THE GAME

OF

VOLLEYBALL

Prepared
by;
Ong’ong’a
A.W
Bondo Teachers’
College

VOLLEYBALL

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History and Development of the Game
Volleyball can be classified as an American contribution to the world of sport.
It was introduced in 1895 by William G. Morgan.
It was a light recreation activity for businessmen but soon became popular. The game
was originally called mintonette. It was renamed volleyball because of the techniques
involved.
Soon, schools and colleges incorporated the game in Physical Education programmes for
both men and women. The armed forces also played it.
In 1900, changes made included elimination of dribbling, the first bounce and the use of
turning.
In 1912, court dimensions were established and a player rotation method was set.
Touching the net became a loss of service.
YMCA was instrumental in spread of the game world wide.
Canada was the first country to adopt the game in 1900.
Other countries took over and played the game are:
Cuba – 1905
Rico - 1909
Philippines – 1910
Uruguay – 1912
Japan – 1913

 It spread throughout the world during World War I.

 Other countries joined in and took the game seriously that is France, Poland, USSR.
The game developed gradually, and in 1947 International Volleyball Federation
(F.I.V.B) was formed in Paris, France and Mr. Paul Libauld (Frenchman) was elected
first President.
 14 countries participated in that assembly and Egypt was among the 14 countries.
 In 1957 volleyball was recognized by International Olympic committee (I.O.C) as an
Olympic sport.
 In 1964 during the Tokyo (Japan) Olympics, Volleyball appeared for the first time
 1984, Paul Libauld resigned as the President of Tivas and was succeeded by Dr.
Reuben Acosta Hernandez (Mexican). Dr. Acosta later transferred F.I.V.B
headquarters from Paris to Lausanne – Switzerland.
 In 1996, Beach Volleyball was introduced as an Olympic sport.
 In Africa, Volleyball is organized under (C.A.V.B) (Confederation of African
Volleyball) which has its headquarters in Cairo (Egypt).

 In Kenya, volleyball was introduced through the British education system, mainly in
schools.
 Competition is mainly through tournaments run by Kenya Volleyball Federation
(KVF)

Characteristics of volleyball

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A team sport played by two teams of 6 players each. It is a unisex game played mainly by
hands or arms. However the ball may touch any part of the body.
The objective of each team is to pass the ball over the net and ground it on the opponents
court, force opponents to commit a fault and prevent opponents from grounding the ball
on your court.
Volleyball can either be a recreational or competitive sport. In a competition, rules are
strictly adhered to. In recreation, rules are relaxed, (size of the court, net height, basic
rules eg finger work and number of players).

Qualities of a good volleyball player

 Should be fast (services are fast, spiking, blocking, etc)

 Mentally alert (read the game always and expect the ball)
 Strong (for blocks, spiking serving, etc)
 Well coordinated (physically and mentally)
 Has stamina (to cope with long playing sessions)
 Competitive volleyball requires highly refined application of team strategy and
individual skills.
 Courage.

Field Dimensions, Layout and Marking of Playing Area

The playing area is rectangular which measures 18 m x 9 m. It is surrounded by a free

zone of a minimum of 3 m wide on all sides. The free zone should be free from all
obstructions. There’s the free playing space which is the space above the playing area.
This free playing space should measure a minimum of 7m height from the playing
surface.

NB: For FIVB world and official competition, free zone should have a minimum width
of 5m from the sidelines and 8m from the end lines.

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Playing Surface
 It should be flat, horizontal and uniform
 For indoor courts, the surface of the playing court must be of light colour.
 It is recommended to have white colours for line marking for Indoor court (Different
from court surface)
 For outdoor courts, there should be a slope so that there is proper drainage.
 All lines in the court are supposed to be 5 cm wide.
 Centre line divides the court into two equal haves of 9m by 9m each with an attack
line marked 3m from the centre line on each side.
 Boundary lines – These are marked by two side-lines and two end lines.

