Volleyball Rules, Techniques and Tactical Systems

Volleyball Origins

Volleyball was born in the United States in 1985.

Objective

The primary aim of the sport is to successfully throw the ball over the net.

Official Rules

• Teams: Six players per team; contact with the ball can be made with any part of the body.
• Ball Handling: Each team is allowed three touches to return the ball. A single player cannot touch the ball twice consecutively.
• Net Violations: Players cannot touch the net or cross into the opponent's vertical space.
• Net Height:
  • Men: Youth 2.40 m / Senior 2.43 m
  • Women: Youth and Senior 2.24 m
• Ball Specifications: Weight: 250–280g; Circumference: 65–67 cm.
• Rotation: Players rotate positions when the serve changes.
• Scoring: Matches are played as best-of-three games. Each game is won by reaching 25 points.

Technical Skills

Finger Setting

Used for high-precision passing. Fingers should be relatively open and fixed before contact. The ball is received and directed with the fingertips.

Forearm Passing

A defensive pass technique. The interior of the forearms is used. Arms should be slightly away from the trunk, positioned in front of and below the ball.

Serving

The technical gesture to start play.

• Underhand Serve: Involves a pendulum-like arm movement with the ball held in the opposite hand.
• Tennis Serve: The ball is tossed up and slightly forward, followed by an overhead striking motion.

Attacking

The most important offensive gesture. It involves a long approach run, a powerful vertical jump, and coordination to strike the ball effectively.

Blocking

The defensive response to an opponent's attack. Players jump vertically at the net with arms and fingers extended to create a screen. Care must be taken not to touch the net upon landing.

Tactical Systems

Basic Support

Players must remain alert and positioned to support teammates, maintaining physical readiness to play the ball.

Positional Strategy

The goal is to anticipate the opponent's attack and prepare for a counter-attack.

The "W" Defensive System

A formation used to cover the court effectively. The setter moves to prepare the attack while two players cover the back and others support the front. Key defensive movements include adjusting to the setter's position and closing gaps in the front line.