chapter I

BRIEF HISTORY, NATURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF VOLLEYBALL

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
a. Trace the brief history of volleyball;
b. Discuss the nature of the game;
c. Analyze the development of the game volleyball; and
d. Appreciate the contribution of different countries to the development of the game.

LESSON 1:

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GAME

One of the few sports that originated in the United States is the game volleyball. This
was invented by in 1895 by Dr. William C. Morgan, a YMCA Director in Holyoke,
Massachusetts, which initially called “mintonette” in an attempt to meet the needs of local
businessman who found the game of basketball to be strenuous. One of the objectives of the
game is to provide an indoor game to be played during the cold winters in the northeast states
of the country. The new game caught on quickly because it required only a few basic skills,
easily mastered in limited practice time. The original game was played with a rubber bladder
from a basketball. Early rules allowed any number of players on a side. In 1896, the name
was changed by Alfred Halstead, who after viewing a game, felt volleyball would be more
suitable name due to the volleying characteristics of play(Viera & Ferguson, 1989).

As the game has progressed, many changes in play have occurred. Among these
developments are the contributions of the Filipinos who are credited with adding the set and
spike in the game and the Japanese added the sport to the Olympic Games program in 1964.

The game was introduced to the Philippines in 1910 by the Physical Director of the
YMCA, Elwood S. Brown, to Japan in 1913, to Poland in 1915, to Uruguay in 1916, to Brazil
and Latvia in 1912, and to Syria in 1922. After the World War I, it was introduced throughout
Europe.

NATURE OF THE GAME

Volleyball is one of the most successful and popular competitive and recreational
sports in the world. It is fast, exciting and the action is explosive.

Volleyball is a universal game easily adapted to the needs and abilities of all
participants. For younger players, the net can be lowered and for recreational and
coeducational play, rules can be modified. Volleyball appeals to people of all ages at different
level of skills(Scates, 1988).

The game volleyball is played by two teams each having six players on a 9 x 18 meter
court, the two courts separated by a net. The primary objective of the each team is to try to hit
the ball to the opponent’s side in such a manner as to prevent the opponent from returning the
ball. This is usually accomplished by using a three-hit combination of forearm pass to a
setter, followed by a set to another attacker, who spikes the ball into the opponent’s court.

Among the six players on a side, three are called forwards, and the three are called
backs. The three players in the front of the net are called front row players and occupy
positions 4(front- left), 3(front-center), and 2( front-right). The three players at the back are
called back row players occupying positions 5( back-left), 6(back-center), 1( back right).
Players need to be in their correct rotational positions until the serve is executed. The players
cannot overlap positions from front to back or from side to side. After the serve, players are
allowed to play in any position on or off the court, with one restriction: back row players
cannot leave the floor to hit the ball in front of the attack line.

LESSON 2:

LATER DEVELOPMENTS

Volleyball is a great game. It has been actively promoted in recent years and has
developed tremendously as top competitive sport. Steel (2010), indicates that this is the
background to the continued development of the Rule Text of volleyball.

A new development of the game concerns the introduction of a libero player

(meaning free in Italian) in the year 1988.The libero is designated back-row player, intended
to be used as a ball-control specialist (Al Morel 2012).The libero is allowed to replace any
player in the back row without counting as a substitution. There is no limit to the number of
libero replacements a team is allowed. The libero’s uniform must contrast from the color of
the other team mate’s uniforms. The libero may not serve, attempt to block, and attack from
the height of the net. In addition a teammate may not attack a ball that is completely above
the height of the net if the libero set the ball from in front of the three meter line using an
overhead set.

Another feature of the new rules of volleyball is the introduction of let serve which
allows play to continue even after ball touches the net as long as it continues into the
opponent’s court. Further, the introduction of the expanded service area provided the server
wider options to execute the serve. The zone today is a 9 meter wide area behind each end
line. It is laterally limited by two shorts lines, each 15 cm long, drawn 20 cm behind the end
line as the extension of the sidelines. In depth, the service zone extends to the end of the free
zone. Other changes were instituted to relax the calls on the faults for lifting and double-
touches. This allowed a single player multiple contacts on a team’s first contact.

