How to Play Volleyball

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Are you looking for a sport that requires a positive team relationship, builds good communication skills, increases upper body strength and delivers an unlawful amount of fun? This article will teach you the basics of how to play volleyball. At the end, you'll be ready to set, serve and spike!

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Playing the Game

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  1. Ideally, you want at least 6 players per team for a competitive game. [1] However, if you're playing with a group of friends, keep the same number of players on each side.
    • You should have 2 rows of players, with the first row closest to the net and the back row closest to the rear boundary of the court.
    • The player in the back right corner will serve the ball. You can rotate players around the court so that you will have a new server for each service game.
      • If you are rotating players out , rotate clockwise -- looking at the net, the player closest to it on the right side would rotate out, allowing for many players to play.
  2. Toss a coin or form an agreement to find out who will begin the game.
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  3. If you serve from in front of the line it will be a point for the other team. This is known as a foot fault. The ball has to go over the net (but it can touch), and it has to land within the court for the serve to be good.
    • The player on the right-hand side at the back of the court serves. Each player will only receive one service attempt per serve rotation; you may serve as many times as you can get the ball in the other teams court.
    • The ball is good even if it lands on a line.
  4. Thus the rally has begun! A typical play will be bump, set, spike -- but as long as it goes over within three hits, it's good.
    • Technically, you can hit the ball with any part of your body so long as the ball does not come to a rest.
    • Players may go over the lines, but the ball may not. If a player on your team hits it out of bounds, you may run to retrieve it -- successfully so if it doesn't touch the ground.
  5. This could be because of any one of the following: [2]
    • The ball hits the ground. This can cause the serving team to score 1 point for their team.
      • If the ball hits the ground on the side of the serving team, then the other team has the opportunity to serve.
      • If the ball hits the ground on the side of the receiving team, then the serving team can serve again.
      • The point is awarded to the team that did not allow the ball to hit the ground.
    • The ball goes out of bounds. The team that hits the ball out of bounds loses the point.
    • Someone touches the net. If a player on one team touches the net, then the opposing team picks up a point.
    • Someone's foot goes under the net. When this happens, the opposing team receives the point.
    • Someone hits the ball 2 consecutive times. Players can't strike the ball twice in a row, unless a strike is in the block. A block does not count as a touch.
    • A team hits the ball 4 or more times without sending it over. 3 is the maximum.
    • Catching the ball without bumping it on the acceptance from play.
    • Letting the recipient team receive the ball bump from anything besides their arms or hands can cause the serving team to pick up a point.
    • Returning the ball without allowing the ball to cross over the top of the net will score one point for the serving team.
  6. The team that won the last point gets to serve the ball. If you're rotating, rotate now.
    • If your team has the ball, it's common for the rows to back up a bit. The idea here is to get ready for an attack. If you don't have the ball, move forward. The idea instead here is to make the attack.
    • Teams who produce an error or send the ball out-of-play will automatically send the ball over to the other team to serve. No extra score must be added to the "new" serving team.
    • NO penalty may be given in any situation where the ball touches the net then goes over to the other side to be played. The ball continues to be live and playable (unless it comes back towards the recipient team on the volley).
  7. You can decide how many points you will allow for each game. [3] For instance, you can start a new game when a team earns 15 points.
    • Recent rules state that regulation games go to 25 points, with the third game (in a set of three) going to 15. [4] Sometimes, games may take the form of ending with a certain time limit but this must be agreed upon - generally, this time limit will be eight minutes, but may be longer or shorter dependent on situation for the game.
    • A standard match is three games long. Each team should switch sides at the start of a new game.
      • The losing team during each service should have the chance to serve in the next game of the match.
    • A game must be won by two points . 25-26 will not cut it; it must be 25-27. Because of this, close games can go on much longer.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Learning the Shots

