I.E.S. ANTARES 4º E.S.O.

1st Term

UNIT 2 - VOLLEYBALL

0.- KEY VOCABULARY

1.- INTRODUCTION

A WORLD SPORT:

Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are

separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by passing a
ball over the net grounding it on the other team’s court.

Volleyball was invented by William George Morgan, a Physical

Education teacher, in 1895 in the state of Massachusetts (USA).
Volleyball spread rapidly throughout the world: in 1947 the
International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) was formed. In 1912 the
rotation rule was introduced, and in 1922 the number of
times a team could touch the ball consecutively was limited to 3. It became an Olympic sport in Tokyo
Games in 1964. In the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 they introduced beach volleyball for the first time with
a lot of success. This was when the sport gained a lot of popularity.

Volleyball is now one of the big five international sports, and in the FIVB, with its 220 affiliated
national federations, is the largest international sporting federation in the world.

Although it is a team sport, like handball, basketball and soccer, it has some differences that make it
a singular sport.

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2.- BASIC RULES

Volleyball is a sport played by two teams on a playing court divided by a net. There are different versions
available for specific circumstances in order to offer the versatility of the game to everyone, as beach-
volley or water-volley.

The objective of the game is to send the ball over the net in order to ground it on the opponent's court,
and to prevent the same effort by the
opponent. The team has three hits for returning
the ball (including to the block contact). A player
may not hit the ball two times consecutively.

Facilities and equipment: the playing area is

18m long by 9m wide, surrounded by a “free zone”
of at least 3m. To play, you use a light ball weighing
about 280 grams and a net that measures 1m wide
by 2,43 meters tall for men and 2,24 meters for
women. This net separates the teams and the two
separate courts.

The ball is put in play with a service: hit by the server over the net to the opponents. The rally continues
until the ball is grounded on the playing court, goes “out”, or a team fails to return it properly.

In volleyball, the team who wins a rally, scores a point (rally point system). When the receiving team wins
a rally, it gains a point and the right to serve.

Typically, the first two touches are to set up for an attack or spike, an attempt to direct the ball back
over the net in such a way that serving team is unable to prevent it from being grounded in their court.
Volleyball exercises may involve bumping the ball, running, jogging, and serving the ball.

Before the match, the referee carries out a coin toss to decide on the first service and the sides of
the court in the first set. The winner of the toss chooses either the right to serve or to receive the
service or the side of the court. The loser takes the remaining choice. If a deciding set is to be played, a
new toss will be carried out.

A team scores a point:

• By successfully grounding the ball on the opponent’s court.
• When the opposition commits a fault.
• When the opposition receives a penalty.
• If the serving team wins a rally, it scores a point and continues to serve. If the receiving team
wins a rally, it scores a point and must serve next.

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Score system:
A rally is the sequence of playing actions
from the moment of the service hit by the
server until the ball is out of play. A completed
rally is the sequence of playing actions which
results in the award of a point.
A set (except the deciding 5th set) is
won by the team who is first to score 25 points with a minimum lead of two points. In the case of a 24-
24 tie, play is continued until a two-point lead is achieved (26-24, 27-25…)
The match is won by the team that wins three sets.
In case of 2-2- tie, the deciding 5th set is played to 15 with a minimum lead of 2 points.

2.1. TEAMS AND PLAYERS

For the match, a team may consist of up 12 players and there must always be six players per
team in play.

The three players along the net are front-row players (attackers) and the other three are
back-row players known as defense.

Each back-row player must be positioned further back from the centre line than the
corresponding front-row player.

After the service hit, the players may move around and occupy any position on their court and
the free zone.

The ball is put into play, by the back-right player, placed in the service zone.

Each team may request a maximum of two time-outs and six

substitutions per set. Two or more players may be substituted at the
same time within the same request. Regular game interruptions may be
requested by the coach, or in the absence of the coach, by the game
captain and only by them.

If one team is reduced to below 6 players due to expulsion or

injury for example, they lose the game.

2.2. LOCATION OF THE PLAYERS ON A COURT

Each team must be positioned within its own court in the rotational
order (except the server). If one team commits a positional fault, the
team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent.
After the service hit, the players may move around and occupy
any position on their court and the free zone. When the receiving
team wins a rally, it gains a point and the right to serve. Its players rotate one position clockwise.

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2.3. CONTACT WITH THE BALL

A team is entitled to a maximum of three hits (including to blocking) for returning the ball. If
more are used, the team commits a fault and the ball goes to the other team.

The rules to touch the ball are:

The ball may touch any part of the body, and must not be caught and /or thrown.
The ball may touch various parts of the body simultaneously.
When two (or three) teammates touch the ball simultaneously, it is counted as two (or
three) hits (with the exception of blocking).
When two opponents touch the ball simultaneously over the net and the ball remains in play,
the team receiving the ball is entitled to another three hits. If such a ball goes "out", it is the fault
of the team on the opposite side.
The ball sent to the opponent's court must go over the net within the crossing space (the
part of the vertical plane of the net limited by the top of the net, the antennae and their imaginary
extension and the ceiling).
The ball is “in” when it touches the floor of the playing court including the boundary lines
The ball is “out” when:
o the part of the ball which makes contact with the floor is completely outside the
boundary lines;
o it touches an object outside the court, the ceiling or a person out of play;
o it touches the antennae, ropes, posts, or the net itself outside the side bands;
o it crosses the vertical plane of the net either partially or totally outside the crossing
space;
o it crosses completely the lower space under the net.

