where 4 players arrange themselves near the boundaries of the
court.
Pipe: A back row attack from the middle of the court. Position 6.
Play: An attack with a planned fake, usually including 2 or more hitter.
Quick set: An extremely low vertical set used to beat the opponent’s block. Can be set at any
position on the net.
Rally scoring: Scoring method where points can be won by the serving or receiving team.
Ready position: The flexed, yet comfortable, posture a player assumes before moving to the
point of contact.
Red card: Given by the official to a player or coach for flagrant misconduct resulting in a
point/side out to the opponent. Results in automatic ejection and a point/side out for the
opponent.
Roof: To block a spike, usually straight down for a point.
Rotation: The clockwise movement of players around the court and through the serving position
following a side out. Players must retain their initial rotational order throughout the entire game,
but once the ball is contacted on serve they are allowed to move anywhere.
Seam: The midpoint between 2 players.
Serve: One of the 6 basic skills. Used to put the ball into play. It is the only skill controlled
exclusively by one player.
Set: One of the 6 basic skills. The tactical skill in which a ball is directed to a point where a
player can spike it into the opponent’s court. Sets can be set at different heights and different
locations on the net and offensively there are names for each of these. First number is the
location on the net and the second number is the height of the set (example: 13). Sets can also be
named.
Set attack: When a setter attempts to score rather than set the ball to a setter. Also called a shoot
set. Setter: The second passer whose job it is to position a pass to the hitter.
Shallow: Near the net.
Shank: Severely misdirected pass.
Side out: Change of service when a serving team has failed to score a point. Occurs when the
receiving team successfully puts the ball away against the
serving team, or when the serving team commits an unforced error.
Six-pack: Being hit in the face with the ball.
Six-two (6-2): An offense with four spikers and two spiker/setters. Setter comes from the back
row.
Slide/step: A quick attack behind the setter.
Spike: Also called a hit or attack. A ball contacted with force by a player on the offensive team
who intends to terminate the ball on the opponent’s floor or off the opponent’s blocker.
Split block: A double-block that leaves a space between the blockers.
Stuff: A ball deflected back to the attacking team’s floor by the opponent’s blockers.
Substitution: Allows one player to replace another player already on the court. Rules dictate the
number of subs each team is allowed.
Switch: To change court positions after a ball is served to facilitate strongest player positions.
Tandem: A combination in which one player attacks immediately behind another.
Tape: The top of the net.
Telegraph: To show one’s intention to the opponents.
Three-meter line: The line extended across the court to signify the point which a back row
player must leave the ground behind to attack the ball. Also called the "attack line” and "10-foot
line."
Tip: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent’s court using the fingertips. Also called a dink.
Tool: When an attacker hits the ball off an opposing blocker’s arms out of bounds. Also called a
wipe.
Touch: A player contacting the ball on the defensive play.
Transition: To switch from offense to defense and vice versa.
Triple-block: Block formed by all 3 front-row players.
Underhand serve: A serve performed with an underhand striking action. The ball is usually
contacted with the heel of the hand.
W serve-receive formation: Three players in the front row, two in the back.
Wipe: To deliberately spike the ball off an opponent’s hands and out of bounds. Also called a
tool.
Yellow Card: Given by the official to a player or coach as a warning of misconduct. Two yellow
cards result in an automatic red card.

Volleyball Equipment & Facilities

The Volleyball court is 60 feet by 30 feet in total. The net in placed in the center of the court,
making each side of the net 30 feet by 30 feet.
Center Line

A center line is marked at the center of the court dividing it equally into 30 feet squares, above
which the net is placed.

Attack Line

An attack line is marked 10 feet of each side of the center line.

Service Line

A service line, the area from which the server may serve the volleyball, is marked 10 feet inside
the right sideline on each back line.
The Net

The net is placed directly above the center line, 7 feet 4 inches above the ground for women and
8 feet above the ground for men.

Poles

Volleyball poles should be set at 36 feet apart, 3 feet further out from the sidelines.

Ceiling Height

The minimum ceiling height should be 23 feet, though they should preferably be higher.

