VOLLEYBALL

INDEX:

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Basic volleyball rules
4. Basic volleyball rule violation
5. Indoor volleyball
6. Basic skills in volleyball
7. Terminology
8. Volleyball tournaments
9. Volleyball equipment
10. Indian and international volleyball players

INTRODUCTION
Volleyball, game played by two teams, usually of six players on a side, in which
the players use their hands to bat a ball back and forth over a high net, trying to
make the ball touch the court within the opponents’ playing area before it can be
returned. To prevent this a player on the opposing team bats the ball up and
toward a teammate before it touches the court surface—that teammate may then
volley it back across the net or bat it to a third teammate who volleys it across
the net. A team is allowed only three touches of the ball before it must be
returned over the net.
HISTORY
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, physical director of the
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Holyoke, Massachusetts. It
was designed as an indoor sport for businessmen who found the new game of
basketball too vigorous. Morgan called the sport “mintonette,” until a professor
from Springfield College in Massachusetts noted the volleying nature of play
and proposed the name of “volleyball.” The original rules were written by
Morgan and printed in the first edition of the Official Handbook of the Athletic
League of the Young Men’s Christian Associations of North America (1897).
The game soon proved to have wide appeal for both sexes in schools,
playgrounds, the armed forces, and other organizations in the United States, and
it was subsequently introduced to other countries.
In 1916 rules were issued jointly by the YMCA and the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The first nationwide tournament in the
United States was conducted by the National YMCA Physical Education
Committee in New York City in 1922. The United States Volleyball
Association (USVBA) was formed in 1928 and recognized as the rules-making,
governing body in the United States. From 1928 the USVBA—now known as
USA Volleyball (USAV)—has conducted annual national men’s and senior
men’s (age 35 and older) volleyball championships, except during 1944 and
1945. Its women’s division was started in 1949, and a senior women’s division
(age 30 and older) was added in 1977. Other national events in the United States
are conducted by member groups of the USAV such as the YMCA and the
NCAA.
Volleyball was introduced into Europe by American troops during World
War I, when national organizations were formed. The Fédération Internationale
de Volley Ball (FIVB) was organized in Paris in 1947 and moved to Lausanne,
Switzerland, in 1984. The USVBA was one of the 13 charter members of the
FIVB, whose membership grew to more than 210 member countries by the late
20th century.
International volleyball competition began in 1913 with the first Far East
Games, in Manila. During the early 1900s and continuing until after World War
II, volleyball in Asia was played on a larger court, with a lower net, and nine
players on a team.
The FIVB-sponsored world volleyball championships (for men only in
1949; for both men and women in 1952 and succeeding years) led to acceptance
of standardized playing rules and officiating. Volleyball became an Olympic
sport for both men and women at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
European championships were long dominated by Czechoslovakian,
Hungarian, Polish, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Soviet (later, Russian) teams. At
the world and Olympic level, Soviet teams have won more titles, both men’s
and women’s, than those of any other nation. Their success was attributed to
widespread grassroots interest and well-organized play and instruction at all
levels of skill. A highly publicized Japanese women’s team, Olympic
champions in 1964, reflected the interest of private industry in sport. Young
women working for the sponsoring company devoted their free time to
conditioning, team practice, and competition under expert and demanding
coaching. Encouraged by the Japanese Volleyball Association, this women’s
team made its mark in international competition, winning the World
Championship in 1962, 1966, and 1967, in addition to the 1964 Olympics. At
the end of the 20th century, however, the Cuban women’s team dominated both
the World Championships and the Olympics.
The Pan American Games (involving South, Central, and North America)
added volleyball in 1955, and Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and the United
States are frequent contenders for top honours. In Asia, China, Japan, and Korea
dominate competition. Volleyball, especially beach volleyball, is played in
Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the South Pacific.
A four-year cycle of international volleyball events, recommended by the
FIVB, began in 1969 with World Cup championships, to be held in the year
following the Olympic Games; the second year is the World Championships; in
the third the regional events are held (e.g., European championships, Asian
Games, African Games, Pan American Games); and in the fourth year the
Olympic Games.

