USA Volleyball rules outline the dimensions of the court, team composition, how to serve, rotations of players and how many points are need to win a game.
Playing Area
The playing area for volleyball is made up of the playing court, free zone and free playing space. Standard volleyball rules dictate the playing court must measure 18 feet by 9 feet, with the free zone measuring 9 feet 10 inches on all sides. The free playing space must be free of obstructions 23 feet over any area of the playing surface.
Teams
Each team is composed of 12 players, with one player designated as team captain. A coach and assistant coach as well as one trainer and medical doctor are allowed for each volleyball team.
Scoring
One point is given to a team for every ball that hits the ground in the opponent's playing court, when the opposing team makes a fault or receives a penalty. The opposing team scores a point when the ball is hit out of bounds or into the net. To win a game, a team must win by two points and score a total of at least 25 points.
Serve
The serve is executed from behind the end line of the playing court and can be served overhand or underhand. A serve can touch the top of the net and fall into the opposing court for a point. Return of serve should be by a bump. Setting is not allowed when returning a serve.
Rotation
Each team must rotate players clockwise when they win the serve. Standard rules dictate that four to six players must be on each side to play a game of volleyball.
Playing Rules
Standard volleyball rules allow a maximum of three hits from each side. A player cannot hit a ball more than once without interruption. A ball can be played off the net on service or during a volley. If the ball comes into contact with a player at or above the waist and stays in play, it's considered a legal hit. If the ball comes into contact with two or more players at the same time, those players cannot be involved in the following play. Players are restricted from attacking or blocking a serve. Only front line players are allowed to switch positions. If a ball lands anywhere on the boundary line, it's considered good.
Violations
Violations include stepping over or on the service line and inability to serve the ball over the net, serving in the wrong order, throwing, carrying or palming the ball, touching the net with any part of the body, reaching over or under the net,
spiking or blocking from the back row when not behind the 10-foot line.
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