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  1. When you're not serving, it's common to take on a basic volleyball stance. Your feet should be placed slightly wider than your shoulders, your weight should be forward on your toes, and your knees bent. Make sure your hands are palms-up and resting comfortably on your knees. [5]
    • Unlike the opinions of many, volleyball is an intense sport. During a match, players can go the equivalent of a couple of miles in distance. [6]
  2. A basic serve gets the ball over the net and into the other court to start the rally. This can be done anywhere behind the serve line. A serve that immediately scores a point (only touches the server's hands) is referred to as an "Ace." Most commonly, this is done by hand, fist or arm. [7]
    • More experienced players can try an overhand serve: [8]
      • Toss the ball in front of you.
      • Raise your dominant hand in the air. Bend your elbow to bring your hand closer to your shoulder.
      • Straighten your elbow and strike the ball with the outside of your hand.
    • Less experienced players can serve underhanded . [9]
      • Hold the ball in your hand out in front of you.
      • Make a fist and pull your dominant hand down and to the side. Your elbow should be slightly bent, and your thumb should be stretched across your fingers.
      • Strike the ball at waist level using the front side of your fist. The ball should hit your fist against your bent thumb and index finger.
  3. "Bump" the ball. This is the most commonly used shot for returning a serve. Ideally, you would "pass" it to the setter on the team. The bump is the first in a 3-move play. [10]
    • Make a fist with your left hand and wrap your right hand around it. Both thumbs should be flat against the top of your hands with your thumbnail facing upward.
    • Rotate your elbows until the flat side of your forearm is facing upward. Your arms should be straight out in front of you at a slightly downward angle, and your elbows should be locked.
    • Move so that the ball is directly in front of you. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and wait until the ball is at the same level as your waist.
    • Allow the ball to strike your forearms about 2 to 6" (5 to 15 cm) above your wrists. When the ball makes contact with your forearms, push up with your legs and angle your "platform" toward your target.
  4. Practice setting . [11] Typically, you will not set the ball on the return of serve. Instead, you will use the set to get the ball into the air so that another player can bump it or spike it. [12]
    • Hold your hands in the air and make a triangle window you can see through. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, and bend your legs slightly.
    • Hit the ball with your fingertips when the ball reaches eye level. Push upward with your legs as your strike the ball.
    • If you slap it with the palm of your hand, in a real game, that will be called out for "lifting," like you actually caught the ball and just lifted it back up.
  5. Know how to spike . This is also known as the "attack." [13]
    • Approach the ball and lift your dominant hand. Your hand should be curved into the shape of the ball, and your elbow should be bent.
    • Jump up and strike the ball with your palm. Reach as high as you can for maximum power. The ball should travel over the net but sharply downward so that it is difficult for the other team to return it.
  6. Be ready to block . For the (three) players at the net, this is used to stop an attack, or spike. [14] There are two types of blocks:
    • An offensive block aims to keep the ball on the opponent's side of the court. The timing must be exactly right to jump up, predict the trajectory of the ball, and slam it back onto the opponent's side. Ideally, it sends the ball straight to the floor.
    • A defensive, or soft, block is used just to stop the power behind the ball to make it easier to send back. The ball hits the blocker's palm, rolls along their fingertips (losing power) and is received by another player.
    • A block does not count as one of the three hits allotted to a side to get the ball over the net.
  7. Dig . [15] This is mainly a term for a dive -- a spectacular play where the player saves the ball right before it hits the ground. It involves a great level of reflex and agility. [16]
    • In diving, players land on their chests with their arms stretched out. It is very important to do this safely as injury is likely if done wrong. Seasoned players employ a rolling technique to minimize the risk of injury.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Employing Strategy