Basic Volleyball Rules

 6 players on the floor at any one time - 3 in the front row and 3 in the
back row
 Maximum of 3 hits per side
 Points are made on every serve for wining team of rally (rally-point
scoring).
 Player may not hit the ball twice in succession. (A block is not considered
a hit.)
 Ball may be played off the net during a volley and on a serve.
 A ball hitting a boundary line is in.
 A ball is out if it hits an antennae, the floor completely outside the court,
any of the net or cables outside the antennae, the referee stand or pole, the
ceiling above a non-playable area.
 It is legal to contact the ball with any part of a player’s body.
 It is illegal to catch, hold or throw the ball.
 A player cannot block or attack a serve from on or inside the 10-foot line.
 After the serve, front-line players may switch positions at the net.
 Matches are made up of sets; the number depends on level of play. 3-set
matches are 2 sets to 25 points and a third set to 15. Each set must be won
by two points. The winner is the first team to win 2 sets. 5-set matches
are 4 sets to 25 points and fifth set to 15. The team must win by 2 unless
tournament rules dictate otherwise. The winner is the first team to win
three sets.
Basic Volleyball Rule Violations
Rule violations that result in a point for the opponent
 When serving, the player steps on or across the service line as while
making contact with the ball.
 Failure to serve the ball over the net successfully.
 Ball-handling errors. Contacting the ball illegally (double touching,
lifting, carrying, throwing, etc.)
 Touching the net with any part of the body while the ball is in play.
 When blocking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, it’s illegal to
contact the ball when reaching over the net if both your opponent has not
used 3 contacts AND they have a player there to make a play on the ball.
 When attacking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, contacting the
ball when reaching over the net is a violation if the ball has not yet
broken the vertical plane of the net.
 Crossing the court centerline with any part of your body is a violation.
Exception: if it is the hand or foot. In this case, the entire hand or entire
foot must cross for it to be a violation.
 Serving out of rotation/order.
 Back-row player blocking (deflecting a ball coming from the opponent)
when, at the moment of contact, the back-row player is near the net and
has part of his/her body above the top of the net. This is an illegal block.
 Back-row player attacking a ball inside the front zone (the area inside the
3M/10-foot line) when, at the moment of contact, the ball is completely
above the net. This is an illegal attack.

Indoor volleyball
Dimensions
 The playing court is 18m long and 9m wide and is surrounded by a free
zone 3m wide on all sides.
 The space above the playing area is known as the free playing space and
is a minimum of 7m high from the playing surface.
 For FIVB, world and official competitions, the free zone measures a
minimum of 5m from the side lines and 8m from the ends lines. The free
playing space is a minimum of 7m high from the playing surface.
Playing surface

 The playing surface is flat and a light colour. For FIVB, world and
official competitions, only a wooden or synthetic surface is allowed.
 White colours are required for the lines. Other different colours are
required for the playing court and free zone.

Line markings

 All lines on the court are 5cm wide and are a light colour different from
the colour of the floor.
 The boundary lines are the two side lines and end lines. The centre line
divides the playing court into two equal courts, 9m x 9m each. This line
extends from beneath the net from sideline to sideline.
 On each court the rear edge of the attack line is drawn 3m back from the
middle of the centre line and marks the front zone.

Zones and areas

 The front zone on each court is limited by the axis of the centre line and
the rear edge of the attack line. The front zone extends beyond the side
lines to the end of the free zone.
 The service zone is a 9m wide area behind each end line and extends to
the end of the free zone. It is 15cm long and drawn 20cm behind the end
line as an extension of the side lines. 
 The substitution zone extends from both attack lines to the scorer’s table.
 The Libero Replacement zone is part of the free zone on the same side as
the team benches, extending from the attack line up to the end line.
 A penalty area, 1m x 1m, is located in the control area outside of the
endlines. 