Zones and Areas

a) Front zone – It is found on each court. It is limited by the axis of the centre line and
the attack line. It extends beyond the sidelines to the end of the free zone.
b) Service zone - This is the 9m area behind each end line. The sidelines are extended
past the end lines by 20cm to show the service zone with the free zone. This service
zone extends to the end of the free zone.
c) Substitution Zone - This is limited by the extension of both attack lines up to the
scorer’s table. It is 6 m wide.
d) Warm-up Area - This is an area measuring approximately 3m x 3m located in both of
the bench side corners, outside the free zone.
e) Libero Replacement zone – It is part of the free zone on the side of the team benches
limited by the extension of the attack line up to the end line.
f) Penalty Area: This is an area measuring approximately 1 m x 1 m which is equipped
with two chairs and located in the control area. They may be indicated or marked by
5 cm wide red line. They are outside the prolongation of each end line.

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. A Net
The net is 1m wide and 9.5m long. The height of the net is measured from the centre of
the playing field. The height of the net for men is 2.43m and 2.24m for women. This
height is taken from playing surface to the top of the net and should be the same at the
centre and at the sidelines. The height should not exceed by more than 2 cm.
2. Ball – It is Spherical
 It is spherical in shape
 Made of flexible leather or synthetic leather case
 Has a bladder inside made of rubber on similar material
 Has uniform light colour or a combination of colours
 It is circumference is 65-67cm and weighs between 260 g -280 g.
 It is inside pressure should be between 0.30 kg/cm²-0.325kg/cm²
 Three balls should be used for official competitions organised by FIVB.
3. Antennae
 This is a flexible rod measuring 1.80m long and 10mm in diameter

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 It’s made of fiberglass or similar material.
 It’s usually fastened at the edge of each side band
4. Posts
These support the net. They are two and placed at a distance of 0.50 to 1.00m outside the
sidelines.
 The posts are 2.55m high and preferably adjustable.
NB for official competitions by FIVB, the posts supporting the net are placed at a
distance 1m outside the sidelines.
 The post is supposed to be round and smooth. It is supposed to be fixed on the
ground.
5. Side Bands
 These are white bands that are fastened vertically to the net and placed directly above
each sideline. They are 5cm wide and 1m long and are considered part of the net.
Players Equipment – They include the following:-
- Jersey
- Shorts
- Socks
- Sport shoes
The colour and design for jerseys, shorts and socks must be uniform for team except the
Libero.
 Shoes should be light and without heels
 Players Jerseys must be numbered from 1 – 20.
The number should be on the jersey at the centre of the front and the back.
 The number colours should contrast that of the Jersey.
 The Captain’s Jersey number on the chest is usually underlined. This helps in
officiating so as to know the team’s captain.

RULES AND REGULATION

Team composition

 It may consist of a maximum of fourteen (14) players whereby there’s a maximum of

twelve (12) regular players. There is also the coach (one), assistant coach (one) one
trainer and one medical doctor.
 The team captain and Libero must be indicated in the score sheet.
 Only those players who appear in the score sheet can play or enter the court.
 The players not in play should sit on the team bench or be in the warm-up area. The
coach, assistant coach and doctor should sit on the bench.
For FIVB world and official competitions, players are forbidden to play bare foot. For
one to play barefoot, he/she should get authorization from the first referee.
 Players should get permission form the 1st referee to change wet or damaged uniforms
between sets or after substitution. The colour and the number of the new uniform
should be the same with the original.
 The 1st referee is the one who can authorize players to play in training suits in case of
cold weather. The training suits should be uniform except the liberos.
 Players may wear glasses at their own risk.

