Volleyball is a game in which players hit a ball back and forth across a net. Like every sport, games must follow a formal set of rules that control many factors, including the number of players, equipment, size of the court and the flow of the game. These rules allow for an even ground when teams compete. Here are some of the basic rules and regulations of the game.
Court
According to Buzzle.com, the volleyball court measures 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. The court is split in half, and each team remains on its half of the court. The volleyball net is 8 feet high for men and 7 feet, 4 inches for women. Net supports are located 3 feet outside the out-of-bounds line on each side. This means the net is 36 feet long. The volleyball weighs 9 to 10 ounces.
Basics
Each team is allowed six players on the court at a time. Games are played to 25 points, with a win-by-two rule. This means that if the teams are tied at 24, the game continues until a team is winning by two points. During a volley, each team is allowed to hit the ball a maximum of three times before the ball must go over the net. If the ball does not go over by the third hit, the volley ends and the team loses the point. Players are not allowed to hit the ball twice in succession, either. If the ball goes off the net, play continues, unless it hits the ground.
Serving
According to Buzzle.com, when a player serves, she must begin behind the end line and hit the ball before stepping in bounds. Players are allowed to jump when serving and may serve either overhand or underhand. If a serve grazes the net before it goes over, it is still legal. Opposing players are not permitted to set up an attack or a pre-determined play to return a serve. Serves should be returned by bumping the ball in order to promote volleying, as opposed to a slam.
Scoring
Whenever the ball hits the ground, a point is awarded. If the ball goes out of bounds, the point is given to the defending team. If the ball bounces inside the court, though, the point is given to the attacking team. When serving, the volleyball must be visible to opponents at all times. It is not permitted to try and hide the ball and trick the opposing team.
Penalties
During every volleyball game, an official oversees the game to ensure that all volleyball rules and regulations are being followed. The official watches that players do not step over the center line or put their hands over the net. Players are allowed to touch the net on follow-throughs or when blocking, but touching the net in any other situation is not allowed.
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