Nets and posts

 The net is 2.43m high for men and 2.24m high for women. It is placed
vertically over the centre line. It is 1m wide and 9.5m-10m long and is
10cm square black mesh.
 The height of the net is measured from the centre of the playing court.
 The antenna is a flexible rod, 1.8m long and 10mm in diameter and made
of fibreglass or similar material. It is fastened on opposite sides of the net.
The top of the antenna extends 80cm above the net and is marked with
10cm stripes of contrasting colour, usually red and white.
 The 2.55m high posts are placed 0.50m-1.0m outside the side lines. The
posts are rounded and fixed to the ground without wires.
Basic Skills in Volleyball
Volleyball is a sport that requires you to master a complex skill set. Because
you rotate from playing front line positions to back line positions, you
constantly are shifting from setting up offensive plays to completing offensive
plays. You also must shift quickly from offense to defense. During any given
sequence in volleyball, a player must be prepared to execute a variety of skills.
Serving
A properly executed serve provides the serving team with a significant
advantage over the receiving team. A serve that is properly placed can cause
players on the receiving team to get out of position or attempt awkward returns.
The server must stand behind the service line at the end of the court. There are
three serving styles in volleyball. The underhand serve, the overhand serve and
the jump serve. The underhand serve generally is a relatively slow serve that
travels high in the air toward the rear of the court. Both the overhand serve and
the jump serve are fast serves frequently struck with top spin.
Passing
Passing also is known as "bumping" in an offensive sequence and "digging"
when used to defend an offensive shot. Passing is executed by interlocking your
fingers, holding your arms straight and away from your body. Make contact
with the ball on your forearms and follow through to your target. The only
allowable service return is a pass, so it is frequently the first shot in a three-shot
sequence.
Setting
Setting, or overhead passing, typically is the second shot in a three-shot
sequence. A properly executed set is placed close and above the net. You want
to place the ball about four feet from the net so on the third shot, typically a
spike, your teammate won't hit the net on her follow through.
Hitting
Generally, you want to hit the ball with the greatest force possible on the third
shot of a sequence. When the ball is struck forcefully downward, above the
height of the net, it is referred to as a "spike" or "kill" shot. To execute a kill
shot, a player may use either a two- or three-step approach. Strike the ball at the
top of your vertical leap, using the heel of your palm, followed by wrapping
your hand on the ball with your fingers and snapping your wrist.
Blocking
Blocking is a defensive play made close to the net. The object of a block is to
deflect an offensive shot directly back toward your opponent. Block attempts
can be made by individual players or pairs of players. Blocking is not allowed
on serves. Blocks often are utilized as a defense against "kill" shots.

Terminology
 Ace: A serve that is not returned and results in a point.
 Assist: Passing or setting the ball to a player who attacks the ball for a
point.
 Block: A defensive play, where a player deflects a spiked ball back into
the opponent’s court by jumping in front of the ball with their hands
above the net.
 Campfire: A ball that falls on the floor and is surrounded by two or more
players. The moment it hits the floor it looks like the players are
encircling the ball and starting a campfire.
 Cut Shot: An attack with angle, almost parallel to the net.
 Dig: Passing a spiked or rapidly hit ball.
 Dink: A legal pushing of the ball over the blockers.
 Double Hit: When a player makes contact with the ball twice in a row.
This is considered an illegal hit.
 Floater: A non-spinning serve, it can sometimes have erratic movement
during flight.
 Footfault: When a player steps over the line while serving, which results
in a point for the opposing team.
 Jump Serve: A type of serve that is done by tossing the ball into the air,
jumping, and hitting the ball when it is in its downward motion.
 Joust: When the ball is falling directly on top of the net, two opposing
players will jump and attempt to push the ball to the other side.
 Kill: A successful hit that results in an immediate point.
 Let: When a serve hits the top of the net and rolls onto the other side,
resulting in a point
 Libero: a player on each team who serves as a defensive specialist and
receives the ball at all cost.
 Line shot: A ball that is spiked right down the opposing sideline
 Off-speed hit: A ball that is spiked with less force and has spin.
 Power alley: A cross court spike that reaches the furthest end of the
court.
 Reception error:When a player is unable to return a serve that should
have been returned, and it results in an ace.
  Roll shot: An offensive play similar to a spike, but a hitter will make
contact underneath the ball and move their arm upwards instead of
swinging down. This type of shot is meant to go high enough to avoid a
block and is typically aimed around 10 feet away from the net.
 Pancake: A type of dig that occurs when a player extends his or her hand
flat on the floor, and lets the ball bounce off the back of his or her hand.
 Service error: An unsuccessful serve that occurs by the ball landing out
of bounds, failing to clear the net, or a foot fault from the server.
 Setter: The setter is much like the quarterback in football or the point
guard in basketball. They are in charge of the offense. They decide who
should get the ball and when. It doesn't matter how good a team's hitters
are if it doesn't have a setter that can consistently deliver a good ball to
hit. The setter is a critical position in volleyball.
 Shank: A wild and unplayable pass.
 Shot: An offensive play in which a ball is set and directed into an open
area on the court.
 Side out: When the serving team loses the rally causing the other team to
serve for the next point.
 Spike: When the hitter attacks the ball with a swinging motion. This is in
an attempt to get a kill.
 Strong side: Left side of the court for right handed hitters.
 Tip: A soft and off-speed attack done with the fingertips.
 Weak side: Right side of the court.