The rally point scoring system is another new development in the game volleyball. In
this rule, to win a point, a serving or receiving team must win the rally. To win a set, the team
must first score 25 points with a minimum lead of 2 points. In case of a 24-24 tie, play is
continued until a two-point lead is achieved. The match is won by the team that wins three
sets. In the case of 2-2 tie, the deciding set is played to 15 points with a minimum lead of 2
points.

chapter II
BASIC SKILLS IN VOLLEYBALL

Learning Objectives:
 At the end of the module, you are expected to:
a. Identify the different basic skills in volleyball;
b. explain the importance of each skill in volleyball; and
c. demonstrate the appropriate procedure in executing the pass, attack, block and
service in volleyball; and
d. perform properly suggested drills for passing, attacking ,blocking, and serving.

LESSON 1

PASSING

Passing simply refers to the act of hitting the ball to another teammate. The term
passing is used to denote the first contact of a team after the ball has crossed the net on a
serve or other type of hit. The player who first contacts the ball passes to a teammate who
sets it for the spike to hit into the opponent’s court (Dunphy 2000).

A. The Forearm Pass

The first basic volleyball pass is the forearm pass. It is sometimes referred to as the
“bump pass”. It is used to receive serves, receive spikes, play any ball at waist level or lower,
and play any ball that has gone to the net. The forearm pass is most used to direct the ball to a
teammate. It is important to absorb the force of a hard-hit ball and direct the ball in such a
way that your teammate can execute an overhead pass or set on the next play.

HOW TO EXECUTE THE FOREARM PASS

There are many approaches and pointers in executing a good forearm pass, however
the following elements for good execution are (a) getting to the ball, (b) setting your position,
(c) making contact, (d) and following the ball to the target. When performing the forearm
pass, your hands must be joined together’ your thumbs must be parallel. Your elbows are
rotated inward so that the soft, flat portions of your arms face the ceiling. This platform by
your hands should be even as possible
The forearm pass is a relatively easy skill to perform when you move to the ball first;
that is you get to the proper position before attempting the skill.

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE FOREARM PASS

Preparation Phase
 Hands must be joined
 Stride position
  Feet shoulders width apart
 Knees bent
 Forearms parallel to thighs
 Back straight
 Eyes on ball
Execution Phase
 Thumbs parallel
 Heels of hands together
 Receive the ball on the left
side of body
 Slight extension of legs
 Forward and upward “poking
motion”
 Platform slanted toward target
 Hips under and forward
 Watch ball contact arms
Follow Though Phase
 Hands remained joined
 Platform follows ball to target
 Arms not higher than shoulders
 Transfer weight forward
 Eyes follow ball to target

B. The Overhead Pass

The overhead pass is usually your team’s second contact of the ball in the three-step
offensive effort. It is a pass made with both hands open, controlled by the fingers, with
player, face below the ball. In most offensive situations, one player is designated as the setter
and is the player who executes the second hit, or set. This person should be the best overhead
passer on the team. The overhead pass can be used by a player receiving any ball higher than
shoulder level and coming to the player with little force. You should use the overhead pass
whenever possible. Do not let the ball drop to forearm pass level, because the overhead pass
is the most efficient way to handle the ball.
HOW TO EXECUTE THE OVERHEAD PASS
The ready position is a slight stride, your feet shoulder-width apart, your knees bent,
and your hands raised in front of your forehead at a distance approximately 6-8 inches, your
thumbs pointing toward your eyes. Form a “window” with your thumbs and pointer fingers in
such a manner that your fingers are twice as far apart as your thumbs. Watch the ball through
this window. It is extremely important that your shoulder be positioned squarely toward the
target. As the ball contacts your hands, your hands form to the shape of the ball with only the
upper two joints of your finger actually touching the ball. As the ball contacts your fingers,
extend your arms and legs, transferring your weight in the intended direction of the pass.

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE OVERHEAD PASS

Preparation Phase
 Feet are in a comfortable stride position
 Body moves to the ball
 Arms and legs are slightly bent
 Hands are held 6-8 inches above forehead
 Eyes follow ball through the “window” formed by the fingers and thumbs
Execution Phase
 Fingers and thumbs contact ball
 Ball is contacted on its lower back
 Arms and legs extended forward
 Weight transfer toward the target
Follow-Through Phase
 Arms are fully extended with hands pointing toward the target
 Player moves in the direction of the pass

C. The Set Pass

The set pass is an overhead pass that you execute to place the ball in a position for the
attack. The set can either be forward pass or back pass. The height of the set depends upon
the type of spike desired.

