VOLLEYBALL: HISTORY

 In 1885, William G. Morgan, an instructor at the

Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in

Holyoke, Mass., decided to blend elements of

basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball to create a

game for his classes of businessmen which would

demand less physical contact than basketball. He

created the game of Volleyball (at that time called

mintonette). Morgan borrowed the net from tennis,

and raised it 6 feet 6 inches above the floor, just

above the average man's head. During a demonstration game, someone remarked to

Morgan that the players seemed to be volleying the ball back and forth over the net, and

perhaps "volleyball" would be a more descriptive name for the sport. On July 7, 1896 at

Springfield College the first game of "volleyball" was played.

 1900 - a special ball was designed for the sport.

 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.

 1920 - three hits per side and back row attack rules were instituted.

 1930 - the first two-man beach game was played.

 1934 - the approval and recognition of national volleyball referees.

 1964 - Volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

 1996 - 2-person beach volleyball was added to the Olympics.

 VOLLEYBALL: TERMINOLOGIES

Ace: A serve that results directly in a point, usually when the ball hits the floor untouched on the
receiving team’s side of the court.
Assist: Helping a teammate set up for a kill.
Attack: The offensive action of hitting the ball.
Attacker: Also “hitter” and “spiker.” A player who attempts to hit a ball offensively with the
purpose of terminating play.
Attack Block: The defensive team’s attempt to block a spiked ball.
Attack Error: An attack botched in one of 5 ways: ball lands out of bounds; ball goes into the
net; attacker commits center line or net violation or attacker illegally contacts the ball.
Attack Line: A line 3 meters/10 feet away from, and parallel to, the net. Separates the front-row
players from the back-row players. A back-row player cannot legally attack the ball above the
net unless he takes off from behind this line.
Back row/court: Space from baseline (endline) to attack line. There are 3 players whose court
positions are in this area (positions 1, 6 & 5 on the court)
Back Row Attack: When a back-row player takes off from behind the attack line (10-foot/3-
meter) line and attacks the ball.
Back set: Set delivered behind the setter.
Baseline: The back boundary of the court. Also called the end line
Block: One of the 6 basic skills. A defensive play by one or more front-row players meant to
intercept a spiked ball. The combination of one, 2, or 3 players jumping in front of the opposing
spiker and contacting the spiked ball with the hands.
Blocking Error: Touching the net, crossing the centerline, blocking a set or serve, or any other
“local” violation that occurs while making a block attempt.