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PLAYING FORMAT
TOSS
 Before the match, the 1st referee carries out a toss to decide the 1st service and the
sides of court in the first set. A toss is also done if the deciding set is to be played.
 The two team captains are present during the toss.
The winner of the toss has two options.
i) The right to serve or to receive service
ii) The side of the court the team will start playing.
The loser of the Toss takes the remaining choice.
- Six players per team must always be in play
- The teams’ starting line-up always indicates the rotational order of players on the
court which must be maintained throughout the set.
- The coach has to present the starting line-up of his/her team on a line up sheet
before each set. The sheet should be filled in and signed then presented to the
second referee or scorer.
- The other players are not on the starting list for they are the substitutes except the
libero.
- Once this list has been submitted to the 2nd referee or scorer, no change can be
done to it without regular substitution
Positions
At the moment the ball is being hit by the server, each team must be within its own count
in their rotational order except the server.
The three players along the net are the front row players who occupy positions 4(front
left) 3(front centre) 2(Front right). The other are back row players who occupy
positions 5(back left), 6(back centre) and 1 (back-right)
The positions of players are determined and controlled according to the positions of their
feet contacting the ground before service.
The players are allowed to move around and occupy any position on the court and free
zone after the service hit.

Positional Fault

This occurs when a player is not in his/her position at the moment the ball is hit by the
server. If the server commits a serving fault and there is a positional fault elsewhere, the
server’s fault is counted before a positional fault. Serving fault is committed at the
moment of service hit.
- The positional fault counts even if the service becomes faulty after the service hit.
Consequences of a Positional Fault
a) The team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponents. The players’
positions are rectified after the sanction.
Rotation
- This is a clockwise move made by a team when they gain the right to serve.
Every player moves one position in clockwise direction. Rotational order is
determined by the teams starting line-up. The rotational order is controlled with
the service order and players positions through the set.

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Rotational Fault
- This is committed when a service is not made according to the rotational order.
Consequence;
a) The team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent.
b) The players’ rotational order is rectified.
NB: The scorer should determine the exact moment when the fault was committed and
all points scored by the team at fault must be cancelled. The opponents’ points remain
valid. Incase the moment cannot be determined, then there is no cancellation of points
but the opponents gain a point and service.

PLAYING THE BALL

- The ball is said to be in play from the moment of the service hit which is
authorized by the 1st referee.
- The ball is said to be out of play at the moment of fault which is whistled by one
the referees and the absence of the fault but the whistle is blown by the referee.
This could be in the case of external interference during play.
- The ball is ‘in’ when it touches the floor of the playing court including the
boundary lines.
The ball is out when:
i) It touches an object outside the court, ceiling or a person out of play.
ii) It touches the antennae, ropes, posts or the net outside the sidebands.
iii) It crosses the vertical plane of the net either partially or totally outside the
crossing space unless it’s retrieved by the member of that team and within
three team hits and it goes back within the same area.
iv) It crosses completely the lower space under the net.
- Each team must play within its own playing area and space.
- A hit is any contact with the ball by a player in play. A team is entitled to a
maximum of three (3) hits for returning the ball.
- A player is not allowed to hit the ball twice consecutively unless when one was a
block. A team can make 4 touches where one of the touches was a block.
- Two or three players are allowed to touch the ball at the same time. If it happens,
it is referred to as Simultaneous Contact. When they touch the ball, it’s counted
as two or three hits.
- When two opponents simultaneously touch the ball over the net the team that
receives the ball after is entitled to 3 hits.

Assisted Hit –
This is when a player supports himself/herself with a teammate or any structure/object so
that to hit the ball. This is not permitted. A player may be pulled back by a teammate in
case he/she is about to commit a fault of touching the net or crossing the centre line.
The ball may touch various parts of the body provided that the contacts take place
simultaneously.

Catch - This is when a ball is caught, thrown or when the ball does not rebound from the
hit.
The ball must be played over the net within the crossing space to the opponents’ side.

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 If during play the ball rips the mesh of the net or tears it down, the rally is replayed.
A blocker may touch the ball beyond the net during block provided he/she does not
interfere with the opponents play before or during his/her attack hit.
Contact with the net by a player is not a fault unless it interferes with the play
Players’ feet (foot) are not allowed to penetrate completely into the opponents’ court.
Service
- This is the act of putting the ball into play. This is done by the back right player
placed in the service zone.
- The First set service and the deciding set service is determined by the toss.
Service Order
This is determined by the line-up recorded on the sheet.
The first referee authorizes the service after ensuring the two teams are ready.
- The ball is to be hit once after it has been tossed or released from hands.
- Only one toss/release is allowed. Dribbling or moving the ball in the hands is
permitted.
- The server should be out of the playing field. He/she should not make contact
with playing ground before the service hit.
- The server must serve within 8 seconds after the first referees whistle.
- If a service is conducted before the referees’ whistle, it should be cancelled and
repeated.

