Over a century old, volleyball is a sport played and adored by many. Created on the East Coast in the late 1800s, volleyball has remained at the forefront of sports since its inception. A dynamic game, volleyball thrives on a foundation of rules and regulations, ensuring fairness and integrity on the court. As we break down the top volleyball rules, prepare to see a spike in your volleyball IQ. Whether you're learning how to play volleyball or eager to learn more about the game, let's rally.
The Game: How to Play Volleyball
In indoor volleyball, two teams of six make their way to the court to compete. There are three players up front by the net and three players in the back. The following positions are on the court during the game:
- Outside Hitter
- Middle Blocker
- Setter
- Opposite Hitter
- Libero
- Defensive Specialist
How Many Points Do You Play to in Volleyball?
Each player on the team works to support each other to win the most points and get the W. When it comes to indoor volleyball scoring, matches are made up of best two-out-of-three sets in youth play, and best three-out-of-five sets in college and professional play. The first team to get to 25 points wins the set—but a team must win by two points. For example, if both teams have 24 points, then one team must get to 26 points to win. The last set in the match is only played to 15 points and must also be won by a margin of two points.
Volleyball Rules
From gearing up for the court to settling into the stands, understanding the rules of the game is essential. Explore the top ten indoor volleyball rules you need to know below.
1. Only six players can be on the court at any given time—three up front and three in the back.
2. The three players in the back row cannot attack or block the ball inside the 10-foot line.
3. All players on a team must wear the same color—except the liberos, who wear the inverse of their team colors.
4. After the ball is served, players can move around and occupy any position on their side of the court.
5. Players cannot touch the net nor completely step under the court’s center line, this penalty results in an automatic point for the opposing team.
6. It's illegal to catch, hold, or throw the ball.
7. If the ball touches the net poles, antennas, or goes out of the boundary lines on the court, then it is “out,” and the point is awarded to the opposing team.
8. Teams can touch the ball a maximum of three times before sending it over into their opponent's half of the court.
9. When it comes to volleyball serving rules, when a team wins the point and gains the right to serve the ball from the opposing team, all players must rotate one position clockwise.
10. If a team doesn't show up for a game or refuses to play, they automatically forfeit it.
Your Serve
Whether you're cheering on a friend from the sidelines, dominating on the court, or just starting as a beginner, understanding the rules and regulations of volleyball will deepen your connection to the game. When you hit the court, make sure you're dressed for success. Check out our editorial on what to wear for volleyball to enhance your performance. From mastering volleyball serving rules and scoring to exploring 6 volleyball agility drills to improve speed or learning how to jump serve in volleyball, always keep an open mind to new learning opportunities. Embrace the chance to expand and elevate yourself as an athlete.
Illustrations by Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva