Objective and Basic Setup
Volleyball is played by two teams of six players each on a rectangular court divided by a net. The objective is to score points by grounding the ball on the opponent's side of the court while preventing the opponent from doing the same. The court measures 18 meters long by 9 meters wide, with the net at 2.43 meters high for men and 2.24 meters for women. Matches are typically best-of-five sets, with the first team to reach 25 points (winning by at least two) taking a set.
Key Gameplay Principles
Players rotate clockwise each time their team regains serve. A team can touch the ball up to three times before it crosses the net, excluding blocks. Common actions include serving to start play, passing (forearm bump), setting (overhead pass), and attacking (spike). The ball must be hit, not caught or thrown, and cannot touch the net during a hit except on serves. Faults include foot faults on serve, net touches, or four hits by a team.
Practical Example of a Rally
Consider a serve: Player A from Team 1 serves the ball over the net. Team 2 passes it to their setter, who sets it for an attacker to spike. If Team 1 blocks the spike and the ball falls on Team 2's side, Team 1 scores a point and gains serve. If the spike lands in bounds untouched, Team 2 scores. Rotations ensure back-row players cannot attack from the front zone, maintaining positional rules.
Importance and Applications
These rules ensure fair play, promote teamwork, and prevent injuries by regulating contact and positioning. In recreational settings, they foster enjoyment and skill development; in professional leagues like the Olympics, strict adherence determines outcomes in high-stakes competitions. Understanding them allows players to strategize effectively and referees to enforce consistency.