Volleyball

Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated
by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's
court under organized rules.It has been a part of the official program of the
Summer Olympic Games since Tokyo 1964. Beach volleyball was introduced to
the program at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics. The adapted version of
volleyball at the Summer Paralympic Games is sitting volleyball.
 History
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a physical
education instructor at the YMCA in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. Morgan
created the game as a blend of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball to offer
a less physically demanding alternative to basketball. Initially, the game was
called "Mintonette," a name derived from badminton, reflecting the nature of
volleying the ball back and forth over a net.
Morgan designed the first volleyball net to be 6 feet 6 inches high, a
height just above the average man's head. The early rules of the game were
simple, allowing any number of players and any number of hits on each side.
The first official game was played on July 7, 1896, at Springfield College,
where the game quickly gained popularity.
The name "Mintonette" was changed to "volleyball" in 1896 after a
professor at Springfield College observed that the players were volleying the
ball back and forth over the net. The new name captured the essence of the
game and was widely accepted.
Over the next few years, volleyball spread rapidly through YMCA
networks across the United States and into Canada, Cuba, and eventually
around the world. In 1916, the YMCA introduced the game to the Philippines,
where the offensive style of setting and spiking was developed. This marked a
significant evolution in the way volleyball was played, adding a new level of
strategy and athleticism to the game.
In 1928, the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) was founded,
establishing standardized rules and organizing national tournaments. The sport
continued to grow in popularity, with the first men's national championship held
in 1949, followed by the first women's championship in 1952.
Volleyball's inclusion in the Olympic Games was a major milestone in its
history. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) first included volleyball in
the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This event marked the sport's transition from a
recreational activity to a competitive international sport. The Soviet Union won
the first men's gold medal, while Japan took the gold in the women's event.
Beach volleyball, a variation of the game played on sand with teams of
two players, emerged as a popular sport in the 1920s in California. It gained
professional status in the 1980s and was included in the Olympic Games for the
first time in Atlanta in 1996.
 Court Design

A standard indoor volleyball court has specific dimensions and markings

that are essential for the game. These dimensions are regulated by the
Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) to ensure consistency in the
sport worldwide.
 Overall Size: The volleyball court measures 18 meters (59 feet) in
length and 9 meters (29.5 feet) in width. This creates a rectangular
playing area that is divided into two equal halves by a net.
 Centreline: A centreline runs beneath the net, dividing the court into two
equal halves, each measuring 9 meters by 9 meters (29.5 feet by 29.5
feet). This line is crucial for determining the boundaries of each team's
playing area.
 Attack Line (3-meter line): Each half of the court features an attack line,
also known as the 3-meter line or 10-foot line. This line is drawn parallel
to the centreline and is positioned 3 meters (9.8 feet) from it. The attack
line separates the front row from the back row and is essential in defining
where back-row players can legally attack the ball.
 Service Area: The service area is located behind the end line on each side
of the court. It extends beyond the sidelines and is 9 meters (29.5 feet)
wide. The server must stand within this area when serving the ball and
cannot step on or over the end line until after the ball is struck.
 Sidelines and End Lines: The outer boundary lines of the court are
called the sidelines (along the length) and end lines (along the width).
These lines are considered part of the court, so if the ball lands on them, it
is considered "in."
Free Zone
 Surrounding Area: Around the court, there is a free zone, which is an
area extending at least 3 meters (9.8 feet) beyond the sidelines and end
lines. This area allows players to move and play the ball outside the court
boundaries without obstruction.
 Ceiling Height: The ceiling above the court should be at least 7 meters
(23 feet) high. This space ensures that the ball has enough clearance
during play.
 Rules and Regulations
In volleyball, each team is composed of six players, and the game begins
with a serve, which is determined by a coin toss. The player from the serving
team tosses the ball into the air and hits it over the net into the opponent's court.
The receiving team must then return the ball using no more than three contacts
before it crosses back over the net. These contacts usually follow a pattern:
1. Bump (Pass): The first contact is typically a bump or pass aimed at
directing the ball to the player designated as the setter.
2. Set: The second contact is usually a set, an overhand pass where the setter
uses their wrists and fingertips to position the ball for an attacker.
3. Spike (Attack): The third contact is an attack, where the designated
attacker jumps and hits the ball forcefully down into the opponent's court.
The team that initiates this sequence of plays is said to be on offense, while the
opposing team is on defense. Defensive players attempt to block the attacker’s
spike by jumping and reaching above the net. If the ball is not successfully
blocked, the defensive players in the back row try to dig, or pass, the ball back
up to their teammates, transitioning from defense to offense.
The game continues in this manner, with teams rallying the ball back and forth
until the ball lands within the court boundaries or an error occurs. Common
errors include failing to return the ball within the allowed three touches, hitting
the ball out of bounds, or committing a foul like touching the net or making an
illegal hit. Players can move outside the court to play the ball, but the ball must
land inside the opponent’s court for the play to be considered successful.

