• Volleyball Study Guide

    1. Each team is allowed up to three touches to hit the ball over the net (a block is not considered a touch.)

    2. No double hits are allowed (two consecutive hits by the same person). The only exception is if two players hit the ball simultaneously. If this happens, either player may touch the ball again.

    3. 25 point rally scoring is used (a point is awarded for each serve). A team must win by at least two points.

    4. Six players play at a time. Rotation is clockwise and occurs when a team has the next serve. Side-out is the term used to indicate this rotation and change of serving teams. A team must rotate severer after every side-out.

    5. It is illegal if the ball comes to a momentary stop when touching a player. The ball cannot roll up a player’s arms, be trapped, be carried, or be thrown from above or behind a player’s head. This is referred to as a lift.

    6. Net-foul- When a player or any part of his/her clothing touches the net.

    7. Double foul- When two opposing players commit a foul at the same time. A replay is called when a double foul is called.

    8. Back row players may not spike the ball in front of the ten-foot line.

    9. A serve that hits the net but still makes it over is good. During play, if the ball hits the net, it remains in play.

    10. Blockers may reach over the net to block an attack, but cannot touch it.

    11. If team A serves first in game #1, team B serves first in game #2 regardless of who won the first game.

    12. A hitter may reach over the net on a follow-through as long as his/her body or clothes do not touch the net.

    13. A ball is considered in bounds when it lands on the line.

    14. Replay is called when interference or disruption of play occurs (No point is awarded).

    15. Players must remain in rotation position until the ball is put into play, at which point they can move anywhere in order to play the ball.

    16. Free ball- any high, easy ball sent over to opponent

    17. Play must top and interference is called when a ball rolls onto a court from another court.

    Skills and Techniques

    Overhand Pass (Set)

    1. Hands in triangular position with thumbs behind the ball

    2. Position body directly underneath the ball. Contact should be made above the forehead

    3. Bend Knees and follow-through with entire body (knees-arms-wrists)

    4. Contact the ball with your fingerpads-not your entire palm

    5. This skill is used to set the volleyball for the hitter (spiker)

    Underhand Pass (Volley or “Bump”)

    1. Ready position includes: knees bent, heels up, feet shoulder-width apart, thumbs clasped together with arms extended.

    2. This pass is executed by straightening the knees rather than swinging the arms; meet the ball, don’t swing at it.

    3. Contact is made in the middle of the forearms when the ball is approximately waist high.

    4. Position your body directly behind the ball.

    5. This skill is used to receive a serve (on first contact of the ball during a rally)

    Serve

    1. Underhand serve (for beginners)- upward arm swing, ball contacted with heel of the hand, hold ball diagonally/in front of hitting shoulder, hit ball out of hand, don’t toss it.

    2. Overhand serves- 1. A floater is contacted in center of ball 2. Topspin serve follows a direct path and is powerful. Make contact with ball at arms reach.

    3. Jump Serve- Powerful serve when ball is thrown into the air and then contacted using a swinging motion and jump.

    Spike (hit)

    1. Offensive technique used after the ball has been set within 10’ of the net

    2. Direction of spike is downward with speed and power.

    3. Begin approach at the 10’ line. Use arm swing and legs for power in the jump.Typically, a three-step approach for a right-handed hitter is left, right, left.

    4. Hitting is similar to a throwing motion.

    5. Hitting hand should be open and the ball contacted with the heel of the hand.

    6. Keep the ball in front of your body and use a two-foot take off and landing, finishing the hit with your body facing the net.

    Dink

    1. Offensive technique used when blockers (on defensive team) are in position

    2. Use same approach as for a spike, but simply poke or lob the ball over the net.

    3. This dink can also be used when the hitter is out of position or their timing is off.

    Block

    1. Defensive technique against a spike; it stops the ball from crossing the net

    2. Jump straight up in the air with both arms extended overhead, fingers spread, and shoulders locked

    C. Time your jump with the hitter as though you are attempting to catch the ball over the net.

    Safety and Etiquette

    1. Don’t run onto another court to retrieve a ball until play has stopped.

    2. Roll the ball underneath he net on a side-out.

    3. Call the ball so others know who is taking it.

    4. Do not tug on the nets.

    5. Always be aware of the other players’ positions on the court to avoid collisions.

    6. Never kick the ball!!

    Health and Skill Components and How they Relate to Volleyball

    1. Agility- the ability to move and change direction quickly and accurately-used in VB to position the body correctly to receive a hit

    2. Power- an explosion of force- used in jumping and hitting.

    3. Coordination- different parts of the body working together to complete a task-hand-eye coordination is used to do an overhand serve

    4. Muscular strength- a health-related component that is the ability to exert a maximum force-used in VB block or any skill that involves jumping.

    5. VB does not improve cardiovascular conditioning or flexibility. A VB player should supplement the game with activities like swimming laps or jogging to improve cardiovascular fitness and stretching to improve flexibility.