By Emily Aus
How to play
A volleyball game has two teams of six players on each side of the net. The positions include a setter, middle blocker, outside hitter, opposite hitter, and libero.
Before the start of the game, the captains from each team come to the net to do rock-paper-scissors, which determines who serves the ball first or receives the ball. The winner has the option to choose between the two.
The two teams will rally, defending and attacking until the ball touches the opposing team’s ground.
Put simply, volleyball is a game where the ball cannot touch a team’s ground and the aim is to prevent it from doing so.
Volleyball games are played in sets, normally best of three to five sets.
Three-set games comprise two sets to 25 points and a final third set to 15 points. Each set must be won by two points. The team which wins two sets is the winner of the game.
Five-set matches comprise four sets to 25 points and a final fifth set to 15 points. Each set must be won by two points unless the tournament rules state otherwise. The team who wins three sets is the winner.
Rules and violations
There are a few fundamental rules that players must follow. The most basic regulations are that teams number six players, three on the front court and three on the back court, and in each team there is a maximum of three hitters: the outside, middle and opposite hitter.
In volleyball games, there should be a referee or a duty crew consisting of two refs, line judges and a scorekeeper having individual responsibilities.
Players have only three touches before sending it over the net.
A ball is “out” if it hits: an antenna, the line outside of the court, the referee stands or pole, and any contact with the ceiling of the venue.
Touching the net or crossing over the line under the net will be a point to the opposing team. When serving, you must be behind the line. If you step over just a bit, the point will be awarded to the opposing team.
The ball can be contacted by any part of the player’s body if it is up, but it is illegal to catch, hold or throw the ball and will result in a point to the opposing team.
Net heights are different for men’s and women’s games in volleyball. For senior men the standard height is 2.43m and the women’s standard height is 2.24m. Under 18 teams have the same heights but under 16 net heights drop to 2.24m for boys and 2.15m for girls.
Strategies
Volleyball is not an individual sport where you do whatever you want, it is a team sport where you use smart strategies to outsmart your opponent. Understanding some of the most common strategies in volleyball can help win games.
It is important to have effective communication skills among players. Communication is the key skill of the game, determining who is taking what ball and discussing serving strategies. Developing signals that your team understands is a smart way to implement this strategy.
The only time you have control over the ball is serving. You can change the speed, direction, and type of serving style to prevent the other team from getting too comfortable. You can serve directly to the weaker receivers or into the “seam”, which is right between the opposing team’s players.
While volleyball consists of attacking the opposing team, it is more than just a powerful hit. Each hitter uses their strategies to outsmart the opposing team. Working on diverse types of attacks, like tipping, rolls and hard hits. Aiming your hits can be a key to winning the point, targeting areas like open spots or weaker defenders can be an advantage.
It is also a mental game as well as a physical one. Staying focused and confident can make a significant difference in your performance. Maintaining a positive attitude, supporting your teammates, and never getting disappointed by mistakes or losing to a point.
Overall, volleyball is not just a game going back and forth spiking, blocking etc but a game where you use smart strategy, teamwork, and strength.
Therefore, volleyball is not just about scoring points; it is the passion and commitment that carries each team to its performance, whether you are diving for a dig or planning your next spike.
Featured image: Women’s volleyball at the London 2012 Olympics. Photo: Duncan Rawlinson/CC/flickr