Center line: The boundary that runs under the net and divides the court into two equal halves.
Closing the block: The responsibility of the assisting blocker(s) to angle their body relative to
the first blocker.
“Cover”: Refers to the hitter having his/her teammates ready to retrieve rebounds from the
opposing blockers.
Cross-court attack: An attack directed diagonally from the point of attack. Also called an angle
hit.
Cut shot: A spike from the hitter’s strong side that travels at a sharp angle across the net.
Deep: Refers to sending the ball away from the net, toward the baseline of the opponent’s court.
Defense: One of the 6 basic skills. The key skills used to receive the opponent's attack are
digging and sprawling. The dig resembles a forearm pass from a low ready position and is used
more for balls that are hit near the defender. The sprawl is a result of an attempted dig for a ball
hit farther away from the defender. It resembles a dive.
Dig: Passing a spiked or rapidly hit ball and low to ground. Defensive play. Slang for retrieving
an attacked ball close to the floor. Statistically scored on a 3.0 point system.
Dink: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent’s court using the fingertips. Also called a tip.
Double block: Two players working in unison to intercept a ball at the net.
Double hit: Violation. Two successive hits by the same player.
Down Ball: Type of attack. “Down” refers to the blockers who neither jump, nor raise their
hands above the net.
Dump: Usually performed by the setter, who delivers the ball into the opponent’s court on the
second contact.
Five-One (5-1): An offensive system that uses five hitters and one setter.
Floater: A serve with no spin so the ball follows an erratic path.
Forearm Pass: Sometimes referred to as the “pass,” “bump” or “dig”.
Four-Two (4-2): An offensive system using four hitters and two setters.
Free ball: Returning the ball to the opponent without the intent to get a kill. Usually, a slow,
arcing pass or “roll” shot rather than a spike.
Front-row: Three players whose court position is in front of the attack line (3M/10 Foot), near
the net. These players are in positions 2, 3 & 4 on the court.
Held ball: A ball that comes to rest during contact resulting in a violation.
Hit: One of the 6 basic skills. To jump and strike the ball with an overhand, forceful shot.
Hitter: Also “spiker” or “attacker.” The player who is responsible for hitting the ball.
Hitting percentage: A statistic derived from total kills minus total attack errors, divided by total
attempts.
Joust: When 2 opposing players contact the ball simultaneously above the net causing the ball to
momentarily come to rest; the point is replayed if this is called by the official.
Jump serve: The server uses an approach, toss, takeoff, and serves the ball with a spiking
motion while in the air. There are two main types: jump float, jump spin.
Kill: An attack that results directly in a point or sideout.
Libero: A player specialized in defensive skills. This player must wear a contrasting jersey color
from his or her teammates and cannot block or attack the ball when it is entirely above net
height. When the ball is not in play, the libero can replace any back-row player without prior
notice to the officials.
Lines: The marks that serve as boundaries of a court. 2 inches (5cm) wide.
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 he or she is responsible. For indicating
touches and play outside of the antennae on their side of the net.
Lineup: Players starting rotation and, therefore, serving order. Numbered 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Line serve: A straight-ahead serve landing near the opponent’s left sideline.
Line shot: A ball spiked along an opponent’s sideline, closest to the hitter and outside the block.
Middle back: A defensive system that uses the middle back player in 6 to cover deep spikes.
Also called “6 back” defense.
Middle blocker: Usually plays in the middle of the net when in the front row and moves
laterally to her blocking assignments.
Mintonette: The original name of the game of volleyball, created by William Morgan.
Net Height: Women – 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches high (2.24m), Men – 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches high
(2.43m).
Off-blocker: Outside blocker not included in the double block. Also called an off-side blocker.
Off-Speed Shots: An attack that is intentionally slow. Ball spiked with less than maximum force
but with spin. Also called “roll” shot.
Opposite: Player who plays opposite the setter in the rotation. In some systems, this player is
also a setter. In other systems, this player is called a right-side.
Outside hitter: Usually plays at the ends of the net when in the front row. Also called right-side
(opposite) or left side (power).
Overhand pass: A pass with both hands open that is controlled by the fingers, with the face
below the ball. Both hands simultaneously contact the ball above the head and direct it to the
intended target.
Overhand serve: Serving the ball and striking it with the hand above the shoulder. Float or spin.
Overlap: A violation called if a team is lined up out of rotation when the ball is served.
Overpass: A ball passed across the net.
Overset: An errant set that crosses the net without being touched by another offensive player.
Pass: One of the 6 basic skills. Receiving a serve or the first contact of the ball with the intent to
control the ball to another player. Also called a “bump”.
Pancake: One-hand floor defensive technique where the hand is extended and slid along the
floor palm down while the player dives or extension rolls so the ball bounces off the back of the
hand and is considered legal.
Penetration: The blocker’s ability to reach over the net above the opponent’s court.
Perimeter: Backcourt defense where 4 players arrange themselves near the boundaries of the
court.
Pipe: A back-row attack from the middle of the court. Position 6.
Quick set: An extremely low vertical set used to beat the opponent’s block. Can be set at any
position on the net.
Rally scoring: A scoring method 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. Results in an automatic ejection and a point/side out for the
opponent.
Roof: To block a spike, usually straight down for a point.
Rotation: The clockwise movement of players around the court and through the serving position
following a side out. Players must retain their initial rotational order throughout the entire game,
but once the ball is contacted on serve they are allowed to move anywhere.
Seam: The mid-point between 2 players.
Serve: One of the 6 basic skills. Used to put the ball into play. It is the only skill controlled
exclusively by one player.
Set: One of the 6 basic skills. The tactical skill in which a ball is directed to a point where a
player can spike it into the opponent’s court. Sets can be set at different heights and different
locations on the net and offensively there are names for each of these.
Set attack: When a setter attempts to score rather than set the ball to a setter. Also called a shoot
set. Setter: The second passer whose job it is to position a pass to the hitter.
Shank: Severely misdirected pass.
Side out: Change of service when a serving team has failed to score a point. Occurs when the
receiving team successfully puts the ball away against the serving team, or when the serving
team commits an unforced error.
Six-two (6-2): An offense with four spikers and two spikers/setters. The setter comes from the
back row.
Slide: A quick attack behind the setter.
Spike: Also called a hit or attack. A ball contacted with force by a player on the offensive team
who intends to terminate the ball on the opponent’s floor or off the opponent’s blocker.
Split block: A double-block that leaves a space between the blockers.
Stuff: A ball deflected back to the attacking team’s floor by the opponent’s blockers.
Substitution: Allows one player to replace another player already on the court. Rules dictate the
number of subs each team is allowed.
Tape: The top of the net.
Three-meter line: The line extended across the court to signify the point which a back-row
player must leave the ground behind to attack the all. Also, call “attack line” and 10-foot line
Tip: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent’s court using the fingertips. Also called a dink.
Tool: When an attacker hits the ball off an opposing blocker’s arms out of bounds. Also called a
wipe.
Touch: A player contacting the ball on the defensive play.
Transition: To switch from offense to defense and vice versa.
Triple-block: Block formed by all 3 front-row players.
Underhand serve: A serve performed with an underhand striking action. The ball is usually
contacted with the heel of the hand.
Wipe: To deliberately spike the ball off an opponent’s hands and out of bounds. Also called a
tool.
Yellow Card: Given by the official to a player or coach as a warning of misconduct. Two yellow
cards result in an automatic red card.
 VOLLEYBALL: EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES

Court Design

A standard international volleyball court is an indoor, rectangular in shape whose sides are

18 meters and the ends are 9 meters. The surface of the court is neither slippery nor

rough, to avoid injuries. International courts have wooden or synthetic flooring.