Importance of the Set

 The set determines where and how well the attacks develop (Viera et. al 1989).
Generally, a team designates one or two players to perform the setting duties. It is extremely
important that these players have outstanding ability in setting the ball efficiently.

HOW TO EXECUTE THE SET

The setter takes a position on the right side of the court, close to the net and facing the
left sideline. The set is executed in the same manner as the overhead pass. The overhead pass
is called a set only when it is the second pass by your team and is used to direct the attack.
When you set the ball to an attacker, it should be at least a foot off the net so that the attacker
can hit the ball hard.
There are three kinds of set passes: the high-outside, the quick and the back set. The
high outside is placed on the left side of the court so that, if left alone, it would drop on the
left sideline. It is a set higher than the top of the net. In the high set, it is the responsibility of
the attacker to go to the ball. The back set needs less travelling distance than the high outside
and requires less height.

High outside Set Quick Set Back Set

The quick set is always set in relation to the setter. The setter sets the ball directly in
front of himself or herself and 1-2 feet higher than the top of the net. In this kind of set, it is
the setter’s responsibility to set the ball accurately to the attacker. The attacker approaches in
front of the setter and jumps as or before the setter contacts the ball.
The back set is performed with same technique as the front high set except that as the
setter contacts the ball, the back is arched and the ball is directed towards the ceiling.

LESSON 2
THE ATTACK
 The attack is the last hit made by the team. It is usually a hard spike but may be a soft
hit just over the blockers (“tip” or a “drink”), or a “roll” shot into an open area of the court
(Dunphy and Wilde, 2000).

Other coaches however,identify three methods of attacks,each of which can be very

must jump into the air and sharply and forcefully hit a moving ball over the net so that it
lands within the bounded area on the opponent’s court. Due to the many variables associated
with spiking, its effective.The three kinds of attacks are described as the dink, off speed
spike, and hard-driven spike. Viera and Ferguson (1988) emphasize that the first to be learned
of the three is the dink. It is often looked upon as a defensive maneuver to be performed
when the conditions are not right for a more powerful attack. The dink is a legal push of the
ball around or over the blockers. The off-speed spike is a second option for the attacker. As
indicated by its name, less than maximum force is imparted at contact so that the ball loses
power quickly. Like the dink, it is an extremely effective offensive technique used to disrupt
the timing patterns of the defensive team. A third attack is the hard-driven spike, the most
exciting play in volleyball. It is also one of the most difficult of all sport skills to learn. In
order to make a successful spike, you timing is difficult and its success requires hours of
practice.

A. How to Execute the Dink

The approach to all three types of attack is the same. It is important because it
increases the height of your jump and increases the force you are able to impart on the ball.
For a high set, you, attacker, begins to take on the attack line, wait for the set to the ball to be
half the distance to you from the setter, and then move towards the set. Approach the net
attempting to cover the distance with as few steps as possible. The last two steps are the most
important. Make a two-footed takeoff by planting or right foot heel first and closing with
your left foot or taking a hop onto both feet. As you plant both feet heels first to change
forward momentum into upward momentum, swing your arms to prepare for a jump. Swing
forward both arms and reach high toward the set as you jump straight into the air. Draw you
hitting arm back, your elbow high and your hands close to your ear. As you swing at the ball,
your non hitting hand drops quickly to your waist. Gently contact the ball by using the upper
two joints of the fingers of your hitting hand, lightly in front of your hitting shoulder at full
arm extension.
THE BLOCK

The block is the first line of defense against your opponent’s attack. The purpose of
the block is to take a portion of your court away from the opponents. Blocking as defined
under international rule (FIVB Rule 2009-12) is the action of players close to the net to
intercept the ball coming from opponent by reaching higher than the top of the net.

A block can be considered successful if the ball rebounds off the blocker’s hands
directly into the opponent’s court or if the blocker deflects the ball so that it goes high in the
air on the blocker’s team’s side of the court.

There are two types of blocks- the single block and the multiple blocks. In a single
block, only one player blocks at a time. Single blocking in volleyball is often not enough to
stop opposing attack. Teams often join two or three players together, forming double or triple
blocks, referred to as multiple blocks.