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  1. Setting is a definite skill and maintains the offensive for the team. They must be able to operate in tandem with the hitters and place the ball exactly where it needs to be for the attacker to strike the ball effectively.
    • They must be swift and agile in addition to having technical accuracy when it comes to launching the ball. With a bad set, the ball is going nowhere.
    • Just be warned: setters have a lot of restrictions. When they are in the front row they can attack and hit the ball at their will, but, when they are back row, they may not attack any ball that is above the net.
  2. If you're getting up there in skill, using a libero may be a strategy your team wants to employ. This is not counted as a substitution -- this player wears a different color.
    • This player receives the attack or serve and must have cat-like reflexes. They are a "defensive specialist." [17] They usually replace the middle blocker or center when they are supposed to rotate into the back row. If you have a player that is great at receiving attacks, put 'em in as the libero.
    • That literally means "free," as in they're free to sub in and out as often as they want. However, they cannot play in the front row.
  3. Each designation of hitter has their strong points. Look at your team and see who falls into what category:
    • Middle hitters must perform fast attacks and be decent blockers. They are playing offense and defense constantly. [18]
    • Opposite hitters (or right-side hitters) are a back-up setter and primarily work on defense. They must provide a good block at all times because they are essentially blocking the opposing team's outside, or strong-side, hitter. [19]
    • Outside hitters should be the most consistent hitter on the team as that's generally where all the serves go. They are also often employed if a first pass goes astray from the middle. [20]
  4. Though some leagues will allow unlimited substitutions, international rules say that you can have a maximum of 6 (not including the libero). [21]
    • You can also pull in a serving specialist or a defensive specialist (not the same thing has a libero) if your team is lacking in serving or defense skills.
  5. [22] We'll be assuming you're working with 6 players here. If you're not, adapt your number of players and their skills to other various formations. However, with six, there are generally three to choose from (the numbers refer to positions, not to number of players):
    • 4-2 formation . This has four hitters and two setters. Generally speaking, the setters position themselves on the right; they are the two front attackers. This is generally only used in beginner's play.
    • 6-2 formation. This is where a player comes up from the back and acts as a setter. The front row is all poised to attack. All players will be hitters at some point or another.
    • 5-1 formation. This has only one player as a setter, regardless of where they are positioned in the rotation. Obviously then, there are sometimes 2 and sometimes 3 attackers in the front row. The setter can then change up their strategy as they rotate and even just dump the ball lightly over the net at times. It's very setter-centric!
  6. The ball could come at you at any time. Be prepared and stay on your guard.
    • If the ball is thrown at you without warning, shield your face from the hit with your hands.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Setting Up Your Own Game

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  1. The best volleyballs are made of leather or synthetic leather. Also, the ball should have an inner bladder made of rubber.
    • For indoor volleyball, choose a ball that is well-pressurized. Also, look for a ball that is a light uniform color.
    • For outdoor or beach volleyball, choose a brightly colored volleyball that will be easy to see in the sunlight.
  2. Make sure that the supports for your net are made of galvanized metal or treated wood. Also, consider padding the poles to protect the players.
    • An official net measures 32 feet (9.75 m) long and 39" (1 m) wide. For men, it comes in at 7 feet (2.1 m) 11 5/8 in (2.43 M) high and for women, it tops out at 7 feet (2.1 m) 4 1/8 in (2.24 m).
    • If you're playing outdoors, dig a hole at least 3' (about 1 m) deep for the poles. If you want your court to be permanent, pour concrete into the holes before you install the poles.
  3. An official volleyball court is 29 feet (8.8 m) 6" (9 m) wide and 59 feet (18 m) (18 m) long.
    • Use spray paint or bright nylon tape to mark the boundaries of your court. The lines should be approximately 2" (5 cm) wide. Alternatively, you can use the line markers that came with the net that you purchased.
    • Your court should face north and south as opposed to east and west. This orientation ensures that no team is ever looking directly into the sun.
    • If you're playing an informal game, you can simply mark the boundaries with some shoes or any other items that you have laying around. Don't worry about exact measurements; the point is to have fun while you're playing.
  4. Now that you have all the necessary equipment, get a group together! Volleyball can be played with two people, but it's more fun with a dozen or so. Take the number that you have and figure out your formation -- how will you rotate (if you rotate at all) and account for skill?
    • If you have an odd number, you can either have the odd man out rotate sides, join the weaker team, or rotate one individual acting as a referee or scorekeeper. Or they could be the designated libero and pop around at will!
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Play Volleyball Like a Pro with this Expert Series

Volleyball is an incredibly fun sport, and it's great exercise too. But there are some essential skills you need to master in order to become an effective player. Learn them all with this expert series!
1
Play Volleyball
2
How to Score Points in Volleybvall
3
Set a Volleyball
4
Hit a Volleyball
5
Serve a Volleyball
6
Spike a Volleyball

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  • Question
    How do I dress for volleyball?
    Community Answer
    We've got an article on that topic to help you out. Most importantly, wear comfortable, athletic clothing and shoes, and remove all accessories.
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  • Question
    How do I hit the ball when it goes over my head?
    Community Answer
    If you can't reach it for a set, and you're in the back row, let it go out. If you're in the front row, make sure to call out for another player to get it. Or, you can turn around and hit it with a backwards bump. If it's the last hit on your side and you need to get it over, arch your back when you hit it. If you're just starting your attack, all you need to do is get it up so that another player can set it and then spike it over then net, hopefully getting a point. The same concept can be applied to receiving it with a backwards set.
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  • Question
    How do I hit a ball that comes in over my head?
    Community Answer
    Jump and put your hands up as though you were setting, but keep your fingers tight together to block the ball. If the ball approaches slightly to one side, move your hands but keep your fingers pointing straight up. Ideally, the ball should roll down from your fingers and onto your palms, where you direct it to another player.
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      Tips