Court

Today, courts must meet the specifications set forth by USA Volleyball and the international
governing body, FIVB. Indoor courts must measure 18 meters long by 9 meters wide and have
an attack area demarcated 3 meters back from the centerline. The lines used on the court should
not be any wider than 5 cm. A free space measuring 2 meters in any direction is recommended
around the playing area of the court to prevent any accidental obstructions of play. Above the
highest point of the net, there should be at least 7 meters of space to allow the ball free travel,
though 12 meters is recommended.

Ball

The ball used for volleyball is smaller than the basketball bladder that was used originally. For
indoor volleyball, it should have a circumference between 65 and 67 cm when fully inflated to an
inner pressure between 4.3 and 4.6 lbs. psi. Once inflated, the ball must weigh between 260 and
280 g. During FIVB competitions and world events, three balls are used and must meet the same
standards as the other balls before being approved for play.

Net

Net height can vary depending on the age of the players and the class of volleyball being played.
The standard height used for men over the age of 15 is 2.43 meters measured from the lowest
point of the net to the court floor. For women over the age of 13, the standard measurement is
2.24 meters. The net extends to each of the sidelines on the court and should be the same height
at both sidelines. The net itself is 1 meter wide. At either end of the net, an antenna is attached
that is 10 mm in diameter and extends 1.8 meters above the net. These antennae are considered
part of the net and are used to delineate the vertical crossing space.
Indoor volleyball

The playing area

Dimensions
The playing court is 18m long and 9m wide and is surrounded by a free zone 3m wide on all
sides.

The space above the playing area is known as the free playing space and is a minimum of 7m
high from the playing surface.

For FIVB, world and official competitions, the free zone measures a minimum of 5m from the
side lines and 8m from the ends lines. The free playing space is a minimum of 7m high from the
playing surface.

Playing surface
The playing surface is flat and a light colour. For FIVB, world and official competitions, only a
wooden or synthetic surface is allowed.

White colours are required for the lines. Other different colours are required for the playing court
and free zone.

Line markings
All lines on the court are 5cm wide and are a light colour different from the colour of the floor.

The boundary lines are the two side lines and end lines. The centre line divides the playing court
into two equal courts, 9m x 9m each. This line extends from beneath the net from sideline to
sideline.

On each court the rear edge of the attack line is drawn 3m back from the middle of the centre line
and marks the front zone.

Zones and areas

The front zone on each court is limited by the axis of the centre line and the rear edge of the
attack line. The front zone extends beyond the side lines to the end of the free zone.

The service zone is a 9m wide area behind each end line and extends to the end of the free zone.
It is 15cm long and drawn 20cm behind the end line as an extension of the side lines. 
The substitution zone extends from both attack lines to the scorer’s table.

The Libero Replacement zone is part of the free zone on the same side as the team benches,
extending from the attack line up to the end line.

A penalty area, 1m x 1m, is located in the control area outside of the endlines. 

Nets and posts

The net is 2.43m high for men and 2.24m high for women. It is placed vertically over the centre
line. It is 1m wide and 9.5m-10m long and is 10cm square black mesh.

The height of the net is measured from the centre of the playing court.

The antenna is a flexible rod, 1.8m long and 10mm in diameter and made of fibreglass or similar
material. It is fastened on opposite sides of the net. The top of the antenna extends 80cm above
the net and is marked with 10cm stripes of contrasting colour, usually red and white.

The 2.55m high posts are placed 0.50m-1.0m outside the side lines. The posts are rounded and
fixed to the ground without wires.
BASIC SKILLS IN VOLLEYBALL

1. SERVICE – the act of putting the ball in play by hitting the ball behind the end line over
the net towards the opponent’s court.

a. UNDERHAND SERVICE – is done by holding the ball in front at waist level, then
releasing, and hitting it with the wrist.

b. OVERHEAD SERVICE – is done by holding the ball overhead, then throwing it

upward and hitting it with the base of the palm or the inside portion of the wrist.

c. JUMPING SPIKE SERVICE – is done by tossing the ball above the head, then
throwing upward and hitting the ball on the jump.

2. PASSING – an act of passing the ball towards a teammate or the opponent’s court.

a. DIG PASS – usually done in handling the service of the opponent.

b. TOSS or SET – also known as the second contact, usually done by the team’s setter.

c. SPIKING – also known as the strongest hit in playing Volleyball, and usually done by
the spikers. An offensive style to score points in Volleyball.

3. BLOCKING – a defensive style wherein players tries to stop the opponent team to score.
Front row players are the one who executes blockings.