How to Play Volleyball

Similar to throwball, volleyball is a game played with two teams, using a ball and a net. The total number of players in one game of volleyball is 12 and they are divided into two teams of six players each. The game was invented in 1895, in Massachusetts (USA) by William G. Morgan. When invented, it was very much different (a lot cruder), but today, with precise rules and specifications, volleyball is one of the most popular Olympic games. If you have enjoyed watching the game, you might definitely want to know how to play it. Well, here are the volleyball rules and regulations as well as the basics for beginners.

Volleyball for Beginners

Before knowing about the rules and regulations of the game, you should take a look at the volleyball court diagram in order to understand the game better. On the both sides of the net, the court is further divided to form the front court and the back court. The players take their positions and shift to their left after every changing serve in order to change the position. Now, let us take a look at volleyball rules and techniques.

Game Play

• The game starts when a person from one of the teams (standing at the back left) serves. This means that he should try and aim the ball to reach to the other part of the court, past the net.
• The aim of the player in the opposite team is to return the ball back to the first team. Each team has a maximum of three chances to return the ball in the opposite side. However, in this case, a single player is allowed to touch the ball only once.
• Basic volleyball rules are that if any of the teams make a mistake in passing the ball to the other side; the other team gets a point.
• Unlike other sports, the scoring is not based on the serve. In case a team loses a point, the serve gets shifted to the opposite team.

Scoring

• Usually matches of this game are best of five sets. Each single set comprises 25 points each.
• Each team scores in the above mentioned pattern: i.e., when the opposite team makes an error.
• If any member of the team, fails to pass the ball back into the sender's team (even after 3 chances), his team loses a point to the other team.
• Similarly, points are also lost in case a member shoots a ball past the court directly, passes from under the net or his body touches the opposite court from under the net.
• Previously, if the ball touched the net, the team would lose a point. However, according to the recent rule change, the team does not lose point as long as the ball reaches the opposite side, even on touching the net.

Miscellaneous

• Underhand, jump float and jump are some of the common serves.
• A pass plays an important role in a game of volleyball. The bump is a common type of pass made using the forearm.
• The defense team (the receiving team) can create a 'block' in order to stop the ball from entering their side, after it crosses the net; and send it back to the offense's side (sender's side).
• The rotation of the players in one side of the court (i.e., in one particular team) should be in clockwise movement.

I hope this guide on volleyball rules for kids as well as adults was useful. Once you master this game, you can also go through beach volleyball rules to know more on it. Volleyball is definitely an interesting game, if you know and can play it properly. So, have fun!