The History of Volleyball

William G. Morgan, an
instructor at a YMCA in
Holyoke, Massachusetts
invented volleyball in 1895.
He decided to blend the
elements of several sports:
basketball, tennis, baseball & handball. He raised a tennis net to the
height of six feet six inches. When demonstrating the game a student
remarked that the players seemed to be volleying the ball back and
forth, which perhaps is the reason we know the game today as
volleyball.

Rules of the Game

Players- a team consist of six players
To Start Play- the game starts with a serve from one of the teams.

Serving-
• The ball that hits the net on the serve and goes over is good
• Players must serve from behind the service line

Pass, Set, Hit (Offense)

• The offensive team may hit the ball up to three times

to get the ball over the net
• Players may not touch the net during play
• The same player may not hit the ball twice in a row
• Any ball that hits a line is considered in
• A ball that hits the net during play and goes over is good

Defense- each player should cover their area of the floor. Working
together as a team will help to keep the ball going and prevent the ball
from hitting the floor.

Scoring- rally scoring is used during game play- the winner of

each rally is awarded a point regardless of whether that team
served
 • Games go to 25 points and a team must win by two points
• A match is considered 3 of 5 game
Fouls-
• Carry/ Held Ball- when a player hits a ball two times in a row
• Double Hit- not hitting the ball cleanly

Team Strategies
• Serve to open spots
• Call the balls to prevent the ball from hitting the floor
• Work together as a team
• Use three hits when on offense to set up for attacks

Skills

Pass/Bump- A ball-handling skill that a players uses to legally contact the

ball at a level below the waist using the forearms as the contact surface,
usually the first contact made after a serve.

Set- A ball-handling skill using both hands simultaneously to contact the

ball above the head and direct it to the intended target or attacker so the
ball can be spiked in the opponent’s court

Attack- The attempt by one team to terminate the play by hitting the ball to
the floor on the opponent's side.

Block- The combination of one, two or three players jumping in front of

the opposing spiker and contacting the spiked ball with the hands in
attempt to prevent the ball from coming over the net.

Dig- Retrieving an attacked ball close to the floor.

Serve- A one handed hit, over or under handed, used to put the ball into play.

Court Diagram and Positions

Setter- the player responsible for setting the ball, they usually take the
second hit when on offense in attempt to set up a play

Defensive Specialist- a player who specializes in playing the back row

and passing the ball
Attackers- a player who specializes in attacking or spiking the ball