Screening
This is the act of preventing your opponents from seeing the server or the flight path of
the ball. This is usually done by the serving team and it is not allowed in the game of
volleyball. This can involve one or a group of players (serving team). Players screen by
waving arms, jumping or moving sideways during the execution of services. They can
also stand grouped to hide the path of the ball.

Faults Made during services

a) Serving Faults
i) The server violating service order
ii) The server not executing the service properly
NB: If the server commits the above faults, it will lead to change of service (opponents
given ball to serve) even if they had positional fault (opponents).
b) Faults after the Service Hit
After the ball has been hit correctly, the service becomes faulty if:-
i) It touches a player of the serving team or it fails to cross the vertical plane of
the net completely through the crossing space.
ii) If the ball goes out
iii) If the ball passes over a screen

Attack Hit
All actions that direct the ball towards the opponent are considered attack hits with the
exception of service and block.
- Tipping is permitted during attack hit if the ball is clearly hit.

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 - Attack hit is said to be complete after the ball crosses the vertical plane of the net
or touched by an opponent.
Restrictions of the Attack Hit;
- Front row players are permitted to complete attack hits at any height provided the
contact with the ball has been made within the players playing surface.
- A back row player can complete an attack hit from any height provided he/she
does so from back zone (behind front zone).
- Back row player can take-off from back zone and contact the ball and then land in
front zone.
- Back row player can complete an attack hit while in the front zone provided
he/she makes contact with the ball below the top of the net.

Faults of the attack hit;

- A player completing an attack hit on the opponents service though the ball is
higher than the top of the net.
- A Libero completing an attack hit when the ball is higher than the top of net.
- A player completes an attack hit from higher then the top of the net when the ball
is coming from an overhand finger pass by a Libero in his/her font zone.
- A player hitting the ball within the opponents playing space.
- A player hitting the ball out.
- A back row player completing an attack hit from the front zone and the ball
during contact was higher than top of the net.

Block
This is the action of players close to the net to intercept the ball coming from the
opponent by reaching higher than the top of the net. Only front row players are allowed
to complete a block.
a) Block Attempt - This is the act of blocking without touching the ball.
b) Completed block – This is whenever the ball is touched by a blocker
c) Collective block - This is a block which is executed by two or three players
close to each other. This kind of block is completed when one of them
touches the ball. Consecutive contacts with the ball may occur by one or
more blockers provided that the contacts are made during one action.
It is illegal to touch the ball beyond the net until an opponent has executed an attack hit.
Note: A Block is not counted as a team hit. Therefore after a block, a team is entitled to
three hits to return the ball. The first hit after blocks can be executed by any player even
the one who touched the ball during the blocks.
Block Faults;
i) Blocking the ball in opponent’s space
ii) Back row player or Libero completing or participating in blocks
iii) Blocking opponents service
iv) Ball going out off the block

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INTERRUPTIONS
An interruption is the time between one completed rally and the 1st referee’s whistle for
the next service. We have Regular game Interruptions and Exceptional game
Interruptions.

a) A regular game interruption. There are two types of regular game

Interruptions. These are:
(i) Time-outs
(ii) Substitutions

Each team is entitled to two (2) time outs and six (6) player substitutions per set.
- These regular game interruptions can be requested by the coach or the captain in case
the coach is absent.
- The request is made by showing the correct hand signal when the ball is out of play
and before the whistle for service

