15 club volleyball tryout tips from a Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee and elite club coach who's helped hundreds of athletes navigate tryouts successfully.15 club volleyball tryout tips from a Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee and elite club coach who's helped hundreds of athletes navigate tryouts successfully.

Volleyball Serving Rules What Are The Rules When Serving A Volleyball? 

Learn important volleyball serving rules and answers to basic serving volleyball questions about what's legal when serving a ball from behind the service line. 

Volleyball Serving Rules: Each official match must -begin with a serve from one team on defense which -is launched into the court of the opposing team who's receiving serve -by a player in their service area behind the end line -with the intent on starting the rally and possibly scoring a pointVolleyball Serving Rules: Each official match must -begin with a serve from one team on defense which -is launched into the court of the opposing team who's receiving serve -by a player in their service area behind the end line -with the intent on starting the rally and possibly scoring a point


If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Ebook_How_to_Clean_Up_Your_Passing_and_Get_More_-linkedin-profile-cover-1.jpeg

Struggling with setting consistency?

I help setters whose confidence was destroyed by coaches screaming 'wrong choice!' rediscover their court vision without second-guessing every decision through proven techniques that rebuild your setting instincts and self-trust.

Download my eBook for $7.99 and start building the setting confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.


teespring banner

Volleyball Serving Rules
What Is The Volleyball Serve?


The serve is the way the ball is launched over the net to start the rally after the ref has blown the whistle. 

Each official match must


Addi working on her standing floater in volleyball serve down the line.

Focusing on starting with hips open to the wall to her right,  a consistent toss and a smooth arm swing when contacting the ball with the middle of her hand to the middle of the ball.


Ready to take your serving to the next level?

I help varsity servers who know the rules but want to maximize every opportunity...how to implement      next-level strategic serving without rule violations using my advanced techniques that use every legal advantage to dominate service games.

My private training sessions are specifically designed for college-bound athletes who refuse to settle for "good enough" serving.

Limited spots available for serious players only.

Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.

Please complete the challenge that you see below.

  


Volleyball Serving Rules
Can you throw a ball over the net?


Throwing the ball over the net isn't allowed. 


Volleyball Serving Rules 
Who Is A Volleyball Server?




Who's the server?

The server is


Volleyball Serving Rules 
How many seconds do you have to serve in volleyball?

Volleyball Serving Rules: The serve is your first opportunity to serve a ball. The serve is the skill used to start a rally. The serve puts the ball in play once the referee blows the whistle.Volleyball Serving Rules: The serve is your first opportunity to serve a ball. The serve is the skill used to start a rally. The serve puts the ball in play once the referee blows the whistle.

If you are the server, then at the beginning of the rally, after the referee blows the whistle, you are the player standing behind the end line in the service zone, and within 8 seconds after the ref has blown the whistle, you serve the ball over the net.

If for any reason you don't complete the first serve and get a second chance to serve again...then you subsequently have five seconds to serve. 


Volleyball Serving Rules
Where does the server serve the ball from?

Volleyball Serving Rules: The player who was in the right front position on the court rotates from the front row and takes the ball behind the end line in the service area zone. (Richard Yuan)Volleyball Serving Rules: The player who was in the right front position on the court rotates from the front row and takes the ball behind the end line in the service area zone. (Richard Yuan)


Ari is a libero and since liberos usually play left back we've decided to work on serving from behind Zone 5 or the left side of the court because that puts her closer to the base position she needs to run to once she lands in order to get ready to play defense.  


After your team wins the rally, you also win

  • a point and
  • the right to serve

The player who was in the right front position on the court rotates from the front row and takes the ball behind the end line in the service area zone.

The server can serve from anywhere in the service area. 

The service area boundaries are from sideline to sideline and extend behind the endlines on both ends of the court.  (See the red area in the diagram.)

Volleyball Serving Rules: The service area boundaries are from sideline to sideline and extend behind the endlines on both ends of the court. (See the red area in the diagram.)Volleyball Serving Rules: The service area boundaries are from sideline to sideline and extend behind the endlines on both ends of the court. (See the red area in the diagram.)

  • The server must be behind the service line until the ball has been contacted.

Volleyball Serving Rules:
Common Faults in Serving


While mastering your serving technique, you should also be aware of what actions could result in serve faults. Here are a few common faults:


Volleyball Serving Rules: Foot Fault

1. Foot Fault:

A foot fault occurs when the server steps on or over the end line before the ball is contacted in a serve. This is considered illegal, and the serve immediately goes to the other team.


Volleyball Serving Rules: Double Hit

2. Double Hit:

A double hit happens when a server contacts the ball twice consecutively during a serve attempt.


Volleyball Serving Rules:
Net Service Fault

3. Net Service Fault:

If a served ball hits a teammate, the antenna, or does not cross the net vertically inside the crossing space it is considered a serving fault.


