Volleyball: Rules, Techniques, and Positions

Basic Volleyball Rules and Gameplay

Volleyball is a team sport that can be played both outdoors and indoors.

The Game

The ball is put into play through the service, which is not to touch the net but must pass between the rods and fall within the opponent's court. Upon completion of the service, each team can carry out a maximum of three hits. The first is called reception and is usually done with a forearm pass to the setter. The second is the placement, usually making a pass of fingers, and the third is the spike.

It is a foul if the team performs four hits (if the ball touches first on the block, you can still make three hits). Only the team that owns the service can score points. So, if you make a point without having the service, there is a recovery of the ball (change of service). Points are awarded when the ball hits the ground of the opposing team or the opposing team commits a foul.

Winning a Match

A team wins when it gets three sets in a match, which allows playing up to five sets. A set is won when a team reaches 15 points, getting at least two points more than the opposing team. Otherwise, play continues until a team wins by two points, but only up to 17 points.

Rotation

Before starting each set, both teams must give the order of rotation.

Fundamental Positions

For maximum performance when applying the technical gestures, it is essential to start from a basic position that will allow the successful completion of the gesture.

The Fundamental Average Position

This is usually the most common. Its characteristics can be summarized as:

• The feet slightly apart to shoulder width and, according to field position, one foot is placed in front of the other.

Finger Pass

The finger pass is one of the basics of volleyball. Among the various ways, we can distinguish the finger pass forward or front pass, the backward pass, the lateral pass, and the pass in suspension.

Backward Pass

The difference with the forward pass is in the form of standing relative to the ball. The ball must go backward.

Lateral Pass

The ball is hit laterally.

Suspension Pass

This pass is performed in the air after making a jump.

The Setter

The figure of this player is of vital importance in volleyball; they are the distributor of the game.

Forearm Pass

This is used to receive the ball and direct it to the place of the setter. This pass has its meaning, essentially, to receive a service or an opposing team's shot.

Spike

The most complex element of volleyball, and that must be resolved in the air as technical issues such as tactical coup. The spike has to be powerful and headed to the area that creates more problems than the opposing team. In this action, we can distinguish four phases: approach, jump, hit, and landing.

Block

Arms may be extended over the net, creating an offensive block (the block, initially, is considered an element of defense).