Note: For FIVB, World and official competitions, it’s a must that one uses the buzzer
and then the hand signal to request time-out.
- Substitution before the start of a set is permitted and is recorded as a regular
substitution in that set.
- Two or more players may be substituted during the same game interruptions but a
team cannot make consecutive requests for player substitution.
(i) Time Outs
There’s regular time-out and Technical Time-out. All regular time- outs last 30
seconds. Technical time outs last 60 seconds. In FIVB World and official
competitions, Technical time-outs are applied automatically in sets 1 – 4. The
1st technical time-out is applied when the leading team reaches the 8th point and
the 2nd Technical time-out is given when the leading team reaches the 16th point.
This means that there are two (2) Technical time-outs for every set for sets 1 – 4.
There are no Technical Time-outs in the deciding set (5th set). There are only the
two 30 seconds regular time-outs for every team. During time-outs, players are
supposed to go to the free zone near their bench.
(ii) Substitutions
Substitution is the act by which a player who has been recorded by the scorer
enters the game to occupy the position of another player who was playing who
has to leave the court at that moment. NB. For Libero, his/her getting into the
field for another player is not substitution but referred to as replacement. When a
Libero gets in for another player it’s the player he/she replaced who is supposed
to get in when he (Libero) is leaving the court.
- A maximum of 6(six) player substitutions per team is allowed per set
- When a substitute enters the field, he/she can only be replaced by the
same player of the starting list. When the team carries out substitution
in the explained manner, this is known as regular substitution.
- Exceptional substitution - This is a substitution which is done by a
team when its player has been injured or fallen ill and the team has

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 exhausted the legal substitutions in the set. The team
is allowed to substitute from the players on the bench with the exception of
Libero and his/her replacement player.
- An expelled or disqualified player must be substituted immediately
through a legal substitution. If the team cannot make a legal
substitution, the team is declared incomplete.
Illegal Substitution
This is when substitution exceeds the limit.
When a team makes an illegal substitution and the game has resumed without detection,
that team will be penalized by loss of rally. The substitution is rectified. The points the
team had scored since the fault was committed are cancelled but the opponents’ points
remain valid.
(i) Substitution must be carried out within the substitution zone.
(ii) Substitution is said to have been requested completed when the substitute
player(s) enter the substitution zone, ready to play during regular interruption.
(iii) The request for substitution is acknowledged by the scorer or second referee
by use of a whistle or buzzer. In international matches ran by FIVB, numbered
paddles are used to facilitate substitution. A team can substitute more than one
player in a request.
Improper requests
These are requests that are made at the wrong time or in improper way. e.g.
(i) Asking for any game interruption during a rally or at the moment of or after
the whistle to serve.
(ii) An unauthorized team member making any request.
(iii) Asking for player substitution before the game has been resumed from a
previous substitution by the same team.
(iv) .Asking for an interruption after exhausting the authorized number of time-
outs and player substitutions.
NB
The first improper request by a team which does not affect or delay the game is usually
rejected and there is no other consequence. Further improper requests in the match by the
same team constitute a delay and sanctions pertaining to delay apply.
Game delays
This is an improper action of a team that defers (puts off) resumption of the game. Game
delays include the following actions:-
(i) Delaying a substitution.
(ii) Prolonging other game interruptions after being instructed to resume the
game.
(iii) Requesting an illegal substitution.
(iv) Repeating an improper request.
(v) Delaying the game by a team member.
Delay Sanctions
The team is sanctified through Delay Warning and delay penalty.
The sanctions remain in force for the entire match.
These delay sanctions are recorded on the score sheet.
Delay warning – This is issued when a team commits the first delay in a match.