It is considered a foul:

If the ball crosses completely the lower space under the net.
If two or more faults are committed successively, only the first one is counted.
If two or more faults are committed by opponents simultaneously, a DOUBLE FAULT is
called and the rally is replayed.
It is not permitted to touch the opponent's court with any part of the body above the feet,
if this action interferes the opponent's play.
When a player goes onto the other side of the
court with any part of the body. It is permitted to
touch the other side of the court, but only if that
part of the body is still on the correct side of the
court. For example: your toe can pass the line, but
not your whole foot.
If back-row players attack the ball in front
of attack line (3 meter line).

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2.4. THE GAME AT THE NET

The ball may touch it, while it‘s crossing the net.
Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net
itself, provided that it does not interfere with the play.
A ball driven into the net may be recovered within the limits of the three team hits.
It is considered illegal for the players to touch the net while the ball is in play. When players
from both teams touch the net simultaneously, it is considered a double fault and they will replay the
point.
After blocking, the blocker can touch the ball as long as it does not interfere with the team on
the other side of the net. It is considered illegal if a blocker touches the ball while it is still on the
other side of the net and they have not completed their attack.

2.5. THE “LIBERO” OR DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST

A libero is a defensive specialist and never rotates to the front row. The “libero” player(s) must
wear a uniform which has a different dominant colour from any colour of the
rest of the team.

• The Libero is allowed to replace any player in a back-row position.

• They are restricted to perform as a back-row player and are not

allowed to complete an attack hit from anywhere (including playing court
and free zone), if at the moment of the contact the ball is entirely higher
than the top of the net. He/she may not serve, block or attempt to block.

• Libero Replacements are not counted as substitutions. They are unlimited, but there must
be a completed rally between two Libero replacements.

3.- TECHNICAL ELEMENTS

3.1. THE SERVE

Each play starts off with a serve. The server steps behind the line at the very back of the court,
called the end line, and has freedom to serve from wherever he or she pleases as long as the foot does
not touch or cross the line. If the server’s foot crosses the end line, it is considered a foot fault, and
results in a change in possession of the ball. The server must hit the ball within 8 seconds after the 1st
referee whistles for service.

There are several types of serves. We will describe two of those serves and how they are done.

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THE UNDERHAND OR SAFE SERVE:

To carry out this kind of service, it is absolutely necessary that the player obtains
his/her best posture. Player should take into account:
Split stance: opposite foot forward to serving hand.
Swing your service arm straight back.
Toss the ball up, swing your arm forward.
Contact the ball with the heel of your palm.
Follow through and point in direction the ball is going.
Top tip: Transfer your weight from back foot to front foot to add more power.

THE OVERHAND OR TENNIS SERVE:

You must follow next steps, to develop it properly:
Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. Place the foot opposite of your
hitting hand in front of the other foot. Your shoulders and hips should be aligned with the
net. Your knees must be bent and your weight on your back foot.
Hold the ball in front of you. Place your non-dominant hand directly in front of you.
The palm should be face up with the ball in it.
Swing your serving arm back next to your head. Make sure that your elbow is
pointing upwards and your hand is above your ear.
Toss the ball into the air. Lift the ball with your palm in the air. Remember that
you want your dominant hand to make contact with the ball just after it changes direction
and begins to drop back down.
Hit the ball with the heel of your dominant hand or the bottom of your palm
forward. Smack the ball with the heel of your hand. Don't hit the ball with your fingers or
fist. When making contact with the ball, your weight should move towards your target.

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After serving, the player must enter the court and start playing. The server will not have a second
chance to complete the service until their team scores the point. The serve is considered successful
if:
− it passes over the net and into the court of the other team
− it is between the two antennas that indicate the width of the net.

The serve is considered unsuccessful or illegal if:

− the ball is above or outside of the antennas
− the ball touches a player or object that isn’t the net before reaching the other side of the
court.
− the ball goes under the net
− the ball lands outside the perimeter lines.

If there is a service error, the referee will indicate it and the other team will be awarded
possession of the ball and a point.

You must take into account some things that should be avoided while serving:
• Stepping on the back line or baseline before serving the ball.
• Not facing your target.
• Tossing the ball badly (too high or too low).
• Making too quick of a movement and hitting the ball with a loose arm.
• Serving the ball with a weak and loose hand.
• Not tossing the ball before hitting it.
• Not reentering the court after serving to continue playing.

We should always remember that for a serve, to be efficient and safe, we need to be precise and
take full advantage of the spaces. The fundamental objectives of the serve are:

To make the point right away.

To make it hard for the opponents to return the ball.

3.2. THE FOREARM PASS/BUMP

This action is a fundamental defensive technique. It is used instead of a set for

fast moving spikes that are difficult to receive. It is used mostly to receive serves and
spikes from the other team.