Scoring System
Points in volleyball are scored in two main scenarios: when the ball lands on the
floor within the court boundaries, or when a team commits an error. A point is
awarded to the team that successfully lands the ball on the opponent’s side of
the court or when the opposing team makes a mistake. If the ball touches any
part of the boundary lines, it is considered "in," and the point goes to the team
that caused it to land there.
The team that wins the point also gains the right to serve the next point. If the
team that won the point was already serving, the same player continues to serve.
If the team that won the point was not serving previously, they rotate their
positions clockwise before serving. This rotation is crucial as it ensures that all
players have the opportunity to serve and play in different positions on the
court.
Winning the Set and Match
In most competitive matches, the first team to score 25 points with a margin of
at least two points wins the set. Matches are typically played in a best-of-five
sets format, meaning that the first team to win three sets wins the match. If a
match reaches the fifth set, it is usually played to 15 points, still requiring a two-
point margin to win. Scoring and match formats can vary depending on the
league or level of play. For example, high school matches in some regions may
use a best-of-three sets format.
Historical Context of Scoring
Before 1999, volleyball used a "side-out" scoring system, where points could
only be scored by the team that was serving. Each set was played to 15 points.
However, in 1999, the FIVB introduced the "rally point" scoring system, which
allowed points to be scored by either team, regardless of who was serving. This
change made the game more predictable in length and more exciting for
spectators and television audiences. The rally point system was adopted by the
NCAA in 2001, and the set length was adjusted to 25 points in 2008. Most high
schools in the United States adopted rally scoring by 2003, aligning with the
changes made at higher levels of competition.
The evolution of scoring rules has greatly influenced the pace and strategy of
volleyball, making it a more dynamic and viewer-friendly sport.

