Four Ways To Score Points In Volleyball

Spiking, or grounding the ball within your opponent's court boundary lines, may be the first thing that comes to mind when consiodering how points are won in volleyball. However, there are many ways to score a point. If a team or a player commits a variety of faults or is penalized in accordance with the rules and regulation of the game, the opposing team scores.

Out Balls

The offensive team wins a point if the defensive team hits the ball out of bounds, and vice versa. A ball is declared out if it touches the ceiling or any person or object outside the court. Antennae are attached to the sides of the net and if the ball does not cross over the net within the antennae, it is an out ball. Balls that cross over to the opponent's side of the court completely underneath the net are also considered out balls.

Playing Faults

A point is awarded when a playing fault has been committed by the opponent. Teams are only allowed to have three touches of the ball, excluding the block, before returning the ball to the other side of the net. A fault happens when there are more than three touches. If a player hits the ball two times, consecutively, it is a fault. A player who intentionally interferes with her opponent's ability to play the ball has committed a fault. Another example is when a player's foot completely steps over the center line into the opponent's court.

Serving Faults

The opposing team wins a point on a serving fault. An example of this is when the server steps on or over the end line before contacting the ball or steps outside the designated service zone. A fault occurs when the server hits the ball out of bounds or into the net. Teams must follow a serving order and if this is violated, a service fault has been committed.

Penalties

A team receives a point when a penalty has been committed by the opposing team. For example, when a team intentionally delays play a second time after being warned once, it results in a penalty point. In this case, the opposing team is awarded a point and the service. Rude or improper conduct by a player is penalized with the opposing team receiving a point. When a team makes an illegal substitution, the opponent is awarded a point.