WESTBRIDGE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Banlic, National Hi-way, City of Cabuyao, Laguna

History of Volleyball
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.

This was How Volleyball was Introduced – Facts and Information About the Game

The game of volleyball, originally called “mintonette,” was invented in 1895 by William G.
Morgan after the invention of basketball only four years before. Morgan, a graduate of the
Springfield College of the YMCA, designed the game to be a combination of basketball,
baseball, tennis, and handball.

YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association)

an international organization that provides sports activities and accommodation for young men.

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.

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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.

Timeline of Significant Volleyball Events

In 1900, a special ball was designed for the sport.

In 1916, in the Philippines, an offensive style of passing the ball in a high trajectory to be struck
by another player (the set and spike) were introduced.

In 1917, the game was changed from 21 to 15 points.

In 1920, three hits per side and back row attack rules were instituted.

In 1922, the first YMCA national championships were held in Brooklyn, NY. Twenty-seven
teams from 11 states were represented.

In 1928, it became clear that tournaments and rules were needed, so the United States Volleyball
Association (USVBA, now USA Volleyball) was formed. The first U.S. Open was staged, as the
field was open to non-YMCA squads.

In 1930, the first two-man beach game was played.

In 1934, national volleyball referees were approved and recognized.

In 1937, at the AAU convention in Boston, action was taken to recognize the U.S. Volleyball
Association as the official national governing body in the U.S.

In 1947, the Federation Internationale De Volley-Ball (FIVB) was founded.

In 1948, the first two-man beach tournament was held.

In 1949, the initial World Championships were held in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

In 1964, volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

In 1965, the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) was formed.

In 1974, the World Championships in Mexico were telecast in Japan.

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In 1975, the U.S. National Women’s team began a year-round training regime in Pasadena,
Texas (moved to Colorado Springs in 1979, Coto de Caza and Fountain Valley, CA, in 1980, and
San Diego, CA, in 1985).

In 1977, the U.S. National Men’s Team began a year-round training regime in Dayton, Ohio
(moved to San Diego, CA, in 1981).

In 1983, the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) was formed.

In 1984, the U.S. won their first medals at the Olympics in Los Angeles. The men won the gold,
and the women the silver.

In 1986, the Women’s Professional Volleyball Association (WPVA) was formed.

In 1988, the U.S. men repeated the gold in the Olympics in Korea.

In 1990, the World League was created.

In 1995, the sport of volleyball was 100 years old!

In 1996, two-person beach volleyball became an Olympic sport.

Volleyball Terminologies

Ace: A serve the results directly in a point.

Antenna: Red-and-white striped pole attached to the net that extends 32 inched above the net
and indicated out-of-bounds along the sideline.
Assist: Passing of setting the ball to a teammate who attacks the ball for a kill.
Attack Attempt: The attempt by a player to terminate a play by hitting the ball to the floor on
the opponent's side.
Back Row Attack: When the back row player takes off to jump behind the 10-foot/ 3-meter line
and attacks the ball.
Block: A successful attempt by any front row player to intercept the ball near the net that results
in the termination of the rally.
Block Assist: A successful attempt by any two or more front row players to intercept the ball
near the net that results in the termination of the rally. Any person involved in the block attempt
that terminates the rally receives a block assist.
Block Solo: A successful attempt by any one front row player to intercept the ball near the net
that results in the termination of the rally.
Blocking Error: A successful attempt by any one front row player to intercept the ball near the
net that results in the termination of the rally.
Court Dimension: 59 feet from end line to end line and 29 feet, 6 inches wide (18m x 9m).
Cross-Court Attack: An attack that is directed diagonally from the point of attack.
Dig: Act of retrieving an attacked ball close to the floor and making a successful pass.
Dink: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent's court using the fingertips.
Forearm Pass: Contacting the ball with the forearms in order to deliver the ball to the setter in
an underhanded manner.
Free Ball: This is a ball that is returned over the net without using a spike but instead a bump or
pass.
Hitter: A player who attacks the ball.
Linesman: Officials located at the corners of the court; each linesman is responsible for ruling if
the ball is legally in play along the lines for which or she is responsible.
Middle Blocker: Usually plays in the middle of the net when in the front row and moves
laterally to her blocking assignments.