The Role of the Libero in Volleyball

The libero is a specialized defensive player in volleyball, introduced
internationally in 1998 and later adopted in NCAA competitions in 2002. This
position was created to enhance the defensive capabilities of a team by having a
player who is exclusively focused on receiving serves, digging attacks, and
making quick defensive plays.
Distinctive Features of the Libero
One of the most distinctive aspects of the libero is the requirement to
wear a jersey that contrasts in color from the rest of the team. This visual
difference helps referees, players, and spectators easily identify the libero on the
court. The libero is restricted from performing certain actions that are typically
allowed for other players. For example, the libero cannot block or attempt to
attack the ball if it is entirely above the height of the net.
Substitution Rules and Flexibility
Unlike other players, the libero has unique substitution rules. The libero
can replace any back-row player at any time during the game, without prior
notice to the officials. These substitutions are unlimited and do not count
towards the team's total number of substitutions allowed per set. However, the
libero can only be replaced by the player whom they originally substituted out.
This flexibility allows the libero to frequently rotate in and out of the game,
ensuring that the team’s defense remains strong throughout the match.
Strategic Role in Setting
In modern volleyball, the libero often assumes a critical role as a
secondary setter, especially when the primary setter is unable to make the play.
When the setter digs the ball (a defensive move where the ball is passed after an
opponent's attack), the libero typically steps in to make the second contact,
setting the ball to the front-row attackers. This role, however, comes with
certain restrictions. If the libero sets the ball using an overhand pass, they must
do so from behind the 3-meter line (attack line). If the libero sets the ball from
in front of the 3-meter line, any subsequent attack on the ball must be executed
below the height of the net. On the other hand, the libero is allowed to use an
underhand pass from anywhere on the court without these restrictions.
Libero's Defensive Expertise
The libero is generally regarded as the most skilled defensive player on
the team. Their primary responsibilities include receiving serves (serve
reception), digging powerful attacks from the opposing team, and making quick,
accurate passes to the setter. The libero’s agility, quick reflexes, and excellent
ball control are crucial in keeping the ball in play and setting up offensive
opportunities for their team.
Libero and Serving Rules
Under international rules, the libero is not allowed to serve. However, in
NCAA competitions, the rules have been adapted to allow the libero to serve in
a specific rotation. This means that while the libero can serve, they are limited
to serving for only one player in the rotation, not for multiple players as in
regular substitutions. This rule has also been adopted in high school and junior
high volleyball, expanding the libero's role slightly in these levels of play.
Recent Developments in Libero Position
 As of February 2024, the NCAA introduced a new rule allowing women’s
volleyball teams to designate two liberos for each set of a match. This change is
effective from the fall 2024 season. However, even with two liberos designated,
only one can be on the court at any given time. Each libero is permitted to serve,
but only in one specific rotation per set.
The introduction and evolution of the libero position have significantly
impacted the game of volleyball, making defense more dynamic and allowing
teams to strategize more effectively. The libero's role continues to evolve,
reflecting the ever-changing nature of the sport.
 Net Dimensions
 Height: The net is positioned over the centerline and has a height of 2.43
meters (7 feet 11 5/8 inches) for men's play and 2.24 meters (7 feet 4
1/8 inches) for women's play. In coed or mixed-gender games, the net
height is typically set at 2.35 meters (7 feet 8 5/8 inches).
 Width: The net is 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) wide and stretches across the
entire width of the court, with a total length of 9.5 to 10 meters (31.2 to
32.8 feet), allowing for some overhang on either side of the court.
 Antennae: Two vertical rods, known as antennas, are attached to the net
above each sideline. The antennas are 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) in length and
extend 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) above the net. They serve as a guide
to determine whether the ball crosses the net within the legal boundaries.

Ball Dimensions
The volleyball used in official matches has specific dimensions and
characteristics that are regulated by governing bodies such as the Federation
Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) to ensure consistency across the sport.
Size and Circumference
 Circumference: The official volleyball should have a circumference of
65 to 67 centimeters (approximately 25.6 to 26.4 inches). This size is
standard for both indoor and beach volleyballs, although beach
volleyballs might slightly differ in terms of texture and grip due to the
different playing conditions.
Weight
 Weight: A standard volleyball weighs between 260 to 280 grams
(approximately 9.2 to 9.9 ounces). The weight is consistent across
indoor and beach volleyball, ensuring that the ball is light enough for fast
play but heavy enough to be controlled effectively during serves, passes,
and spikes.
Internal Pressure
 Internal Pressure: The ball is inflated to an internal pressure of 0.30 to
0.325 kilograms per square centimeter (4.26 to 4.61 psi). Proper
inflation is crucial for the ball’s performance, as it affects the ball’s
 bounce, speed, and control during the game. Over or under-inflation can
significantly impact gameplay and is therefore closely monitored in
official matches.
Material
 Material: Volleyballs are typically made of synthetic leather or genuine
leather. The outer cover is composed of panels that are sewn or glued
together, providing durability and a good grip. The inner bladder, which
holds the air, is usually made of rubber or a similar material that retains
the ball’s shape and pressure over time.
Color
 Color: Traditionally, volleyballs were white, but modern volleyballs are
often multi-colored, featuring a combination of white with other bright
colors like yellow, blue, or red. These colors enhance visibility for players
and spectators, making it easier to track the ball during fast-paced play.
The FIVB specifies the use of these multi-colored balls in official
competitions.
These standardized dimensions and specifications ensure that volleyballs used
in official games are consistent in size, weight, and performance, allowing
players at all levels to compete on a fair and level playing field.
 Basic Skills
Serve