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Delay penalty – This sanction is issued for the second and subsequent delays of any type
by any member of the same team.
In the same match, when there is a delay penalty, the opponents are awarded a point and
service.
NB
Delay sanctions imposed before or between sets are applied in the following set.
EXCEPTIONAL GAME INTERUPTIONS
They include:-
- Injury
- External interference
- Prolonged interruptions
Injury – The referee stops the game when a serious accident occurs while the ball is in
play. Medical assistants are permitted to enter the court. The rally is then replayed.
External interference
Play is usually stopped if there is external interference and the rally is replayed when
game resumes. Example of external interference include, a foreign ball getting into the
playing court, Bees attack.
Prolonged interruptions
This can be due to unforeseen circumstances e.g. Rain. The referee consults the event
organizer and control committee if there’s one so as to decide the measures to be taken to
re-establish normal conditions.
(i) When one or several interruptions occur but do not exceed 4 hours in total, the
following measures are taken
a) If the Match resumes on the same playing court, the interrupted set will continue
normally with the same score, same players in the same positions and the scores
for played sets stands.
b) If the match is resumed on another playing court, the interrupted set is cancelled
and replayed with the same team. Members and the same starting line-ups. The
sets already played will keep their scores.
(ii) When one or several interruptions occur which exceed 4 hours in total, the whole
match should be replayed irrespective of whether it’s in the same playing court or
another.
INTERVALS
An interval is the time between sets. All intervals last 3 minutes. During the interval,
change of courts and line-up registrations of the team on the score sheet are made.
NB
The interval between second (2nd) and third (3rd) sets can be extended up to 10 minutes if
request is made by the organizer. Teams change courts after each set except the deciding
set whereby teams change courts once the leading team reaches 8th point. The change
during the deciding set is done without delay and the player positions remain the same.
MISCONDUCT AND ITS SANCTIONS
A. Minor misconduct offences are not subject to sanctions. These are subject to
verbal or hand signal warning. This can be given directly to the team or to the
team through the captain. This warning is not recorded on the score sheet.
B. Misconduct leading to sanctions

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 These are incorrect conduct by team members to officials, opponent, team-mates
or spectators. They are classified in three categories:-
(i) Rude conduct – Any action expressing contempt
(ii) Offensive conduct – defamatory or insulting words or gestures
(iii) Aggression – Actual physical attack or threatening behavior
Sanction scale
This depends on judgment of the first referee and on the seriousness of the offence. These
sanctions are supposed to be recorded on the score sheet. These are:
(i) Penalty – This is given for the first rude conduct in the match by any team
member. The team is penalized with a point and service to the opponent.
(ii) Expulsion – This is given incase of the following;-
a) First offensive conduct by a team member
b) Second rude conduct in the same match by the same team member
A player who has been sanctioned by expulsion is not allowed to play for the rest of the
set and must remain seated in the penalty area.
An expelled coach is not allowed to carry his duties as the coach in the set and must
remain seated in the penalty area.
(iii) Disqualification – This awarded incase of:-
a) First physical attack or threatening aggression
b) Second offensive conduct in the same match
c) Third rude conduct in the same match by the same team member
A team member who is sanctioned by disqualification must leave the competition control
area for the rest of the match.
All misconduct sanctions are individual sanctions. They remain in force for the entire
match and are recorded on the score-sheet. Misconduct by a member of a team in the
same match is sanctioned progressively that is, the team member receives a heavier
sanction for each successive conduct but aggression does not require a previous sanction.
Sanction cards
Warning - verbal or hand signal, no card
Penalty – Yellow card
Expulsion – Red card
Disqualification – Yellow + Red card (jointly)

SKILLS
(i) SERVICE
This is the act of putting ball into play by right back player (player playing position 1).
The ball is to be hit with one hand after being tossed or released from the hand(s).
TYPES OF SERVICE
(A) Under arm service
(B) Over arm/overhead service – (i) Tennis serve
(ii) Windmill (Round house)
A. Under arm serve
 Its easy to learn
 Requires little strength or person uses little strength in execution of the skill
 It has considerable accuracy
 It does not have a lot of power therefore making it cheap for opponent to receive

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  One can make it strong through accurate placement or making it ‘float’ or have
wavy motion.