Volleyball Tournaments
National Volleyball Championships
The National Volleyball Championships is India’s oldest and Prestigious
Domestic tournament. he first Championship was held in the year 1936 at
Lahore (now in Pakistan). The National Championships sees four more
divisions according to age group under it.
Senior Nationals
The Tournament in its 67th edition is held for state teams all over the country.
Few Government Institutions also participate in this annual tournament. The
tournament follows a league-cum-knockout system, both for men and women
teams. It is considered as the topmost volleyball league currently in India.
Playing in this league leads to the Final step in selection towards the Senior
National Team.
Kerala and Railways won the Men and Women’s Senior Nationals Volleyball
Championships, held at Calicut, Kerala in February 2018.
Youth Nationals
The Tournament in its 20th edition. It is held for the U21 Category state teams
all over the country. Few Government Institutions also participate in this annual
tournament. The tournament follows a league-cum-knockout system, both for
boys and girls teams. Playing in this league leads to the Final step in selection
towards the U-21 National Team.
Rajasthan and Kerala won Men and Women’s Senior Nationals Volleyball
Championships, held at Jaipur, Rajasthan in January 2018.
Junior Nationals
The Junior Nationals Volleyball Championships is held for U-19 boys and girls.
The Annual tournament is in its 45th Edition. Various State teams participate in
the competition. The tournament follows a league-cum-knockout system, both
for boys and girls teams. Playing in this league leads to the Final step in
selection towards the U-19 National Team.
Burdwan district in West Bengal hosted the 44th Junior National Volleyball
Championship in December 2017. Punjab were champions in the 44th Junior
National Championship for boys. Hosts Bengal won the 44th Junior National
Championship for Girls.
Sub Junior Nationals
The Sub-Junior National level Championships sees State Teams send their U-16
teams to compete for the Championship. The Annually held competition is in its
40th Edition. The Tournament also follows a league-cum-knockout system,
both for boys and girls teams.
West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh won the Championships, during its 39th
edition held at Pondicherry in January 2017.
Mini Nationals
The Volleyball Federation in India wants to sure that they do not let any talent
slip through their fingers. Hence, they have a National Championship event at
the U14 age category. This Annual tournament is held for both Boys and Girls.
Furthermore, it is in its 26th Edition of the tournament. Like all other National
Championships, it also follows a league-cum-knockout system, both for boys
and girls teams.
In its 26th Edition at Aizwal, Mizoram in Manipur beat hosts Mizoram to win
the title of the National Championship for Boys. In the Girls event, West Bengal
beat Tamil Nadu to Clinch the title of the National Championship for Girls.
Federation Cup
The Federation Cup Volleyball is one of the Domestic Prestigious tournament.
The Inaugural tournament happened back in Tirupur, near Coimbatore 1979.
However, the famous tournament was halted in between 2003 to 2012 after it
allowed various clubs entry. The 2012-revived tournament is now returning to
its old format of including State teams and Institutions. For Men, it Follows a
League-cum-Knockout format. However, for Women, it follows a Round Robin
Format. The Tournament is in its 31st Edition.
Kerala and Railways claimed their hands on 31st Federation Cup Championship
held at Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh in March 2018.
Beach Volleyball
The Beach Volleyball tournament is one of its kind Volleyball Tournament in
India. Rather than normal courts, it has a smaller court and thus only two
players in each team. The Tournament now in its 18th Edition allows two teams
from states. The tournament follows a League-cum-Knockout format.
Participating teams are divided into various groups. To make it more
entertaining, the tournament also allows wildcard entries.
During the 18th National Beach Volleyball Championships at Chennai in March
2018, Railways Men and Tamil Nadu Women emerged as Champions.
Pro Volleyball League
the Pro Volleyball League will commence with India’s first ever All Men’s
professional volleyball league. Furthermore, the Professional Women’s
volleyball league follows it. Lastly, India’s first uniquely planned Beach
volleyball league is in motion. Altogether they will provide at least 4 weeks of
enthralling Volleyball action. The three leagues will have a minimum of 6 city-
based franchises each. They will follow a round robin format followed by
knockout matches. In doing so, they will be travelling the length and the breadth
of the country in a caravan style format. Two indoor venues in India will host
the matches.
Baseline Ventures promotes the Pro Volleyball League. Initially, it was
supposed to kick off in October this year. However, the league will start in
February 2019. Sony Pictures Networks India will be broadcasting the inaugural
season of the Pro Volleyball League. It has signed a multi-year deal with
Baseline Ventures, which owns the league, as a result, will broadcast all 18
matches live across its sports channels in India. The league will give budding
Indian athletes a platform to hone their skills and compete against some of the
leading players from across the world.
As per 2017 FIVB World Rankings, India Currently ranks 38th in men and 55th
in Women. In U23 Category it is light better at 30th in Men and 24th in
Women. Furthermore, the Progress, development and success of these various
leagues only will help India to be the Top Gun in the Sport of Volleyball.

