Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 PLAYING AREA
The playing area includes the playing court and the free zone. It shall be rectangular
and symmetrical.
1.1 DIMENSIONS
The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18 x 9 m, surrounded by a free zone
which is a minimum of 3 m wide on all sides.The free playing space is the space
above the playing area which is free from any obstructions. The free playing space
shall measure a minimum of 7 m in height from the playing surface.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the free zone shallmeasure a minimum of
5 m from the side lines and 6.5 m fromthe end lines. The free playing space shall
measure a minimum of 12.5 m in height from the playing surface.
1.2 PLAYING SURFACE
1.2.1 The surface must be flat, horizontal and uniform. It must not present any
danger of injury to the players. It is forbidden to play on rough or slippery
surfaces.For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, only a wooden orsynthetic
surface is allowed. Any surface must be previouslyapproved by the FIVB.
1.2.2 On indoor courts the surface of the playing court must be of a light colour.For
FIVB, World and Official Competitions, white colours arerequired for the lines. Other
colours, different from each other,are required for the playing court and the free zone.
1.2.3 On outdoor courts a slope of 5 mm per metre is allowed for drainage.Court
lines made of solid materials are forbidden.
1.3 LINES ON THE COURT
1.3.1 All lines are 5 cm wide. They must be of a light colour which is different from
the colour of the floor and from any other lines.
1.3.2 Boundary lines
Two side lines and two end lines mark the playing court. Both side lines and end
lines are drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court.
1.3.3 Centre line
The axis of the centre line divides the playing court into two equal courts measuring 9
x 9 m each; however the entire width of the line is considered to belong to both
courts equally. This line extends beneath the net from side line to side line.
1.3.4 Attack line
On each court, an attack line, whose rear edge is drawn 3 m back from the axis of
the centre line, marks the front zone.
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the attack line isextended by the addition
of broken lines from the side lines,with five 15 cm short lines 5 cm wide, drawn 20 cm
from eachother to a total length of 1.75 m. The “coach’s restriction line” (abroken line
which extends from the attack line to the end lineof the court, parallel to the side line
and 1.75 metres from it) iscomposed of 15 cm short lines drawn 20 cm apart to mark
the limit of the coach’s area of operation.
1.4 ZONES AND AREAS
1.4.1 Front zone
On each court the front zone is limited by the axis of the centre line and the rear edge
of the attack line.The front zone is considered to extend beyond the side lines to the
end of the free zone.
1.4.2 Service zone
The service zone is a 9 m wide area behind each end line.It is laterally limited by two
short lines, each 15 cm long, drawn 20 cm behind the end line as an extension of the
side lines. Both short lines are included in the width of the service zone.In depth, the
service zone extends to the end of the free zone.
1.4.3 Substitution zone
The substitution zone is limited by the extension of both attack lines up to the
scorer's table.
1.4.4 Libero Replacement zone
The Libero Replacement zone is part of the free zone on the side of the team
benches, limited by the extension of the attack line up to the end line.
1.4.5 Warm-up area
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the warm-up areas,sized approximately 3
x 3 m, are located in both of the benchside corners, outside the free zone.
1.4.6 Penalty area
A penalty area, sized approximately 1 x 1 m and equipped with two chairs, is located
in the control area, outside the prolongation of each end line. They may be limited by
a 5 cm wide red line.
1.5 TEMPERATURE
The minimum temperature shall not be below 10° C (50° F).For FIVB, World and
Official Competitions, the maximumtemperature shall not be higher than 25° C (77°
F) and theminimum not lower than 16° C (61° F).
1.6 LIGHTING
For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the lighting on theplaying area should be
1000 to 1500 lux measured at 1 m above the surface of the playing area.
Volleyball Equipment
Solid Ball
Contrary to popular belief, not all volleyballs are the same. The ball is the single most
important piece of equipment in the game. A good ball will alleviate pain caused by
hitting it over the net or between teammates. If a game is being played indoors, a
leather ball will work best. It cannot be used outside because it may become wet and
damaged. A cloth ball may be used as well. This will not sting as much on the arms
and lasts a long time without costing a fortune. For outdoor play, a synthetic leather
ball is recommended.
The Net
The net is placed directly above the center line, 7 feet 4 inches above the ground for
women and 8 feet above the ground for men.
Poles
Volleyball poles should be set at 36 feet apart, 3 feet further out from the sidelines.
Net
The net is 1 meter (3 ft.) and 9.5 meters (32 ft.) long when stretched. The
net is attached to upright standards that are 1 meter (3 ft.) outside the
court. The standards may be padded to a maximum height of 5 and half
feet. Front and sides of the referees platform must be padded, same as the
standards.
Net Antennas
Antennas are attached to the net inline with the outside edge of the
sideline. Antennas extend upward at least 2 and half feet but no more than
3 and a half feet above the net. Antennas should be fasten securely to the
bottom and top of the net. The antennas should be made of unbreakable
material.
Referee Stand
The volleyball game rules require the referee stand to be a stable platform
that elevates the referees head to about 2 or 3 feet above the top of the
net. The platform should be 18 inches long and 12 inches wide.
The Ball
The volleyball must be spherical with a laceless molded cover of 12 or more
pieces of genuine or simulated smooth leather. The ball is about 25 to 27
inches in circumference. The ball should weigh about 9 to 10 ounces and be
inflated to 4.3 to 4.6 pounds.
