Volleyball is a game that's played between two teams with six players on the court at the same time -- three in a front row and three in a back row. As with all sports, there is an overall objective -- which is usually to win -- and many smaller objectives that will help a team get to that point. Another objective of sports and competition, including volleyball, is to teach lessons that can be carried into life off the court.
Put the Ball In Play
This is called a serve. Complete a serve by hitting the ball overhand, from behind the back out-of-bounds line, over the net to the opposing team. This should begin a rally, which is the term given to the act of both teams hitting the ball back and forth over the net. A rally ends when the ball touches the floor.
Score Points
Scoring points is the main objective of winning a volleyball match. To score a point, a team must get the ball over the net to the opponent's side of the court. The ball must hit the court inside the live area of play. To get the ball over the net, players must attack or spike the ball, which includes jumping and hitting the ball over the net. This can also involve passing the ball to a teammate or setting a teammate up to hit the ball over the net. A player can also block an opponent's attack, and if the ball hits the floor on the opponent's side, a point is awarded to the blocking team. A team can also gain a point if the other team commits a fault, which includes hitting a ball out of bounds.
Win the Match
A set is a game within the game. To win a set, a team must score at least 25 points. But a team must also win by two points to win a set, so a 25-24 score won't get it done. Play continues until one team has at least two more points than the opposing team. This results in a set win. The first team to win three sets wins the match.
Application of Rules
Aside from the objectives of the actual game of volleyball, there are also the less tangible but equally important objectives, such as learning the concept of staying within the rules. As with all games, there are rules associated with volleyball. Learning to observe the rules and conventions of the game, and even helping others learn and apply the rules, are important lessons to learn that can help with success on the volleyball court as well as in other areas of life.
Teamwork
Learning how to work effectively with others is another valuable lesson, and possible objective, of playing the game. There are six team members on the court at one time that must all work in conjunction with each other to complete the task of winning volleyball matches. Individually, players have to learn how to prevent and resolve conflict and demonstrate appropriate behavior as a member of a team. Team members that struggle to work with other teammates can cause the success of the team as a whole to suffer.
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