VOLLEYBALL HISTORY

The game of volleyball, originally called “mintonette,” was invented in 1895 by William
G. Morgan after the invention of basketball only four years before.
VOLLEYBALL COURT DIMENSION AND VENUE
Court Dimensions

The game is played on a volleyball court 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29.5
feet) wide, divided into two 9 m × 9 m halves by a one-meter (40-inch) wide net placed
so that the top of the net is 2.43 meters (7 feet 11 5/8 inches) above the center of the
court for men's competition, and 2.24 meters (7 feet 4 1/8 inches) for women's
competition (these heights are varied for veterans and junior competitions).
EQUIPMENT AND GEARS
The Ball
The type of ball required in volleyball depends on the type and level of volleyball you
play. Beach volleyballs and indoor volleyballs vary in size, weight and composition.
Beach volleyball is played with two players on a smaller sand court with a larger, lighter
ball, while indoor volleyball is played with six players on a larger court, with a heavier,
faster ball made of leather.

Net & Poles

The net divides the volleyball court into two halves. The height of the net varies based
on the age of the players and the surface being played on. An indoor net is 7 feet 11 5/8
inches in height for men and 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for women. Beach volleyball nets are
hung at the same height. In addition to the nets, and the poles from which they are
hung, protective padding is required to surround these structures to ensure player
safety in case of collision.

Knee Pads
Indoor volleyball is tough on the knees. Most courts are on wooden gymnasium floors,
making knee protection a must. Knee pads come in two traditional styles. Small, flatter
knee pads are worn by beginning players and sometimes by the setter. These players
do not traditionally dig, or dive, for the ball repeatedly. Defensive players, who dive
frequently, often prefer the "bubble" style of knee pad. These full-coverage pads are
often made of shock absorbing memory foam to prevent injury.
Training for Success
Creative inventions promise to improve technique. While no one gadget can create a
better player, when used in conjunction with expert coaching, training tools can be an
effective way to correct flaws in the execution of many basic volleyball moves. The
"Volleyball Pass Rite System" is a simple system of rubber bands paired with wrist and
ankle cuffs which restrict players arm motion to prevent over-swinging while bumping
the ball. Spike trainers are used to improve the approach and execution of the spike.
Various incarnations of the spike trainer exist, though they all consist of a ball
suspended from a pole secured to a base. The height of the ball is adjusted to simulate
the different game-time scenarios.
RULES OF THE GAME
Basic Volleyball Rules
6 players on the floor at any one time - 3 in the front row and 3 in the back row
Maximum of 3 hits per side
Points are made on every serve for wining team of rally (rally-point scoring).
Player may not hit the ball twice in succession. (A block is not considered a hit.)
Ball may be played off the net during a volley and on a serve.
A ball hitting a boundary line is in.
A ball is out if it hits an antennae, the floor completely outside the court, any of the net
or cables outside the antennae, the referee stand or pole, the ceiling above a non-
playable area.
It is legal to contact the ball with any part of a player’s body.
It is illegal to catch, hold or throw the ball.
A player cannot block or attack a serve from on or inside the 10-foot line.
After the serve, front-line players may switch positions at the net.
Matches are made up of sets; the number depends on level of play. 3-set matches are 2
sets to 25 points and a third set to 15. Each set must be won by two points. The winner
is the first team to win 2 sets. 5-set matches are 4 sets to 25 points and fifth set to 15.
The team must win by 2 unless tournament rules dictate otherwise. The winner is the
first team to win three sets.
Basic Volleyball Rule Violations
Rule violations that result in a point for the opponent
When serving, the player steps on or across the service line as while making contact
with the ball.
Failure to serve the ball over the net successfully.
Ball-handling errors. Contacting the ball illegally (double touching, lifting, carrying,
throwing, etc.)
Touching the net with any part of the body while the ball is in play.
When blocking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, it’s illegal to contact the ball
when reaching over the net if both your opponent has not used 3 contacts AND they
have a player there to make a play on the ball.
When attacking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, contacting the ball when
reaching over the net is a violation if the ball has not yet broken the vertical plane of the
net.
Crossing the court centerline with any part of your body is a violation. Exception: if it is
the hand or foot. In this case, the entire hand or entire foot must cross for it to be a
violation.
Serving out of rotation/order.
Back-row player blocking (deflecting a ball coming from the opponent) when, at the
moment of contact, the back-row player is near the net and has part of his/her body
above the top of the net. This is an illegal block.
Back-row player attacking a ball inside the front zone (the area inside the 3M/10-foot
line) when, at the moment of contact, the ball is completely above the net. This is an
illegal attack.
OFFICIALS
Volleyball Officials. Responsibilities of Referees & Work Team. Volleyball officials that
make up the officiating crew are first referee, second referee,scorekeeper, assistant
scorer, and line judges. The first referee is in charge from the beginning of the match
until the end.