The serve is the action that starts each rally in volleyball. A player stands behind
the baseline and strikes the ball into the opponent’s court. The main goal is to
make the ball land within the opponent’s court, and to make it difficult for the
receiving team to return the ball. There are several types of serves:
1. Underhand Serve: The player strikes the ball below the waist. This serve
is easier to perform but less powerful and is rarely used in high-level
competitions.
2. Sky Ball Serve: An underhand serve that sends the ball very high into the
air, causing it to drop almost vertically. This serve is mostly used in beach
volleyball and is known for its unpredictability.
3. Topspin Serve: An overhand serve where the player imparts topspin to
the ball, causing it to drop quickly and travel in a straight path. This serve
is often aimed at a specific player or area of the court to challenge the
receiver.
4. Float Serve: An overhand serve with no spin, making the ball’s trajectory
unpredictable, similar to a knuckleball in baseball.
5. Jump Serve: The player tosses the ball high, makes an approach, and
jumps to hit the ball with topspin, generating a powerful serve. This is the
most popular serve in higher levels of play.
6. Jump Float Serve: Combines the jump and float serve. The ball is hit
while the player is in the air, adding unpredictability to its flight path.
Pass
The pass, or reception, is the first touch by the receiving team, aimed at
controlling the ball and directing it to the setter. There are two primary
techniques:
1. Bump (Underarm Pass): The ball is hit with the forearms, usually at
waist height, and is the most common way to receive a serve or spike.
2. Overhand Pass: The ball is played with the fingertips above the head,
similar to a set. This technique is used when the ball is high enough and
allows for more control over the ball’s direction and speed.

Set
The set is usually the second contact and is used to position the ball for an
attack. The setter plays a crucial role in the offense by deciding which hitter will
attack the ball. There are different types of sets:
1. Front Set: The ball is passed in the direction the setter is facing.
2. Back Set: The ball is passed behind the setter.
3. Jump Set: Used when the ball is close to the net, the setter jumps and
sets the ball to avoid touching the net.
4. Dump: The setter attempts to surprise the opponent by playing the ball
directly over the net instead of setting it for an attack.
Attack (Spike)
The attack is the action of sending the ball into the opponent’s court with the
intent of scoring. It is usually the third contact:
1. Backcourt Attack: A back-row player jumps from behind the attack line
to hit the ball.
2. Line and Cross-Court Shot: The ball is hit along the sideline (line shot)
or at an angle (cross-court shot).
3. Tip/Dink: A soft touch on the ball, aimed at placing it where the defense
is not covering.
4. Tool/Wipe: The hitter aims to deflect the ball off the opponent’s block
and out of bounds.
5. Quick Hit: A fast-paced attack where the hitter jumps before the setter
releases the ball.
6. Slide: The hitter moves around the setter to hit the ball from behind.
7. Double Quick Hit: Two hitters jump simultaneously for a quick attack,
often used to confuse the blockers.

Block
Blocking is a defensive action performed at the net to stop or alter an
opponent’s attack. There are different types of blocks:
1. Offensive Block: The blocker attempts to send the ball back into the
opponent’s court.
2. Defensive (Soft) Block: The blocker aims to deflect the ball upwards to
slow it down, making it easier for teammates to defend.
 3. Single, Double, and Triple Block: Refers to the number of players
involved in the block. More players can create a more effective barrier.

Dig
The dig is a defensive move to prevent the ball from touching the ground after
an opponent's spike:
1. Overhand Dig: The ball is received with the fingertips, similar to an
overhand pass.
2. Bump Dig: The ball is received with the forearms.
Specific techniques include the pancake (where the hand is slid under the ball
just before it touches the ground) and rolling (a technique to minimize injury
when diving for the ball).