I can’t be the only one who watched Haikyu! And thought, "huh, that looks like a fun sport to play!" Volleyball is indeed one of the most engaging and fun sports out there for many different reasons. This article will discuss what volleyball's rules are and how you can start playing it today!
The rules
The rules of volleyball are extensive and somewhat complex for a beginner, so you’ll have to bear with us:
- Service: A player serves the ball by tossing it into the air and hitting it over the net to the other team. The serving team has to rotate one position clockwise after each serve.
- Volleying: Players cannot touch the ball more than three times before hitting it over the net. They are also not allowed to catch or hold the ball.
- Scoring: A team scores a point when the opposing team cannot return the ball or when the ball touches the floor in the opposing team's court. The team that scores 25 points first wins the game, provided they have at least a two-point lead on the opposing team.
- Substitutions: Teams are allowed to make substitutions during the game, but they must be made during a dead ball situation and done through the substitution area, located at the end of the court.
- Faults: A fault is a violation of the rules, such as stepping over the center line or hitting the ball out of bounds. The other team is awarded a point if a team commits a fault.
- Rotations: Teams must rotate one position clockwise after each service and also rotate positions when receiving serve. The serving team must rotate to the right front position, while the receiving team must rotate to the left front position.
- Timeouts: Teams are allowed to take one timeout per set and request a coach's challenge if they believe the officials have made a mistake.
- Game format: Volleyball is typically played in a best-of-five format, with the first team to win three sets declared the winner. Each set is played to 25 points (with a minimum lead of two points), and the final set, if necessary, is played to 15 points, with the same rule of a two-point lead being applied.
How to start
Get the necessary kit: You'll need a ball, a net, and a court to play volleyball. The equipment will typically be provided if you're playing in a recreational league or club. If you're playing informally with friends or family, you can buy or borrow the necessary equipment.
Practice: Like any new hobby or sport, practice is key to improving your skills and becoming a better volleyball player. You can practice with a group or on your own, using a ball and a wall or a net.
Find a coach or mentor: If you want to take your volleyball skills to the next level, consider finding a coach or mentor who can provide you with guidance and feedback. A coach or mentor can help you identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to reach your goals.