Volleyball Serving Rules:
Out of Order Serve

4. Out of Order Serve:

Teams must serve in a specific rotation. If a player serves out of turn, it results in an automatic point to the opposing team.


Volleyball Serving Rules: Illegal Serve

5. Illegal Serve:

Any serve that does not conform to the correct technique (like a throw or carry) is deemed illegal and will result in a fault.

Being aware of these faults can guide players towards more legally precise serves, preventing unnecessary team penalties.


Volleyball Serving Rules:
Team Rotation and Designating the Server



College volleyball demands peak fitness which is why the collegiate volleyball athletes who are home for the summer already participate in their own strength training regimen that their college coach requires them to follow.


The concept of rotation is intrinsic to the game of volleyball. But how does this impact the server?

1. Winning a Rally:

When a team wins a rally while they're on the receiving side, they gain both a point and the right to serve. However, before they can serve, the team must rotate one position clockwise. This means the player from the right-front position moves to the right-back position to serve.

2. Designating the Server:

This rotation means that all players alternate between positions, including the server role. Therefore, serving is not limited to a single player but is done by all team players in sequence, depending on the rotation.

3. Continued Serving:

If the serving team wins the point, the same player continues to serve for the next point without any rotation.

4. Team Positions:

It's worth noting that, although players rotate their positions on the court, they still maintain their specialized roles such as setter, hitter, etc.


Understanding this rotating sequence not only ensures your team maintains the legal serving order but also adds a strategic nuance to the game as different players have different serving strengths and styles."


Ready to take your serving to the next level?

I help varsity servers who know the rules but want to maximize every opportunity master next-level strategic serving without rule violations through advanced techniques that use every legal advantage to dominate service games.

My private training sessions are specifically designed for college-bound athletes who refuse to settle for "good enough" serving.

Limited spots available for serious players only.

Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.

Please complete the challenge that you see below.

  


Volleyball Serving Rules:
The Let Serve Rule





One frequent question among volleyball players is the legality of a 'let serve.'

A let serve occurs when the ball served by a player touches the net but still successfully lands in the opponent's court.

1. Is It Legal?:

In earlier rules of volleyball, a let serve that touched the net was considered a fault.

However, under current Federation Internationale De Volleyball (FIVB) rules, as well as most other governing bodies, a let serve is considered legal. This means that if the ball contacts the net on the serve but continues over the net into the opponent's court, play continues as normal.


2. Continuation of Play:

When a let serve happens, players on both sides should be prepared to continue play because the rally continues just as if the serve didn't contact the net.


Understanding this subtle rule is essential for players to ensure there's no premature cessation of play, keeping the game going smoothly.


Do You Follow Me on Pinterest?

Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!


Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!

I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 



Volleyball Serving Rules 
Where Do You Go From Here?


Your three options are: 

  1. You can learn more about Serving by visiting the related links below.                            
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
  3. Or visit the pages in the How to Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 
  4. Before leaving this page Say "Hi" to Miss Tattoo the Tiger wearing the #9 jersey below.  Miss Tattoo is the starting defensive and serving specialist for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star team.

Meet Tatoo the Tiger, Serving Specialist on VolleyBragSwag's All Beast Team

Understanding this rotating sequence not only ensures your team maintains the legal serving order but also adds a strategic nuance to the game as different players have different serving strengths and styles."Understanding this rotating sequence not only ensures your team maintains the legal serving order but also adds a strategic nuance to the game as different players have different serving strengths and styles."

You might like these volleyball basics pages!


If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Ebook_How_to_Clean_Up_Your_Passing_and_Get_More_-linkedin-profile-cover-1.jpeg

Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $7.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.


teespring banner footer

From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

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

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

A-1 Vegas Volley VBC

    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

18s Premier Division



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 DivisionMaking 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




What Are You Looking For?

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


SUSCRIBE

to my email newsletter below!




Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?

Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.

You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me,        Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.

Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!


Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.
In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Mastering The Art Of How To Hit A Volleyball: A Comprehensive Guide

    Aug 28, 25 05:04 PM

    Volleyball blocking triple block Ralph Arvesen photo
    Learn how to hit a volleyball smarter and to score more points when the ball is close to the block by aiming for the seam between the volleyball blockers.

    Read More

  2. Volleyball Setter Training: Techniques to Improve Your Setting Skills

    Aug 28, 25 05:00 PM

    volleyball-set-setter-dan-morgan
    This volleyball setter training reviews step-by-step each body part and what it does so you learn how to correct your mistakes and improve your setting skills.

    Read More

  3. 13 Ball Control Drills Volleyball Players Use Pepper To Help Defense

    Aug 26, 25 02:30 AM

    Karime Did you practice today picture
    One of the first ball control drills volleyball players learn is the pepper drill a warmup drill used to increase and improve your ability to control the ball.

    Read More