Volleyball Equipments
The Ball
The type of ball required in volleyball depends on the type and level of
volleyball you play. Beach volleyballs and indoor volleyballs vary in size,
weight and composition. Beach volleyball is played with two players on a
smaller sand court with a larger, lighter ball, while indoor volleyball is played
with six players on a larger court, with a heavier, faster ball made of leather.
Net & Poles
The net divides the volleyball court into two halves. The height of the net varies
based on the age of the players and the surface being played on. An indoor net
is 7 feet 11 5/8 inches in height for men and 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for women.
Beach volleyball nets are hung at the same height. In addition to the nets, and
the poles from which they are hung, protective padding is required to surround
these structures to ensure player safety in case of collision.
Knee Pads
Indoor volleyball is tough on the knees. Most courts are on wooden gymnasium
floors, making knee protection a must. Knee pads come in two traditional styles.
Small, flatter knee pads are worn by beginning players and sometimes by the
setter. These players do not traditionally dig, or dive, for the ball repeatedly.
Defensive players, who dive frequently, often prefer the "bubble" style of knee
pad. These full-coverage pads are often made of shock absorbing memory foam
to prevent injury.
Ankle Braces
The most common injury associated with a volleyball player is a sprained ankle.
To avoid the problem, it is wise to invest in a good pair of ankle braces. Since
braces have proven to lower injuries by 40 percent, certain volleyball team
coaches mandate them. They provide stability to the area without compromising
activity. Lace-up braces guard the sides, front, and back of the ankles. They are
especially important when setting the ball, at the time of frequent under-the-net
contact.
Proper Footwear
Mens and womens volleyball shoes are essential gear for the game. These shoes
contain a gum rubber sole to provide maximum traction. These shoes are
designed to protect the foot during side-to-side movement. The front padding of
the shoes is thick, so the legs do not suffer pain from continuous jumping. A
smart shoe choice will be made of leather and contain a low heel. This provides
top support and helps to prevent sprains as well.
Volleyball Duffle Bag
After having the right volleyball gear and clothing, it is important to have a
dedicated piece of equipment to keep everything organized and easy to access.
The bag should be simple to carry. Most people prefer a backpack style, where
the weight can be evenly distributed across both shoulders. The bag should also
contain numerous compartments and pockets. This will give space to separate
equipment and keep clean items away from sweaty and used garments.
The above items are five of the top essentials every volleyball player should
own. They will keep a person safe, organized, and ready for some great fun.
Before getting ready for a game, it is essential to have a duffle bag filled with
the right equipment.
Volleyball Serving Machines
With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to really step up your Volleyball
game. As Volleyball became more and more competitive, and the jump serve
became a standard move, it was clear that the need for better Volleyball training
equipment was needed. This is when companies like Sports Attack started to
develop Volleyball machines. The problem was they needed to be affordable
and portable, and needed to be able to really test the modern Volleyball player.
To learn more about volleyball serving machines, check out this article for more
info