The court is divided into two similar squares of 9 X 9 meters by a center line, one for each

team. The court is further divided into the following zones:

 Free zone – The playing surface is surrounded by a free zone up to 3 meters on all sides.
The free zone in international courts is 5 m from the longer sides and 8 meter from the
shorter sides.
 Front zone – The front zone in each half extends from the center line to the attack line. It
is drawn 3 meters away from the center line on both sides of the court.
  Service zone – This zone is used for servicing the ball to the opponent court behind the
end lines and has a width of 9 meters. The player has to be in the service zone while
jumping or serving.
 Substitution zone – The substitution zone lies between the scorer’s table and the attack
line.
 Libero replacement zone – The Libero replacement zone is a part of the free zone
beside team benches and between the extended attack line and the end line.

Net

Net is one-meter-long and 9.5 to 10 meter wide. It is tied

vertically above the center line of the court to posts fixed at
either sides of the court, at a distance of one meter from the
sidelines. The center of the net should lie 2.43 meter above
the ground for men and 2.24 meter for women. At the sides
the net may be higher by a maximum of 2 cm, however it
should be tied at the same height at both the posts. The court
width is marked on the net with a tape and some flexible antennae of one meter extends from the
tape marker on both sides of the net. These markings help the referee determine when the ball
goes outside the court.

Ball

Volley ball a spherical ball of 65-67 cm circumference. It is

made of leather or any synthetic material and weighs 260-
280 g. Volleyballs are available in various colors, however
for international tournaments, FIVB approved balls should
only be used.

Other Equipment

Players of a team are uniformly dressed in jerseys, shorts,

socks and sport shoes. Jerseys of each team has a different color.
 VOLLEYBALL: OFFICIALS OF THE GAME

Volleyball officials that make up the officiating crew are first referee, second referee,
scorekeeper, assistant scorer, and line judges.

 First referee - The first referee is in charge from the beginning of the match until the
end. The first referee has authority over all other members of the officiating crew. The
first referee should talk to all the officiating crew members before the match starts, going
over any questions officials might have about their responsibilities.  The first referee
should have a talk with the second referee before the match starts discussing issues such
as pre-match protocol and anything that will help the match run more smoothly.
 Second referee - The second referee should establish a rapport with the
scorekeeper and libero tracker. If the scorer and libero tracker have a problem or don't
understand something, they should be comfortable enough to ask the second referee for
help.
 Scorekeeper - The scorekeeper's main job is to make sure the score is correct at all times.
The scorekeeper uses a score sheet to keep track of the game. If there is a difference
between the score on the score sheet and the visual score (flip score, electronic
scoreboard, etc.) the visual score should be changed to match the score on the scoresheet
unless the mistake on the scoresheet can be determined and corrected. One of
the referees should check the accuracy of the scoresheet at the end of each set.
 Assistant Scorer - The assistant scorer (or libero tracker) sits at the scorer's table next to
the scorekeeper. The assistant scorer's main function is to record libero replacements on
to a libero tracking sheet.
 Line Judges - If only two line judges are used, they stand at the corner of the endline that
is closest to the right hand of each referee, diagonally from the corner. The line
 judges watch the endline and sideline of their respective corners. For FIVB and Official
Competitions, four line judges are used. Each line judge stands in the free zone 1 to 3
meters, lined up with the imaginary extension of their respective line. Line judge's main
responsibility is to make signals to help out the referees in making judgment calls. Line
judges may be instructed to use flags to make the signals.