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Pass: Receiving a serve or the first contact of the ball with the intent to control the ball to
another player.
Quick Set: An extremely low vertical set used to beat the opponent's blocks.
Rally Scoring: Scoring method used in the fifth game of matches where points can be won by
the serving or receiving team.
Red Card: Given by the official to a player or coach for flagrant misconduct resulting in a
point/side out to the opponent.
Red and Yellow Card: Given by the official to a player or coach for a major violation. Also
received automatically after two red cards. Results in automatic ejection and a point/side out for
the opponent.
Rotation: Players must retain their initial rotational order throughout the entire game, but once
the ball is served they are allowed to move anywhere.
Set: A pass that puts the ball in place for a hitter to attack.
Substitution: Allows one player to replace another player already on the court. Each team is
allowed 15 substitutions per game. Each player is allowed an unlimited number of entries.
Yellow Card: Given by the official to a player or coach as a warning of misconduct. Two yellow
cards results in an automatic red card.

Volleyball Equipment and Facilities

Volleyball Court Dimensions

The Volleyball court is 60 feet by 30 feet in total. The net in placed in the center of the court,
making each side of the net 30 feet by 30 feet.

Center Line

A center line is marked at the center of the court dividing it equally into 30 feet squares, above
which the net is placed.

Attack Line

An attack line is marked 10 feet of each side of the center line.

Service Line

A service line, the area from which the server may serve the volleyball, is marked 10 feet inside
the right sideline on each back line.

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The Net

The net is placed directly above the center line, 7 feet 4 inches above the ground for women and
8 feet above the ground for men.

Poles

Volleyball poles should be set at 36 feet apart, 3 feet further out from the sidelines.

Ceiling Height

The minimum ceiling height should be 23 feet, though they should preferably be higher.

Basic Skills in Volleyball

Every sport has strategies so common that they are applied almost automatically.
These expected forms of play are used in response to various recurring athletic
situations. Like other sports, volleyball has certain strategies which, when properly
executed, improve the soundness of a team’s game and increase the chances for
success. Volleyball’s basic strategies can be seen clearly in terms of the sport’s six
basic skills – digging, setting, spiking, blocking, serving and receiving the serve.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Volleyball Passing and Setting

Passing and setting are important skills and also important in strategy.
The pass is the first hit in the sequence. It may be a bump with the forearms or a hit with
the fingers. The idea is to get control of the ball. Get the ball in the air to a setter with
enough control so the setter can focus on making a good set and not worry about
digging or getting to the ball.

The set is the next hit in the sequence. A set is typically made with the fingertips to help
control the positioning of the ball for the attack. Strategies include forward or backward
setting or dumping the volleyball quickly over the net to an open spot before the
opponent is ready.
 
 

Volleyball Attacking
The final shot in the sequence is the attack. The goal of the attack shot is to hit a
winning ball that lands into the opponent's court. Typically, this is a spike or hard shot
where the attacker jumps and hits the set ball down hard into the opponent's side.
Footwork and quick steps prior to the jump can be key in hitting a winning shot. The
attack doesn't have to be a spike, however. Other effective shots can be dinks, dunks,
and dips where the ball is hit quickly over or around the blockers and into an open
space on the court.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Volleyball Blocking
Blocking is an essential part of volleyball strategy. Players try to block the attack of the
opponent and send the ball directly back into the others teams court. Deciding when to
block and when to back off and try to pass and set the attack shot is key to strategy.
Often teams and players will fake one and do the other to throw off the attacker.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Formations

The main differentiation in volleyball formations is in the number of setters vs. the
number of attackers. There are three main formations used by most teams. They are 4-
2 6-2 and 5-1. Beginners typically use a 4-2 where there are 4 attackers and 2 setters.
Most advanced teams will use a 5-1 formation with a  single setter and 5 attackers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Basic Volleyball Rules for Playing the Game

 6 players on a team, 3 on the front row and 3 on the back row

 Maximum of three hits per side

 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 players body

 It is illegal to catch, hold, or throw the ball

 If two or more players contact the ball at the same time, it is considered one play and
either player involved may make the next contact (provided the next contact isn't the
teams 4th hit)

 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

 At higher competition, the officiating crew may be made up of two refs, line judges,

scorer, and an assistant scorer

Basic Volleyball Rules Violations 

The following are some basic volleyball rules for violations.

The result of a violation is a point for the opponent.

 When serving, stepping on or across the service line as you make contact with the serve

 Failure to serve the ball over the net successfully

 Contacting the ball illegally (lifting, carrying, throwing, etc. )

 Touching the net with any part of the body while the ball is in play. 
Exception: If the ball is driven into the net with such force that it causes the net to contact
an opposing player, no foul will be called, and the ball shall continue to be in play.

 When blocking a ball coming from the opponents court, contacting the ball when
reaching over the net is a violation if both: 
1) your opponent hasn't used 3 contacts AND 
2) they have a player there to make a play on the ball

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 When attacking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, contacting the ball when
reaching over the net is a violation if the ball hasn't yet broken the vertical plane of the
net.

