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Basic Rules of Volleyball For Youth Players, Coaches, Parents and Fans

These basic rules of volleyball review the regulations for volleyball scoring and for playing actions allowed and not allowed in the game.

Basic Rules of Volleyball-The third contact of the ball MUST go over the net and into the court of the opposing team to either (Craig Fildes)

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These basic rules of volleyball review the regulations for volleyball scoring and for playing actions allowed and not allowed in the game.

If you are a youth player, coach, parent, or a fan, it's important to understand the basic rules of volleyball before becoming a serious player.

These rules serve as the foundation of the game and ensure fair play and safety.

Whether you're a

youth player looking to improve your skills,
a coach guiding your team,
a parent supporting your child, or
a fan cheering for your favorite team, having a solid grasp of the rules is super important.

Why Is It So Important To Understand the Basic Rules of Volleyball?

Having a thorough understanding of the rules of volleyball is crucial for all participants in the game.

For players, knowledge of the rules ensures proper execution of techniques and strategies, helps maintain discipline on the court, and promotes fair play.

Coaches rely on their understanding of the rules to guide their teams and make informed decisions during matches.

Parents who familiarize themselves with the rules can better support and encourage their children while watching them play.

As for fans, understanding the rules enriches their experience and enhances their appreciation for the sport.

Volleyball Scoring:
How To Score A Point

Before you become a serious player you should know the basic rules of volleyball.

Each team is allowed three contacts of the ball.

The third contact of the ball MUST go over the net and into the court of the opposing team to either

a) score a point - if it hits the floor inside the opposing team's half court. Point for your team. Your team gets to serve again.

b) continue the rally - because the opposing team played the ball on their first contact keeping it from hitting the floor inside their half court

c) end the rally - because the ball hit the floor outside of the opposing team's half court. Point for the opposing team. Opposing team gets to serve.

Basic Rules of Volleyball
Volleyball Scoring:
How To Score A Point

Volleyball Basics: A team scores a point by completing an action, with a soft hit, hard hit, a block that ends in the ball hitting the floor on the opposing team's half court (Al Case)

A team can score a point by

a) completing an action, whether its with a

1. soft hit - Making a gentle contact with the ball that results in it hitting the floor on the opposing team's half court before they can get it up and back into your team's court.

2. hard hit - Executing a powerful hit that forces the ball to land on the opposing team's half court, preventing them from making a successful contact.

3. a block - Successfully blocking the opposing team's attack, causing the ball to hit the floor on their side.

that results in the ball hitting the floor on the opposing team's half court before the opposing team can contact it to get it up and back into your team's court.

Additionally, a point can be awarded if the opposing team commits a "fault," which refers to mistakes or errors such as

b) the opposing team committing a "fault" which is a mistake or an error like

1. touching the net

2. mishandling the ball

3. being out of rotation

Volleyball Basics: How to score a point - if it hits the floor inside the opposing team's half court. Point for your team. Your team gets to serve again.

A fault is a playing action that the rules of volleyball do not allow.

c) the opposing team getting a penalty, like a sanction from the referee

These actions are not allowed according to the rules of volleyball.

Furthermore, a penalty imposed by the referee can also result in the opposing team losing a point.

Basic Rules of Volleyball
What's a rally?

In volleyball, a rally is the back and forth exchange between the two teams where they send the ball over the net into each other's court.

A rally always begins with a serve by the team on defense to the receiving team who gets three chances to contact the ball with the third contact having to go over the net.

Volleyball Basics: A rally begins with a serve by the team on defense to the receiving team who gets 3 chances to contact the ball with the third contact having to go over the net. (Craig Fildes)

Then the opposing team gets three contacts on the ball to get the ball, BACK over the net...this back and forth will continue until the ball hits the floor or goes out on someone's side.

This back and forth exchange between the two teams sending the ball back and forth over the net into each other's court is called a rally.

When the ball hits the floor, the rally is a completed rally and the team who won the rally is awarded a point.

Starting and Ending a Volleyball Rally

A volleyball rally begins with the serve, which is executed by the team on defense.

The server stands behind the end line and sends the ball over the net to the receiving team.

The primary goal of the serving team is to initiate the rally in a strategic way, aiming to make it challenging for the receiving team to control the ball.

Once the serve is received by the opposing team, the rally officially begins.

The receiving team, also known as the offensive team, has three contacts to return the ball over the net.

These contacts usually involve a pass, set, and spike, but can vary depending on the team's strategy.

During the rally, the two teams engage in an exciting back-and-forth exchange.

The offensive team strives to score a point by executing well-coordinated attacks and strategically placing the ball in the opposing team's court.

