Volleyball, invented by a YMCA teacher in Holyoke, Massachusetts, is one of the world's most popular sports. Kidzworld reports that volleyball is played by more than 800 million people at least once a week. The object of the game is to send the ball over the net so the opposing team can't return it, or prevent it from hitting the ground. Volleyball, which improves flexibility, balance and strength and promotes teamwork, is an excellent activity for children.
Equipment and Attire
Elementary volleyball requires a beachball-type volleyball and is played in a regulation volleyball court. According to Mesa Arizona Parks and Recreation, the volleyball net should be 7 feet 4 inches high. Players should wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or sneakers. Mesa Parks and Recreation advises each team to wear similar color shirts or uniforms.
Teams and Formations
Six or more players are permitted on each team. Six players are allowed on the court; all others are substitutes. The 12 players are lined up in rows, with three on each team in the front row, closest to the net, and three in the back.
Service
The right back player is the server and is allowed only one attempt to serve the ball. Both underhand and overhand serves are legal, but the ball cannot be bounced and hit. Kidzworld points out that a mistake made on a serve is called a "side-out," and the ball must go to the other team. All players except for the server must be within the boundary limits until the server contacts the ball. After a player serves five consecutive points, a "side-out" occurs, and the other team gets to serve. This eliminates one team from serving the whole game.
Returns and Play
If the receiving team fails to return the ball over the net legally, a point is awarded to the serving team. Players are not allowed to catch, scoop, carry or lift the ball. Mesa Parks and Recreation notes that the ball may be played one, two or three times in succession on a side; the ball must played as a volley in the air. The same player can't hit the ball twice, and the ball has to make it over the net with the assistance of a player; bouncing over doesn't count. A ball may be played off the net, except on a serve.
Fouls
If a player touches the net, reaches over the net and touches the ball or steps over the center line, a foul is called. A player stopping the ball, dropping it and hitting it--also called a double hit--also commits a foul. A "side-out" is called, and the opposing team gets the ball, rotating before serving. Rotation is in the shape of a backwards "C" and is clockwise. When the receiving team fouls, a point is awarded to the serving team.
Winning the Game
According to Kidzworld, a volleyball game is played to 21 points, but another number may be agreed upon in advance. A match consists of three games; the team that wins two out of three wins the match.
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