 Crossing the court centerline with any part of your body. 

Exception: if it's the hand or foot, the entire hand or entire foot must cross for it to be a
violation.

 Serving out of order.

 Back row player blocking (deflecting a ball coming from their 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 (an illegal block).

 Back row player attacking a ball inside the front zone ( the area inside the 10 foot line),
when at the moment of contact the ball is completely above the net (an illegal attack).

New Volleyball Rules for 2014

New volleyball rules and the newest major rule changes. 

New Warm Up Protocol

b. For junior competition, when one team has exclusive use of the court, the other team must
either be at its team bench or out of the playing area. 

Warming up with balls at the team bench or in the spectator walkways is not permitted. 

New Centerline Rule

DCR 11.2.2.1 and 11.2.2.2 NEW 

Synopsis: The foot (feet) may touch the opponent's court as long as some part of that foot (feet)
is on or above the centerline. 

Any other part of the body may contact the opponent's court provided that it does not interfere
with the opponent's play. 

The following are centerline faults... 

11.4.2 A player interferes with the opponent’s play while penetrating into the opponent’s space
under the net. 

11.4.3 A player’s foot (feet) penetrates completely into the opponent’s court. 

11.4.4 A player interferes with the opponent’s play by (amongst others): 

making actions which hinder an opponent’s legitimate attempt to play the ball.

New Net Contact Rule

11.3.1 Contact with the net by a player is not a fault, unless it interferes with the play. 

11.3.2 Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the
net itself, provided that it does not interfere with play. 

11.3.3 When the ball is driven into the net and causes it to touch an opponent, no fault is
committed. 

The following are defined as interference which results in a net violation... 

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11.4.4 A player interferes with the opponent’s play by (amongst others): 

touching the top band of the net or the top 80 cm (2’ 7.49’) of the antenna during his/her action
of playing the ball, or taking support from the net simultaneously with playing the ball, or
creating an advantage over the opponent, or making actions which hinder an opponent’s
legitimate attempt to play the ball.

New Substitution Rule

15.10.3a The actual request for substitution is the entrance of the substitute player(s) into the
substitution zone, ready to play, during a regular interruption. 

Synopsis: A coach requesting a sub is not acknowledged and play will continue unless the sub
has entered the sub zone. 

New Rules for Captains/Coaches

USAV 5.1.1: The captain does not sign the scoresheet before the match. 

USAV 5.1.3: For junior competition, the coach signs the scoresheet after the match to verify the
results. 

New Rules for Referees

23.3.3 At the end of the match, he/she checks the scoresheet and signs it. 

Officiating team coach should also sign.

Refereeing Volleyball

The officials volleyball crew include R1, R2, scorer, libero tracker, and line judges. 

Volleyball Referee (R1)

The first referee carries out his or her responsibilities from a position standing located at
the opposite end of the net from the scorekeeper's table. 

It's recommended that the first referee remain on the stand during the entire match
except for a protest, for personal reasons, or to handle a scorekeeping difficulty that the
second referee is unable to resolve. 

The first referee directs the match from the first moment arriving to the court until the
end of the match. 

First referee duties include...

 Having authority over all team members.

 Having final authority over all decisions including those that don't specifically
address the rules.

 Having authority over other officials of volleyball and overruling other officials if
certain they made an incorrect decision.

 Replacing an official that isn't performing functions properly.

First referee responsibilities before the match include...

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 Examine the ball that will be used for the match.

 Inspect the net, playing area, and other equipment to ensure they meet
specifications.

 Conduct the coin toss and meeting of referees and team representatives.

 Control the warm up conduct of teams.

 Establish ground rules as needed.

Second Referee (R2)

The second referee takes position facing the first referee on the opposite side of the
court. 

Should the first referee be indisposed, the second referee assumes the responsibilities
and duties of the first referee. 

Second Referee Administering a Substitution

Second referee responsibilities before the match include...

 Ensure the names of the officials of volleyball appear on the first set score sheet.
 Ensure the coaches have line up sheets at least 10 minutes before the end of
each team's timed warm up periods. The second referee collects the line-up
sheets from each team at the 3 minute mark on the clock timing the pre-match
warm ups and submits them to the scorekeeper.

Officials Volleyball Scorer (Scorekeeper)

The scorekeeper and assistant scorekeeper are seated at the scorekeeper's table,
positioned on the side of the court opposite the first referee and behind the second
referee. 

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Note: Don't forget your officials volleyball gear.

Scorekeeper responsibilities... 

The scorekeeper is in charge of the score sheet throughout the match, in cooperation
with the second referee. The assistant scorekeeper is responsible for tracking the
libero player's entries and aiding the scorekeeper. 

