The Game - Volleyball Game Rules
The Game - Volleyball Game Rules
The Game - Volleyball Game Rules
The game of volleyball is played by two teams, six on each team. The teams are separated by a
net. The teams compete with one another using an inflated ball.
Match
A match is won by the first team to win 3 out of 5 games. Depending on the state, some high
schools still play the best 2 out of 3. As soon as a team wins 3 games, the match is over.
Game
A game is played to 25 points, the first team to 25 wins. Games must be won by at least 2 points.
So, if there is a 24-24 tie, the game shall be played until one team has a two point lead. If the
match goes to a 5th game, the game is played to 15 points.
Point
A point is scored by a team every time the opponent commits a fault.
A point is scored every time the ball lands in the opponents court.
A good strategy for serving would be to serve the ball in such a way that it would be difficult for
the other team to return the ball back over the net.
Each team is allowed 3 hits before the ball has to be returned over the net. A good strategy
would be to play the ball to your teammates in such a manner tomake the 3rd hit difficult for the
opponent to play. Most teams try to utilize strategies to bump, set, then spike the ball into the
opponents courts.
Each team consists of 3 front line players and 3 back line players. The front line players may jump
at the net and hit the ball. This strategy is called attacking.
The front line players may also reach above the net and try blocking the ball coming from the
other side.
Boundary Lines
The boundary lines form a rectangular shape around the court. The endlines are the short
boundary lines on short sides of the court. The sidelines are the long boundary lines on the long
sides of the court. It is recommended that the courts boundary lines be a color contrasting the
color of the court. Lines should be 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide.
The Center Line
The center line extends from sideline to sideline underneath the net. The center line separates
the courts playing area into two equal halves, each 30 by 30 feet.
Attack Lines
The attack lines (3 meter line, attack line, or 10 foot line) are the lines placed 3 meters from the
centerline of the court. The attack line extends from sideline to sideline.
Serving Area
The serving area is the area behind the endline where the server serves. The serving area is 30
ft. wide (equal to the width of the sidelines). Both serving areas should be at least 2 meters (6
feet) in depth. If 6 feet isnt available, volleyball game rules require the serving area be extended
into the court the needed distance and marked.
Substitution Zone
The substitution zone is the area between the attack line and the center line. This is the area
where substitutions take place.
Out of Bounds
According to the volleyball game rules, the ball is out of bounds if it touches
The antenna
An object that is hanging from the ceiling and is below 15 ft. and in the referees judgement the
ball could not have remained in play
Net Antennas
Antennas are attached to the net inline with the outside edge of the sideline. Antennas extend
upward at least 2 and half feet but no more than 3 and a half feet above the net. Antennas
should be fasten securely to the bottom and top of the net. The antennas should be made of
unbreakable material.
Referee Stand
The volleyball game rules require the referee stand to be a stable platform that elevates the
referees head to about 2 or 3 feet above the top of the net. The platform should be 18 inches
long and 12 inches wide.
The Ball
The volleyball must be spherical with a laceless molded cover of 12 or more pieces of genuine or
simulated smooth leather. The ball is about 25 to 27 inches in circumference. The ball should
weigh about 9 to 10 ounces and be inflated to 4.3 to 4.6 pounds.
Scoresheet
In competitive volleyball, volleyball game rules require a scoresheet to be used to keep score. A
scoresheet also provides space for lineups, individual scoring, team scoring, and timeouts. There
is a comments section for recording warnings, penalties, unsporting conduct, and any other
unusual events.