VOLLEYBALL: SIMPLIFIED RULES

 When the ball is in play, it shouldn’t cross the side lines and end lines. At the net
the ball should stay between the antennae.
 Players are not prevented from hitting the ball at the same time. But, when two
played hit it, they have made two hits.
 Two players from opposing teams may hit the ball at the same time, but if the ball
goes out of the court, then the team at the other side of the court is awarded a fault.
 Players shouldn’t cross the center line while the ball is in play. Sometimes their
hands may reach the opponents court while trying to block a ball, but their feet
shouldn’t be placed in the opponent area and they should never interfere with the
opponents hits.
 They shouldn’t touch the net in such a way that it obstructs the game or interferes
with the opponents play. However, the ball may touch the net or get struck in it.
It can be hit back and brought into play.
 No player should obstruct opponents from hitting the ball or moving.
 After the referee whistles and instructs for a service, the player should serve the
ball within 8 seconds.
 The front-row players should deliver an attack hit only from their playing space.
 A back-row player should deliver an attack hit only away from the front zone, but
may reach the front zone after the hit. But, if the ball is too low, lower than the top
of the net, he/she may deliver an attack hit by moving to the front zone.
 A receiving team shouldn’t deliver an attack hit from the front zone when the ball
is still higher than the top of the net.
 The libero or any player from the back row should not block the ball.
 The Libero cannot serve or block the ball.
 A ball shouldn’t be blocked just after a service.
 Players shouldn’t catch the ball and throw it. They should only hit the ball.

VOLLEYBALL: BASIC SKILLS

 Serving: Serving is the first weapon

that can generate an immediate point,
begin a game, or ignite an offense. A
well-placed serve (whether to a weak
passer, at the setter, at the quick
attacker, or to a weak formation) that is
also difficult to pass puts the opponent at
a disadvantage. Focus on correct
technique and strive for success. In
addition, always serve to score points,
NOT just to get the ball into the
opponent’s court.

 Passing (Forearm Underhand): Accurate and consistent passing can result in an

aggressive multiple attack. Be sure that players are in the ready position preparing to
execute the proper technique before the serve and during a rally. The athlete must face
and focus on the oncoming ball. Ensure that the athlete’s arms and hands are in the
correct position with wrists together. The legs are a little further than shoulder width
apart with feet parallel. The ball
is contacted on the forearms.
Upon contact, the athlete
 maintains a stationary straight-arm position so that the ball rebounds off the lower part of
the forearms and is directed to the target. The knees are extended to raise the arms
forward upon contact. Straightening the legs completes the pass; the arms are behind the
ball, and weight is transferred in the direction of the pass.

 Passing (Overhand, Overhead

a successful attack. In fact, an excellent set from
a bad pass can still result in a “kill”. The athlete
forms a triangle with the fingers and thumbs of
both hands around the ball above the forehead
(thumbs do not touch). Index fingers and
thumbs form the triangle around 3 panels (18-panel ball). The elbows point slightly
forward. Feet are approximately shoulder-width apart with right foot slightly forward.
Knees are slightly bent, and body is leaning slightly forward. Eyes are focused on the
ball. The athlete receives the ball with hands on the outside of the ball. The athlete
extends the knees and straightens the arms to follow-through in the desired direction.

 Attack (Hitting) Options: There are several attack options that can be effectively
performed in a game. An attacker should be able to hit the following: shots off the block
(using the hands), high sets, low sets, sets off the net, offspeed shots, tipping, and a
variation of play sets including back court hitting
options. Providing a great deal of practice and
repetition of each will depend on the age and
ability of the athletes. Ensure the fundamental
technique of hitting is effective and efficient so
that it can be performed at a high level during
competition.

 Blocking – Attack; Defend: A well-timed and effective block diffuses an offensive

attack. The athlete is near the net, moves into position with hands up quickly. Athlete
 focuses on the ball and jumps vertically so that maximum height is achieved when the
ball is above net and contacted. Arms are raised and extended above the head; hands are
close together with fingers open; wrists are in line with arms (wrist parallel), and hands
are slightly
forward. A firm and
straight- arm position
is maintained so
that the ball rebounds
off hands and is not
struck. If possible,
athlete reaches up and over the net with arms and hands pointed in a downward position
for a rebound. The athlete lands facing the net while keeping the upper body in control
and knees bent to absorb the shock. Depending upon whether right side or left is blocking
will determine which hand should be turned inside.

 Defensive Skills – Rolling; Sliding: When the ball does not come directly at an athlete,
it may be impossible to play the ball from a regular underhand passing standing position.
The athlete still focuses on the ball and takes a step with the near foot in the direction of
the oncoming ball. The body is extremely low when playing the ball. To ensure that the
athlete does not hurt himself/herself, the athlete will continue the momentum and either
slide or roll out of the play. The goal is to get the ball up to the target and safely return to
the ready position as quickly as possible.
References:

About the Tutorial. (n.d.). https://www.tutorialspoint.com/volleyball/volleyball_tutorial.pdf

Basic Volleyball Rules and Terminology The Art of Coaching Volleyball Basic Volleyball Rules.

(n.d.). https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/sportshub2-uploads-prod/files/sites/

2735/2021/01/20141408/Basic-Volleyball-Rules-and-Terminology.pdf

Jackson, D. (2021). High School Volleyball Rules, 2007-2008 Rule Changes. Strength and Power

Volleyball. https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/volleyball-officials.html