      • Always call the ball, simply using the word "mine" or "got it". This will improve communication skills on the team.
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      • You can also wear knee pads so that you can hit the ground without hurting your knees.
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      • Players, especially hitters, often wear ankle braces to protect themselves against twisted ankles when they land after jumping.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Even though it is most common for the libero to go in for the middle, they can also go in for an outside or front row player. They just cannot play front row for anyone and can only serve for one person.
      • Make sure you have a pair of spandex shorts, as they are comfortable and easy to move around in. You'll also want a good pair of court shoes that grip the ground.
      • When you're just starting out, wear arm protectors or long sleeves to protect your forearms.
      • Be sure to move around to get the ball. It won't always come right to you.
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      Warnings

      • If you are wearing makeup, don't overdo it because it might get smeared all over your face.
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      • Don’t worry about winning or losing. Just worry about the way you play; remember what you practiced.
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      • Without a proper warm up, you could get injured. Make sure you stretch your legs and arms before playing. [23]
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      Things You'll Need

      • Volleyball
      • Net
      • Tape, spray paint or other material to mark the court boundaries

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about playing volleyball, check out our in-depth interview with Matthew Thibodeaux .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.playerssports.net/page/volleyball-rules
      2. ↑ http://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/volleyball.html
      3. ↑ http://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/volleyball.html
      4. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/how-to-play-volleyball.html
      5. ↑ http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/volleyball-skills.html
      6. ↑ https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/how-to-serve-a-volleyball.html
      7. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/types-of-volleyball-serves-3428919
      8. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/types-of-volleyball-serves-3428919
      9. ↑ https://volleyball-basics.weebly.com/bump.html
      1. ↑ https://volleyball-basics.weebly.com/set.html
      2. ↑ https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/setting-a-volleyball.html
      3. ↑ https://volleyball-basics.weebly.com/spike.html
      4. ↑ https://volleyball-basics.weebly.com/block.html
      5. ↑ https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/volleyball-skills-digging.html
      6. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/how-to-make-a-volleyball-dig-3428902
      7. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/libero-position-indoor-volleyball-3429244
      8. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/volleyball-positions-middle-blocker-3429245
      9. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/volleyball-positions-opposite-3429246
      10. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/volleyball-positions-outside-hitter-3429247
      11. ↑ https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/volleyball-formations.html
      12. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/best-volleyball-warm-ups-3429231
      13. USAVolleyball.org
      14. Best Volleyball

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Volleyball is a fun sport in which 2 teams of 6 players hit a ball back and forth over a net and try to score points by grounding the ball on the opposing team's court. Each team sets up on their side of the court in 2 rows: the first row of 3 players lines up close to the net and the second row of 3 players lines up across the rear boundary of the court. Decide which team serves first by flipping a coin and give that team the ball. The player in the back right corner of the court serves the ball. To start the game, the serving player stands behind the line and hits the ball over the net into the opposing team’s court. One of the receiving team's players intercepts the serve by bumping the ball with their hands toward a second teammate. Then, the second teammate either bumps the ball over the net or bats it to a third teammate who bumps it over the net. A team is only allowed to touch the ball 3 times before hitting it over the net and individual players can't touch the ball twice in a row. The teams continue hitting the ball back and forth over the net following these rules until one of the teams scores a point. If the ball hits the ground on one team’s side of court, the opposing team scores 1 point. You can also score a point if the opposing side commits errors or fouls like hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to return the ball over the net, or touching the ball more than 3 times before hitting it over the net. The team that wins the point gets to serve the ball and gameplay continues in the same way. The first team to score 15 points (or 25 points in regulation games) wins, but the team must be ahead by at least 2 points. If they aren’t, the game continues until one of the teams surpasses the other by 2 points and wins the game. To learn more about the types of shots you can make, such as a bump, set, or spike, keep reading!

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