Scoresheet
In competitive volleyball, volleyball game rules require a scoresheet to be
used to keep score. A scoresheet also provides space for lineups, individual
scoring, team scoring, and timeouts. There is a comments section for
recording warnings, penalties, unsporting conduct, and any other unusual
events.
Match
A match is won by the first team to win 3 out of 5 games. Depending on the
state, some high schools still play the best 2 out of 3. As soon as a team wins
3 games, the match is over.
Game
A game is played to 25 points, the first team to 25 wins. Games must be won
by at least 2 points. So, if there is a 24-24 tie, the game shall be played until
one team has a two point lead. If the match goes to a 5th game, the game is
played to 15 points.
Point
A point is scored by a team every time the opponent commits a fault.
A point is scored every time the ball lands in the opponents court.
SKILLS IN VOLLEYBALL
Serving
A properly executed serve provides the serving team with a significant advantage over the receiving
team. A serve that is properly placed can cause players on the receiving team to get out of position or
attempt awkward returns. The server must stand behind the service line at the end of the court.
There are three serving styles in volleyball. The underhand serve, the overhand serve and the jump
serve. The underhand serve generally is a relatively slow serve that travels high in the air toward the
rear of the court. Both the overhand serve and the jump serve are fast serves frequently struck with
top spin.
Passing
Passing also is known as "bumping" in an offensive sequence and "digging" when used to defend an
offensive shot. Passing is executed by interlocking your fingers, holding your arms straight and away
from your body. Make contact with the ball on your forearms and follow through to your target. The
only allowable service return is a pass, so it is frequently the first shot in a three-shot sequence.
Setting
Setting, or overhead passing, typically is the second shot in a three-shot sequence. A properly
executed set is placed close and above the net. You want to place the ball about four feet from the
net so on the third shot, typically a spike, your teammate won't hit the net on her follow through.
Hitting
Generally, you want to hit the ball with the greatest force possible on the third shot of a sequence.
When the ball is struck forcefully downward, above the height of the net, it is referred to as a "spike"
or "kill" shot. To execute a kill shot, a player may use either a two- or three-step approach. Strike the
ball at the top of your vertical leap, using the heel of your palm, followed by wrapping your hand on
the ball with your fingers and snapping your wrist.
Blocking
Blocking is a defensive play made close to the net. The object of a block is to deflect an offensive shot
directly back toward your opponent. Block attempts can be made by individual players or pairs of
players. Blocking is not allowed on serves. Blocks often are utilized as a defense against "kill" shots.
HISTORY OF VOLLEYBALL
William G. Morgan invented volleyball in 1895, initially calling the sport "Mintonette." Within a few
years it have become a popular activity at YMCAs. Within a few decades volleyball had spread
internationally and become a college sport in the United States. Over time, the rules were refined to
limit teams to six aside on the court and hits to three per possession. Volleyball became an Olympic
sport in 1964 and beach volleyball became an Olympic sport in 1996.
Competition Begins
Morgan showcased his new sport to YMCA directors in 1896. At the suggestion of Professor Alfred T.
Halstead, its name was changed to "volley ball" to match the action of the sport. It was played on a
smaller court (25 feet by 50 feet) with an unlimited number of players hitting the ball an unlimited
number of times. The sport's rules were published in the July 1896 edition of "Physical Education" and
were included the first official handbook of the North American YMCA Athletic League in 1897.
Beach Volleyball
The outdoor version of volleyball -- a two-on-two competition played on sand -- was born as a
tournament sport in 1948. It grew in popularity after its introduction at the 1996 Summer Olympics in
Atlanta. It has been a vibrant professional sports for decades and has become one of the fastest-
growing sports at the collegiate level.
Player specialization
There are 5 positions filled on every volleyball team at the elite level. Setter, Outside Hitter/Left Side
Hitter, Middle Hitter, Opposite Hitter/Right Side Hitter and Libero/Defensive Specialist. Each of these
positions plays a specific, key role in winning a volleyball match.
Setters have the task for orchestrating the offence of the team. They aim for the second touch and
their main responsibility is to place the ball in the air where the attackers can place the ball into the
opponents' court for a point. They have to be able to operate with the hitters, manage the tempo of
their side of the court and choose the right attackers to set. Setters need to have a swift and skilful
appraisal and tactical accuracy and must be quick at moving around the court.
Liberos are defensive players who are responsible for receiving the attack or serve. They are usually
the players on the court with the quickest reaction time and best passing skills. Libero means 'free'
in Italian—they receive this name as they have the ability to substitute for any other player on the
court during each play. They do not necessarily need to be tall, as they never play at the net, which
allows shorter players with strong passing and defensive skills to excel in the position and play an
important role in the team's success. A player designated as a libero for a match may not play other
roles during that match. Liberos wear a different colour jersey than their teammates.
Middle blockers or Middle hitters are players that can perform very fast attacks that usually take
place near the setter. They are specialized in blocking since they must attempt to stop equally fast
plays from their opponents and then quickly set up a double block at the sides of the court. In non-
beginners play, every team will have two middle hitters.
. The outside hitter is usually the most consistent hitter on the team and gets the most sets.
Inaccurate first passes usually result in a set to the outside hitter rather than middle or opposite. Since
most sets to the outside are high, the outside hitter may take a longer approach, always starting from
outside the court sideline. In non-beginners play, there are again two outside hitters on every team in
every match.
Opposite hitters or Right-side hitters carry the defensive workload for a volleyball team in the front
row. Their primary responsibilities are to put up a well-formed block against the opponents' Outside
Hitters and serve as a backup setter. Sets to the opposite usually go to the right side of the antennae.