A volleyball game is played by two teams consisting of six players each. Both teams compete against each other on a court which is separated by a net that crosses the middle. Every member of a team must master all positions, as players routinely rotate locations. This rotation is only allowed under specific circumstances which are set forth by fundamental rules of the game.
Player Locations
The players of each team are split into two rows, with three in the front and three in the rear. A designated player strikes the ball, sending it to the opposite court. This action is called a "serve". Once the ball is in play, each member works to keep it from touching the ground on her team's side. Simultaneously, both teams endeavor to make the ball land on the opposing team's floor. A team can lob the ball between its own members three times before sending it back over the net. Certain players position the ball for others, who attempt to strike it forcefully into the other team's area.
Rotational Sequence
Each team rotates, in line, according to positions taken at the start of the game. This revolution typically continues to progress clockwise at certain intervals throughout the game. However, the are a number of different offensive styles in volleyball, and the rotation may slightly vary according to which one is used.
When Rotations Occur
The members of a team change position when the opposing group has "overturned" the ball. This means that possession changes hands due to the receiving team having scored a point. Before first serving the ball across the net, each of the "holding" team's players move one position clockwise. Service is delivered from the player located in the back-right quadrant of the court. The athlete who was formerly positioned in the front-right area then moves to this position and serves.
Errors
A team can be penalized if a rotation is not performed according to regulations. If a player serves the ball while out of position his team is considered at fault, and one point is deducted from the committing team's score. If a period of time has passed between occurrence of the error and its recognition, all points scored by the guilty team during that period are also erased.
Member Comments