Officials Volleyball Line Judges

During play, the line judges are positioned as follows...

 When using two line judges, they stand diagonally opposite each other at the
ends of the court. One line judge is positioned at the intersection of the sideline
and end line to the first referee's right. The other line judge is at the intersection
of the sideline and end line to the second referee's right. Each line judge controls
an end line and entire side line.
 The line judges should move from the above positions to avoid interference with
players playing the ball or to better observe a ball crossing the net clearing the
antenna.
 During timeouts, line judges stand near the intersection of the sideline and attack
line on the side of the first referee.

Officials Volleyball Ball Crew

Some teams will have a ball crew (ball shaggers) that manage the game balls during
play. 

The purpose of the ball crew is to help keep the game flowing smoothly. Not having to
wait for players to retrieve volleyballs can help speed up the game. Also, sometimes the

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ball will get wet. The ball crew dries off the balls with a towel, providing a dry ball for the
next play. 

Referee Hand Signals

Diagram 11: Official Hand Signals

(Indoor)

1. All signals which are made with one hand shall be made with the hand on the
side of the team that commits the fault or makes the request.

2. After the signal is made, the referee gestures to the player who has committed
the fault or the team that has made the request.

Authorization to Serve 1 Move the hand to indicate

the direction of service.

2 Extend the arm to the side

of the team that will serve.

Team to Serve F S

Change of Courts 3 Raise the forearms front and

back and twist them around
the body.

Time-Out 4 Place the palm of one hand

over the fingers of the other,
held vertically (forming a “T”)
and then indicate the
requesting team.

F S

Substitution 5 Circular motion of the

forearms around each other.

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F S

Misconduct Penalty 6 Show a yellow card for penalty.

Expulsion 7 Show a red card for expulsion.

Show both
cards jointly for disqualification.

Disqualification 8
F

End of Set 9 Cross the forearms in

or Match front of the chest,
hands open.

F S
Ball Not Tossed or Released 10 at Lift the extended
the Service Hit arm, the palm of
the hand facing
upwards.

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Delay in Service 11 Raise eight fingers,

spread open.

Blocking Fault Raise both arms

12 or Screening vertically, palms
forward.

F S
Positional or Rotation 13 Make a circular
motion with the
forefinger.

Fault F S
Point the arm and
fingers toward the
floor.

Ball “In” 14
F S

Ball “Out” Raise the forearms

15 vertically, hands
open, palms toward
the body.

F S
Catch 16 Slowly lift the forearm,
palm of the hand
facing upwards.

F
Double Contact 17 Raise two fingers,
spread open.

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18 Raise four fingers,

spread open.

Four Hits F
(1) Net Touched by Player 19 Indicate the
(2) Served Ball Fails to Pass to the respective side of the
Opponent Through Crossing Space. net.

F S

Reaching Beyond the Net 20 Place a hand above

the net, palm facing
downwards.

Make a downward
motion with the
forearm, hand open.

F S
Attack Hit Fault 21
Penetration into the Opponent 22 Point to the center line
Court or to the respective
Ball Crossing the line.
Lower Space or the
Server Touches the
Court (End Line) or the
Player Steps Outside
His/Her
Court at the
Moment of the Service Hit F S

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Double Fault and Replay 23 Raise both thumbs

vertically.

24 Brush with the palm of

one hand the fingers of
the other, held
vertically.
USAV: Brush fingers
of opposite hand once
Ball Touched over palm of vertical
hand.
F S
Delay Warning/ 25 Cover the wrist with
Delay Penalty open hand, palm
facing referee
(warning) or point to
the wrist with yellow
card (penalty).
USAV: Show
yellow card
against opposite
wrist (penalty).
F
Illegal contact 26 Place hands together
(used in CO-ED (palms facing each
other) overhead.

F
competition)

Diagram 12: Official Line Judge Flag Signals

(Indoor)

Point down with flag.

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Ball In 1
Raise flag vertically.

Ball “Out” 2
L

Ball Touched 3 Raise flag and touch

the top with the palm
of the free hand.

L
Crossing Space Faults, Ball 4 Wave flag over the
Touched an Outside Object or head and point to the
Foot Fault by any Player During antenna or the
respective line.

L
Service
5 Raise and cross both
arms and hands in
front of the chest.

Judgment Impossible L

References:

https://www.britannica.com/sports/volleyball
https://www.fivb.com/en/volleyball/thegame_glossary/basicvolleyballrules
https://usavolleyball.org/play/the-benefits-of-volleyball/
https://www.jacksonvts.com/officials-of-volleyball.html
https://www.topendsports.com/sport/volleyball/equipment.htm

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