Basic VB Rules

Basic Volleyball Rules

The Serve

• Server must serve from behind the end line until after contact
• Ball may be served underhand or overhand
• Ball must be clearly visible to opponents before serve
• A served ball may graze the net and drop to the other side for point
• First game serve is determined by coin toss. First serve then alternates for each subsequent game

Scoring

• Rally scoring is used, that is, a point will be scored on every serve of the ball.
• Games are played to 25 pts, Varsity Plays best 3 out 5 , and JV plays best 2 out of 3
• Must win games by 2 points.

Rotation

• Teams will rotate each time BEFORE they serve
• Players shall rotate in a clockwise manner

Playing The Game

• Maximum of three hits per side is allowed
• Player 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 serve
• A ball touching a boundary line is considered "in"
• A legal hit is contact with the ball anywhere on a players body in which the ball does not visibly come to a rest
• If two or more players contact the ball simultaneously, it is considered one play and the players involved may not participate in the next play
• A player must not block or attack a serve
• Players may switch positions after the serve, but must return to their original postion BEFORE the next serve

Basic Violations

• Stepping on or over the end line on a serve
• Failure to serve the ball over the net successfully and in bounds
• Hitting the ball illegally (Carrying, Palming, Throwing, etc. )
• Touches of the net with any part of the body while the ball is in play. If the ball is driven into the net with such force that it causes the net to contact an opposing player, no foul will be called, and the ball shall continue to be in play
• Reaching over the net, except under these conditions a) When executing a follow-through b) When blocking a ball which is in the opponents court but is being returned ( the blocker must not contact the ball until after the opponent who is attempting to return the ball makes contact). Except to block the third hit.
• Reaches under the net (if it interferes with the ball or opposing player )
• Failure to serve in the correct order
• Blocks or spikes from a position which is clearly not behind the 10-foot line while in a back row position

The Court

• Both indoor and outdoor courts are (29' 6" x 59')
• Indoor courts also include an attack area designated by a line 9'10" back from the center line

Net Height

• Net height for women, 7'4-1/8"

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