The defensive team, on the other hand, aims to block or dig the ball, preventing it from hitting the floor on their side.

The rally continues until one of the following events occurs:

1. Point scored

A team scores a point if they successfully land the ball within the boundaries of the opposing team's court or if the opposing team commits a fault, as stated by the rules.

This results in the team that scored the point being awarded the next opportunity to serve.

2. Out-of-bounds:

If the ball lands outside the boundaries of the court, the rally ends, and the opposing team is awarded a point and the subsequent serve.

3. Fault or violation

If a team commits a fault or violation, such as touching the net, double hitting, or stepping over the centerline, the rally ends, and the opposing team is awarded a point and the subsequent serve.

These faults and violations are closely monitored by the referees to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules.

4. Ball hits the floor:

If the ball touches the ground within the court boundaries due to a failed attempt at returning it by either team, the rally ends.

The team responsible for the ball hitting the floor loses the rally, and the opposing team earns a point and the next serve.

Understanding the dynamics of starting and ending a rally is crucial for players, coaches, parents, and fans, especially with the growing popularity of professional volleyball in the United States.

It allows them to

appreciate the strategic elements of the game,
follow the flow of play, and
better engage with the sport

By observing the exciting rallies and the dynamics that come with them, everyone involved can enjoy the fast-paced action and intense competition of volleyball.

Basic Rules of Volleyball
Scoring Examples

Basic Rules of Volleyball-(Craig Fildes) if the serving team wins the rally they are awarded a point

Let's take a look at different scenarios in volleyball scoring:

What happens...

If the serving team wins the rally

they are awarded a point
receive the ball to serve again
they do not rotate
the same player who served the ball, gets to serve again

The receiving team

gets no points but
gets another chance to win the rally, but must receive the serve
must continue the rally without committing any faults

When they (the receiving team) do win the rally, their players will rotate one position, so the last person who served, during the last rally they won, will NOT serve again.

For each new rally, the team rotates so they have a new server.

Basic Rules of Volleyball:: When the receiving team wins the rally, their players will rotate one position, so the last person who served, during the last rally they won, will NOT serve again.

If the serving team loses the rally...

they lose the opportunity to continue serving
give the ball to the other team
get no points
are now in serve receive
must win a rally in order to earn the chance to serve again and score a point

Remember, these are just some of the basic rules of volleyball.

It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the complete rulebook and continue learning as you progress in the sport.

The Role of the Referee in Enforcing Rules

Referees play a crucial role in overseeing matches, making judgments, and enforcing the rules to maintain a level playing field for both teams. (photo by inky hack volleyball referee makes the calls)

The role of the referee in volleyball is vital to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules of the game.

Referees play a crucial role in overseeing matches, making judgments, and enforcing the rules to maintain a level playing field for both teams.

Here's an insight into the important responsibilities carried out by referees:

1. Rule Interpretation and Application

Referees are well-versed in the rules and regulations of volleyball.

They interpret and apply these rules accurately to ensure consistent and fair play by both teams.

They have a deep understanding of the game and its nuances, which allows them to make informed decisions during the match.

Referees are well-versed in the rules and regulations of volleyball. They interpret and apply these rules accurately to ensure consistent and fair play by both teams. (beachvolleyballfirstrefereeofficialfemalerefereephotobyralphaversen)

2. Match Management

Referees are responsible for managing the overall flow of the match.

They ensure that the game progresses smoothly, maintain control over the players' conduct, and settle any disputes that may arise.

Referees have the authority to issue warnings, penalties, or even expulsion from the match if necessary.

3. Fault Detection

Referees closely monitor the actions of the players to detect any rule violations or faults.

This includes violations such as touching the net, improper hand contact, foot faults during serving, double contacts, and other infractions.

Their keen attention to detail helps maintain the integrity of the game and upholds the spirit of fair competition.

4. Decision Making:

Referees make quick and accurate decisions during crucial moments of the game.

They determine whether a ball is in or out of bounds, identify faults committed by players, or judge whether a block or spike is legal.

Their impartiality and ability to make split-second decisions contribute to the smooth progression of the match.

5. Communication:

Referees play a crucial role in maintaining open lines of communication with players, coaches, and officials.

They ensure that all participants understand their decisions and the reasons behind them.

Throughout the match, referees may provide verbal cues and signals to communicate specific rulings or decisions to the teams and spectators.

Referees prioritize the safety of the players, enforcing rules designed to prevent dangerous or reckless play. Iowa hawkeyes volleyball referee watching player injury (photo by Jon Fravel)

6. Safety and Sportsmanship:

Referees prioritize the safety of the players, enforcing rules designed to prevent dangerous or reckless play.

