What Is The Purpose Of The Attack Line In Volleyball?

Volleyball rules dictate an official court must measure 29 feet and 6 inches wide and 59 feet long. Aside from the tall net dividing it in half widthwise, the court's simple rectangle shape features little else in the way of markings. Each side of the court boasts only one additional line, known as the attack line.

Location

The attack line stretches from sideline to sideline and runs parallel to the net. Court officials must draw the line so it sits 9 feet, 10 inches away from the net on each side.

Function

The attack line serves to divide the court into two sections: the front court and the back court. More than just decoration, the attack line restricts which players can hit the ball and helps limit the number of attackers near the net. Rules prohibit a back court player from advancing beyond the attack line to hit an attacking shot. If a back court player violates the rule, officials award the other team one point and service.

Considerations

A few circumstances exist that allow a back court player to cross the attack line. First, a player may cross the attack line to hit the ball so long as the ball isn't higher than the top of the net. This means a back court player can move up for digs or to set the ball to a teammate. A back court player may also cross the attack line and hit the ball while it's higher than the net as long as the player jumped from behind the attack line. Rules permit the player to land in the front court after making contact with the ball.

Service

The attack line also plays a role in determining legal returns of serve. Rules prohibit players in the front court from jumping up and playing serves that are higher than the net. Only players behind the attack line can play a serve that is higher than the net, although such returns are extremely rare.

Plays

Despite its restrictions, the attack line can lead to some highly effective combination plays on offense. For instance, a setter can pop up the ball for the middle blocker who jumps and fakes a play on the ball. Meanwhile, a back court player races in and jumps from behind the attack line, leaping forward to spike the ball. The middle blocker's initial fake can open up the entire court for the trailing player, who can score an easy point provided she can time her jump properly.