A number of volleyball leagues can be found all around the country. Over the years, the sport has become popular through volleyball clubs, bar leagues and intramural teams. USA Volleyball, the NCAA and other organizations use rules that are very similar to govern their games. Before setting foot onto a volleyball court, players should have a full understanding of the basic rules of the game.
Scoring
In a game of volleyball, the first team to reach 25 points is the winner as long as the margin of victory is at least two points. This means that the winning team must be leading by two or more points. According to Volleyball.com, most games use match play, meaning that they are played using a best two-out-of-three format. If the defensive team receives a foul or hits the ball out of the playing area, the team who was serving the ball receives a point. If the offensive team hits the ball out of the playing area of if the server fails to hit the ball over the net, a point is awarded to the defensive team.
Player Management
Depending on which variation is being played, a volleyball team can consist of different numbers of players. Indoor volleyball games use up to six players on the court at any given time with substitute players on the sidelines who are available at any time. Beach volleyball games use two players on each team. This allows for ample space on the court. After each serve, an indoor volleyball team rotates in a clockwise direction. If an indoor team is not able to field a minimum of four players at one time, the game is forfeited.
Serving
When preparing to send the ball to the other side of the net, the player serving the ball starts behind the end line. A server can hit the ball either underhanded or overhanded. An underhanded serve allows for a longer hang time while an overhanded serve gives the shot more power. The defenders cannot spike or block the serve as it must be allowed to reach the other side of the net before it can be played.
Hitting
When it comes to returning the ball after a serve, a coach teaches the rule of bump, set spike. By following this rule, players not only avoid hitting the ball more than three times, but they also learn the best way to earn a point. A single player is not allowed to hit the ball two times in a row. Because of this, teammates may be required to hit the ball to each other before the serve is returned. If two player touch the ball simultaneously, it is counted as a single touch.
Violations
To avoid losing valuable points, players must be cautious of how the approach the net and ball. To avoid throwing or carrying the ball while spiking it, a player must use a flat palm to make contact. To avoid changing the height of the net, a player cannot come in contact with the net in any way while the ball is in play. A player playing the front-line position is not permitted to reach underneath the net to make contact with the pall or to distract opposing players.
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