How to Play Volleyball

Volleyball is a fun game where you need to be quick, think ahead, and work with your team. It doesn't matter if you've never played before or you're just getting back into it, knowing the basics is important to have a good time. This guide will teach you everything you need to know, from scoring and serving to how to rotate and basic moves. You'll be ready to hit the court like a pro!

The Basics: The Game, the Court, and the Ball

Volleyball is a team sport with two teams of six players each. The goal is to score points by getting the ball down on the other team's court while stopping them from doing the same. You play on a rectangle court, cut in half by a net. The court is 60 feet long and 30 feet wide, with a net that's 32 feet long and 3 feet high in the middle.

The ball is round, made of leather or special materials, and weighs between 9.2 and 10 ounces. It's blown up with air, so the pressure is between 4.26 to 4.61 pounds per square inch.

Read Also: How to Improve Your Tennis Serve

Scoring and Play

Scoring

You get a point when the ball lands on the other team's court. Teams switch places after each point. The first team to get 25 points, with a lead of two points, wins that round. A whole game usually has three or five rounds, depending on the type of game.

Serving

Each point starts with a serve. The player in the back right corner (the server) stands behind the line and sends the ball over the net into the other team's court. The server gets one try to make a good serve. If they miss, it's a mistake, and the other team gets the point. The team that serves first keeps switching with the other team throughout the round.

Rotation

Players move around the court clockwise after each point. This means everyone gets to play in different positions and cover different areas of the court. The rotation pattern tells you where each player should be: back row, front row, or in the middle.

Basic Skills

To be good at volleyball, you need to learn a few key things:

Serving: A good serve goes over the net and lands on the other team's court. There are different ways to serve, like underhand, overhand, and jumping.
Passing: Passing is used to control the ball and send it to a teammate. Players usually use their forearms, with their hands facing each other, to hit the ball up, called a bump.
Setting: Setting is used to get the ball ready for a spiker. Players use their open hand, with their fingers spread, to gently lift the ball up for a teammate to attack.
Hitting/Spiking: Hitting, also called spiking, is when you send the ball towards the other team with lots of force. This is usually done by jumping and hitting the ball with your fist or open hand.
Blocking: Blocking is a way to stop the other team from hitting the ball. Players jump at the net and use their hands to block the ball from coming over.

Volleyball Mistakes

There are a few things that can happen during a volleyball game that are called mistakes. Here are some common ones:

Foot Fault: When the server steps on or over the line while serving.
Net Fault: When a player touches the net during the play.
Double Hit: When a player hits the ball twice in a row.
Carrying: When a player holds the ball on their hand or arm for too long.
Out of Bounds: When the ball lands outside the lines of the court.

Important Rules for Different Situations

Here are some important rules for different situations during a game:

Touching the Ball: Each team can touch the ball three times before it has to go over the net. This doesn't count the serve, which is one touch.
Blocking: Blocking counts as one touch for the team. Players can block the ball at the net, but they can't touch it while it's on their side of the net.
Rotation: After each point, all players move one position clockwise. The player in the back right corner (server) moves to the front right and keeps moving around.
Switching Players: Players can switch during a game, but only when the ball is not in play.
Time-outs: Teams get a few time-outs during a game.
Challenges: In some leagues, coaches or players can ask for a replay to check a referee's call.

Volleyball Skills: A Closer Look

Learning the basic skills is key to being good at volleyball. Let's take a closer look at each one:

Serving

Serving is the first time you touch the ball in a game. A good serve is strong, accurate, and hard to receive. Here are a few ways to serve:

Underhand Serve: This is the easiest serve to learn. You stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the net. You toss the ball up a little in front of you and hit it with your hand from underneath, using your palm or fist.
Overhand Serve: This serve is harder than the underhand serve but lets you hit harder and more accurately. You stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the net. You toss the ball up in front of you and hit it with your hand from above, using your palm or fist.
Jump Serve: This is the hardest serve to learn. You jump into the air and hit the ball with your hand from above. This lets you hit harder and more accurately, but you need to have good timing and coordination.

Passing

Passing is the second time you touch the ball in a game. A good pass is controlled, accurate, and lets you smoothly send the ball to your teammate. The most common way to pass is with your forearms, called a bump:

Underhand Pass (Bump): You use your forearms, with your arms straight and your palms facing each other, to bump the ball upward. This is used to control the ball and send it to a teammate.

Setting

Setting is the third time you touch the ball in a game. A good set is accurate, consistent, and lets the hitter attack the ball with force. You use your open hand, with your fingers spread, to gently lift the ball up for a teammate to attack.

Open Hand Set: You put your fingertips together, with your thumbs slightly apart, and use a soft, upward motion to lift the ball.

Hitting (Spiking)

Hitting, also called spiking, is a powerful, aggressive move to send the ball towards the other team's court. You use your fist or open hand to hit the ball forcefully.

Approach: Hitters take three steps to jump and hit the ball. This helps them get more momentum and power.
Jump: Players jump to hit the ball and reach higher, which gives them more power and accuracy.
Contact: Players hit the ball with their fist or open hand. The point where they hit should be above their head to get the most power.

Blocking

Blocking is a defensive move used to stop the other team from hitting the ball. Players jump at the net and use their hands to block the ball from coming over.

Timing: Players need to jump and block the ball at the right time to be successful. They need to react quickly to the hitter's jump and guess where the ball is going.
Hand Position: Players use their palms to block the ball. They keep their hands slightly bent to absorb the impact and avoid getting hurt.
Body Position: Players should keep a strong and stable body position while blocking. Their feet should be shoulder-width apart, and their knees should be slightly bent.

Volleyball Drills: Getting Better

Volleyball drills are a big part of practicing and getting better. Drills help players learn muscle memory, improve their technique, and build teamwork. Here are some popular volleyball drills:

Serve Receive Drill: This drill focuses on improving passing and communication. Players stand in a line and pass the ball back and forth. The coach or a teammate serves the ball, and the players switch positions after each pass.
Setting Drill: This drill focuses on improving setting and communication. Players pair up and practice setting the ball to each other. They can focus on different types of sets, like bump sets, overhead sets, and quick sets.
Hitting Drill: This drill focuses on improving hitting and blocking. Players stand at the net and hit the ball over to the other side. A coach or teammate sets the ball, and the players switch positions after each hit.
Blocking Drill: This drill focuses on improving blocking and jumping. Players stand at the net and jump to block the ball. A coach or teammate simulates a spike, and the players try to block the ball.
Scrimmage: This drill is like a real game and lets players practice all their skills. Teams play against each other in a controlled environment.

Volleyball Etiquette: Respecting the Game

Like any sport, volleyball has unspoken rules about good sportsmanship. Here are a few important things to remember:

Respect for Opponents: Always be respectful to the other team, both on and off the court. Acknowledge good plays and avoid talking trash.
Respect for Officials: Listen to the referee's calls and avoid arguing with them. If you have a question or concern, talk to them respectfully after the play is over.
Teamwork: Work together with your teammates, encourage each other, and celebrate successes as a team.
Cleanliness: Keep the court clean by picking up any stray balls or equipment.
Sportsmanship: Always play fair and avoid unsportsmanlike behavior.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Game!

Understanding the basic rules and skills of volleyball is just the beginning of enjoying this fun sport. Remember to practice regularly, have fun, and embrace the spirit of teamwork. Volleyball is a great way to get exercise, develop social skills, and make new friends. So get out there, hit the court, and experience the thrill of volleyball!