A. How to Execute a Single Block

As the blocker, begin by standing within 1 foot of the net, facing the opposite court.
Your hands are out to your sides at shoulder level, palms facing forward with fingers spread
wide. Wait until the ball is set to the hitter across the net from your position on the court, then
change to watch the attacker until the ball comes into view. Attempt to line up one-half body
width toward the opponent’s hitting side.

Immediately after the attacker jumps, bend your knees and jump. Reach over the top
of the net, your hands penetrating into your opponent’s court, and position your hands to both
sides of the attacker’s hitting arm. Attempt to make the ball rebound of your hands back into
the opponent’s court.
B. How to Execute Multiple Blocks
The execution of the double and triple blocks is similar to the execution of the single
block. The main difference is that two or three players join together to block. When the block
is on the outside of the court, the outside player sets the block and the middle players joins
the outside player. When moving to join the outside player, the middle player should watch
the outside player moving to that position; then both players can jump at the same time.

When the middle blocker is blocking and the opponent’s set is high enough, both
outside players move to join the middle player, forming a triple block. During this block, the
middle blocker’s hands directly line up with the ball, and the outside blockers take away the
angles.

THE SERVE

The serve is an integral part of volleyball match. It is the act of putting the ball into
play. A highly effective serve will score an outright winner-an ace. Your next skill to master
is to serve. There are several different types of serves in volleyball. Each one has its
advantages and disadvantages. The only time that you earn points in volleyball is when your
team is serving. It is therefore very important that you serve with consistency-that is, serve
the ball over the net into the opponent’s court at least 90% of the time.

There are several types of serves. Top players may master several, but few players
master them all. For beginners, the most important factors in serving are speed and accuracy.
The first goal is to get the ball into the court with speed; the next concern is to maneuver the
ball to the defense’s weakness.

A. The Underhand Serve

The underhand serve can be extremely effective at the beginning level.Any player can
serve the ball underhand. Once you are consistent in using the underhand serve,you should
practice other serves that are more effective.
The starting position for the underhand serve is standing in a stride position with the
leg on the side opposite your hitting hand forward and shoulders square to the net. Hold the
ball about waist level,slightly to the center from your front foot, with your weight evenly
distributed on both feet. Your hitting hand swings backward above the waist level and then
forward to contact the ball. Your weight shifts with the swing of your hand, shifting to the
rear foot and then to the front foot. You contact the ball wih an open hand, the heel of your
hand cutting into the back of the ball just below its center. Watch the flight of your serve and
prepare for further action.

KEYS TO EFFECTIVE UNDERHAND SERVE

Preparation Phase
 Feet are staggered, comfortable stride position
 Weight is evenly distributed
 Ball is held at waist height or lower to the center from front foot
 Shoulders are square to the net
 Eyes on the ball
Execution Phase
 Serve swings arm back and transfer weight to rear foot
 Arms swings forward and weight transfer to front foot as ball is contacted
 Server contacts ball with heel of open hand at waist level as ball holding hand drops
 Holding hand does not swing
  Yes stay on ball until contact

Follow-Through Phase
 Hand swings forward the top of the net
 Weight ends up on front court
 Server moves onto court to defensive position

B. The Overhand Serve

The overhand serve is a serve in which a player strikes the ball with his or her hand
above the shoulder. Dunphy(2000) identifies several types of overhand serves: floaters, spins,
and jumps. Each has a unique technical form.
For all types of overhand serves, your starting position is facing the net with your feet
shoulder-width apart and under your shoulders. The backswing is like catcher’s throw rather
than a full-arm swing. The elbow leads the hand and arms as the hitting arm comes forward.
The wrist remains stiff and your hand is open to offer the largest surface area possible.
The essential element in executing the floater serve is the toss. The toss must be made
with little or no spin on the ball. The key to consistent serving is the elimination of all
extraneous movements.

C. The Overhand Floater

The float serve is the most commonly used served at elite levels of play. It is a non-
spinning ball that moves with existing air currents. The essential element in executing the
floater serve is the toss. The toss must be just in front of your hitting shoulder at a height that
allows you time to swing your arms and still contact the ball at full extension. The toss must
be made with little or no spin on the ball.