The reception seems easy and we can think we only need to focus the action on our
arms. In reality, there are many factors that you must take into account when
performing a forearm pass, such as your body’s position.

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Once the player has gotten to the best position to receive the ball, they must position themselves
in the best way to get the ball to the setter, taking into account the next suggestions:

• Clasp your hands together, with your arms in front of you, with your thumbs together, side-
by-side. Don't lace your fingers together.
• Your thumbs should be parallel with each other, and your four fingers on each hand will be
parallel with each other as well.
• Remember to keep your elbows locked, your forearms as close together as possible and your
knees bent.
• Keep your eyes on the ball.
• Ball is hit on forearm muscle.

In the moment you contact the ball, which

should be in the middle of your forearm, you begin
extending all of your body and forcing the ball towards
the setter.

When executing a forearm pass you should avoid:

− Bending your arms.
− Letting your arms be loose.
− Hitting the ball with your legs extended and together.
− Hitting the ball with your arms close to your body.

The tactical aspects of serve reception require that we take into account
our base position and the fundamental counterattack as a defensive element. The
two objectives of a counterattack are:
- Obtain control of the ball as it is sent from the other team.
- Put the ball into the optimum position and conditions for an attack.

3.3. THE SET/OVERHEAD PASS

This technical action is necessary to set up a successful attack/spike. It should be the second hit
before sending the ball to the other team. To be able to do this, it is necessary to place yourself behind
the ball with your legs a little bent and with one a little in front of the other.

Your hands should be directly above

your forehead. Your thumbs and
forefingers should form a triangular
window through which you can see the
ball.
Spread your feet about shoulder width
apart. Keep your feet, hips, and

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shoulders square to the direction of the ball.

To make contact, move your hands directly behind the path of the ball. Extend your elbows
as you extend your knees. Move your thumbs forward until your palms face the target.

The most common errors are:

• Keeping your hands too far apart with your fingers facing up.
• Receiving the ball too far away from your face.
• Separating the elbows too much.
• Having rigid wrists.
• Not keeping your legs bent.
• Not bending and extending all of your body in the direction
that you want the pass to go.
• Accidentally catching the ball in the moment of contact.

Generally speaking, the set is used to set up an attack. The ball should be played
pretty high (about 1 meter) above the net so that the other players can jump and spike the
ball. This is known as setting the ball and the position of the person who is designated to
set the ball is known as the setter. The set can also be used to receive a slow moving ball
from the other side and pass it to the setter next to the net.

Sometimes the team is obligated to use a set on their third touch. If this happens the ball should
be passed as low as possible and as strong as possible to the open space in between players to make it as
difficult as possible for the other team to control the ball.

3.4. THE SPIKE OR SMASH

In a play, the spike is the last hit. It is the most efficient hit to get a
point because it is the most difficult to receive for the other team because
of the speed of the ball. You should think that reception and your position on
the court is the ultimate objective to get a good hit. To get a point by spiking
is the culmination of an offensive play.

The different phases of a spike are:

1) RUN: you have to run towards the net, taking two or three steps.
2) JUMP: try to do the last step longer and lean the heel on the ground. You have to keep your
body behind. When you step on the other foot you have to boost both feet upwards, bringing
up both arms. The jump should be upright to avoid touching the net.
3) ARMED: you have to keep your hand behind your head in such a way that the elbow remains
behind the shoulder.

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4) HIT: it’s done with the palm of the hand, being aware that the ball should be in front of
you.

When spiking you should try to:

• Situate yourself behind the 3 meter line so that you will have enough space for your
approach.
• Start your approach as soon as the setter sets the ball. You will know where you need to
position yourself and how many steps you need to take.
• Hit the ball at its highest point above the net.

Also, you should try to avoid:

Starting the approach too early without waiting to see where the ball goes
Jumping too far in front of the ball.
Jumping forward, instead of jumping up.
Touching the net on your way down, this will be a fault.

3.5. THE BLOCK

Blocking is the action of players close to the net to intercept

the ball coming from the opponent by reaching higher than the
top of the net, regardless of the height of the ball contact.

Only front-row players are permitted to complete a block

and it can be performed by two or three players, but at the
moment of the contact with the ball, a part of the body must be
higher than the top of the net.

A block contact is not counted as a team hit. Consequently, after a block contact, a team is
entitled to three hits to return the ball. To block an opponent's service is forbidden.

Ready position for blocking:

Stand at a comfortable distance off the net. You should be standing with enough leverage
to push off and move sideways if you need to.
Place your arms up in front of you. You want your arms up ready to react to the other
team’s offense.

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Good volleyball blocking skills consist of moving into good position to jump up and penetrate
the net with your hands and arms to deflect or block your opponents attack.
Hands position: Your fingers should be spread as wide as possible when blocking. By
spreading them wide you cover more area and help tense them up which makes them stronger for
blocking. A strong tense finger prevents jamming or injuring your fingers during.
All actions which direct the ball towards the opponent, with the exception of service and
block, are considered as attack hits.

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