Volleyball was invented in 1895 at a Massachusetts YMCA. Elements from basketball, tennis, handball and baseball were combined. A tennis net raised to a height of 6 feet was originally used. As the game evolved, so did the playing court including the net that separates players. Rules governing the game became refined over time as well, including those that have to do with the net.
Touching the Net
Players are not allowed to touch the net with any body part while the ball is in play. If the net hits a player due to the force of the ball hit by an opposing player, there is no foul and the ball stays in play. There's also no foul for inadvertent contact, such as a player's hair grazing the net.
Reaching
It's generally a violation to reach over the net, but there are a couple of exceptions. A player may reach over while executing her follow-through. A player also may reach over while blocking a ball that's being returned from the opponent's court. The blocker, however, is not allowed to touch the ball until his opponent makes contact with it. Players are not allowed to reach under the net, either, to interfere with an opposing player or the ball.
Out of Play Balls
A serve is allowed to graze, or touch, the top of the net on a serve. The ball is out of play, however, anytime it touches the ropes, posts, antennae, or the net in the area outside the side bands. The ball also is out of play if it crosses underneath the net.
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