They assess the conduct of players to ensure sportsmanship is upheld, discouraging any unsportsmanlike behavior or actions that may jeopardize the integrity of the game.

The role of the referee is critical in upholding the rules and ensuring fair play in volleyball. Their impartiality, knowledge, and authority contribute to the smooth running of matches, allowing players to compete within a controlled and respectful environment.

Their presence on the court is essential in maintaining the integrity of the game and providing an enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike.

Basic Rules Volleyball:
Where Do You Go From Here?

Good times! Where do you need to go now? Here are three options:

Learn more about the Rules.
Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
Or visit the pages in the section in the drop down menu at the top of the page.

Learn more from these volleyball basics pages!

Basic Volleyball Skills for Beginners: Six Essential Skills to Learn
Trying out for varsity? There are 6 basic volleyball skills, you need to learn beforehand: setting, passing, serving, hitting, blocking and digging
The Volleyball Toss How Consistent Is Your Ball Toss Before You Serve?
The volleyball toss for the overhand serve needs to consistently be two feet up in the air and one foot in front of front foot which puts the ball in front of your serving arm.
Volleyball Serve Use A Float, Jump Or Overhand Serve To Start A Rally
The overhand, underhand or jump volleyball serve is used to start a rally after the ref blows the whistle for the player in Zone 1 behind the service line.
Tips And Help On How To Develop An Ace-Scoring Good Volleyball Serve
I spend alot of time with my clients, club and college players teaching the correct technique needed to develop a good volleyball serve to score regular aces.
3 Volleyball Forearm Pass Cues On What To Do With Arms, Feet And Hips
There are three volleyball forearm pass cues you should use to improve your passing skills, keep your arms together, feet grounded and hips behind the ball.
How To Master The Volleyball Passing Platform: Techniques and Tips
A volleyball passing platform is with forearms clasping your thumbs together and pointing them to the ground so ball contacts above wrists and below elbows.
Learn 3 Important Steps To Improve Your Volleyball Bump Pass Skills
Players use these three steps to improve volleyball bump pass ability to get the ball to a player holding their wrists together forming a forearm platform.
What's The Correct Volleyball Ready Position for Passing in Volleyball
Learn the volleyball ready position for passing where clasped thumbs are pointed to the ground to form a platform with forearms to pass balls in a rally.
Volleyball Spike Approach Master The 3 and 4 Step Approach For Hitting
The volleyball spike approach for hitting is also called the spike approach and is done by a spiker taking 3 or 4 steps to a ball in the air before hitting it.
Volleyball Spike: The Basics For Attacking The Ball Hard For Points
A volleyball spike is the way a hitter attacks the ball after a spike approach sending it over the net to score a point in the opposing court with force.
The Volleyball Dig: What Is It, When To Do It and How To Dig A Ball
The volleyball dig or digging a volleyball up in defense means that you are able to keep an attacked ball by the opposing team off your court floor.
Volleyball Ball Handling Begins With Ball Control and Faster Footwork
Improve your passing skills with great ball control and volleyball ball handling skills along with faster footwork when moving to a served ball on your court.
The Underhand Volleyball Serve How Should A Beginner Serve The Basics
Here's a ten step check list for beginners who can easily learn in ten steps how to perform the underhand volleyball serve.

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Basic Rules of Volleyball For Youth Players, Coaches, Parents and Fans

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Serving slang is not just about individual techniques; it also relates to overall game strategy. A coach might instruct a player to serve a "short serve" or a "deep serve" to target specific areas of the opponent's court or exploit weaknesses in their serve receive formation.

Ari, my private training client and I are working specifically on serving on jump float cross court serves ...short to Zone 2

There's so much we work on to get to this point where she can contact the ball with

the same toss height and same toss location
the same armswing speed
the same timing for when her serving hand contacts the ball
the middle of the hand contacting the middle of the ball every single time
getting use to watching her serving hand contact the ball at the highest point of her jump ...before she starts to land
and finally contacting the ball in the precise spot on the ball so it goes where the coach wants the player to put it so in this case ..a short serve in the farthest short right corner on the court also called Zone 2.

kamiminerpac12setteroftheyearformercoachaprilchappleprivateclient3years

Tommi Stockham All Big West Conference sophomore former Coach April Chapple private client 3 years

katepriorallwestcoastconferencebyufreshmanformercoachaprilchappleprivateclient3years

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Making A-1 Vegas Volleyball history as the very first TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In the In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament, A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division