Volleyball games, also known as matches, are played in a format using sets. A "three set" is one type of these games, which determine the maximum number of sets that could be played during each contest. Before you play a three set match, it is important to understand the rules, how to win and the differences between match formats.
Sets and Matches
A volleyball game is often referred to as a match. Each match is made up of sets, which are played until one team reaches a set number, which is most often 25. To win the overall game, teams must win a certain number of sets. For example, in a best-of-three-sets match, teams must win at least two sets to win the match, while in a five-set match, a team must win at least three sets to win.
Three Sets Vs. Five
Official USA and international volleyball rules use five-set matches, according to the USA Volleyball website. This includes all levels of college volleyball as well. However, some high schools and youth amateur leagues play best of three sets instead of five. This is done to simply shorten the time of games.
Scoring
Scoring in a three-set volleyball match is the same as a five-set match. All volleyball levels now use rally scoring, which means a point is scored on every play during the match. Prior to 2003, high schools across the country used side out scoring, according to the "Amarillo Globe." Side out scoring means that a team must be serving, meaning it has side out, in order to score a point.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantages of playing a shorter game is that it is more likely to result in an upset. Theoretically, the longer the game is, the more true the result will be, meaning the best team is more likely to win. In a shorter game, upsets are more likely; for example, a hot server can run off several points in a row and have a much bigger impact on the final result.
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