Teaching points
1. Stand facing the net
2. Legs astride with leg opposite the hiting arm in front.
3. Trunk and knees slightly bent more weight on the rear leg.
4. Ball to be held with less dominant hand slightly above knee level.
5. Striking hand makes a low back swing and then hits ball as it is tossed.
6. Ball to be contacted from below the midline but slightly to the side. Contact can
be made with closed fist, open palm or edge of the hand. (more control is gained
when open palm is used). While there is greater force when closed fist is used.
7. Server weight is transferred from the rear leg to the leading one at the moment of
contact.
8. Follow through is in the direction of the net.
9. Maintain eye - ball contact and aim at target.
B. Over arm Serve
(i) Tennis serve
This is more forceful than underarm serve.
Mostly used by good players because it presents problem of reception to receivers.
The hit is more accurate, its trajectory. Its lateral movement can be altered by controlling
the balls speed.
This type requires a higher level of co-ordination compared to the underhand serve.
Teaching points
1) The stance is similar to that of underhand serve i.e. staggered stance facing the
net.
2) Ball held by non dominant hand, the hand is straight and just above the knee
of the leading foot.
3) The ball is tossed up above and in front of the head on the side of the arm to
be used in striking.
4) The striking hand is drawn upwards and backwards with elbow facing
forwards.
5) The trunk is arched and more weight on the rear foot.
6) Ball to be released at the maximum height of the arm.
7) Hit the ball with the dominant arm with a flexed wrist either with clenched fist
or open palm with fingers spread.
8) The contact is made at the back of the ball with the arm making a follow
through across the body.
9) Eyes should be on the ball.
(ii) Windmill/Round house
It is the hardest service
It is rarely used
If mastered, it is unique and forceful. This is a service that is never predictable to the
receivers. The hand that executes the service makes a rotation of 180 0
Teaching points
1. Stand with shoulder perpendicular to the net.

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 2. Feet shoulder width apart and knees flexed.
3. Toss ball about 3 feet in the air, slightly in front and above serves forward
shoulder.
4. Body to lean backwards during the toss as the legs bends
5. The hitting arm to swing upward from the area of the right knee in a fully
extended windmill motion.
6. As the ball starts to descend weight is shifted forward with the legs extended.
7. The ball is contacted with either the open palm or closed fist or edge of the hand
directly above the right shoulder.
8. The ball is to be hit from the back.
9. Weight of the players’ body is to be supported by the leading leg when the ball is
hit.
10. After contact the server pivots on his leading foot and faces the net ready for the
next move.
(iii) Variations of Tennis service
- Spike serve
- Top spin/floater

RECEPTION
This is the first contact of the ball by the defense after service. It can be said to be second
contact of ball after rally begins. It is the attempt to control the movement of ball to
another player. The ball can be received in two major ways depending on where it is.
a) Dig (one handed or two handed)
b) Volley
a) The dig pass
This is also referred to as two handed underarm pass/Forearm pass/bump pass and
bounce pass.
The ball is bounced simultaneously off both forearms
One hand can also be used especially for saving a ball that is too wide.
It is used for low passes or when the ball is below waist level.
Used to receive hard service and hard spikes.
Ball is handled below waist level or midline.

General stance for the Dig

In readiness for reception, the player should do the following
 Move to a position in which the midline body is in line with the approaching ball.
 Feet shoulder width apart
 The foot opposite the intended direction slightly ahead of other in front back
strides position.
 The weight to be forward on the balls of feet.
 Arms in front of the body at 450 angle to the floor with elbows straight and hands
clasped together.
 The elbows eased and palms up and hands separated or together.
 The ready stance when a hard strike is anticipated, should find player in a wide
stride with deeper knee flexion. This enables the player to move rapidly in a
direction since the opponent does not hit the ball directly at the passer.

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Teaching points
- Extend the left arm with palm facing upwards.
- Bring the other arm on top with palm facing upwards.
- Let the two arms form a plane
- Close the thumbs together
- The shoulders are pushed forwards with arms straight away from the body at a 45 0
angle to the floor with the elbows straight.
- The ball should contact the fleshy part of the lower arms simultaneously between
the wrist and elbow.
- Legs astride with one foot slightly in front of the other. The distance between two
legs depends on the distance the ball is to be passed. A long pass requires a
greater weight transfer and hence a longer distance between the legs.
- Eyes on the ball.
- Knees bent/flexed.
- Contact with the ball to be made when it is at waist level.
- Face the direction of the dig as the ball makes contact.
- Follow through.
Observation during dig
- Follow through involves continuous upward extension of legs and a slight upward
motion of arms.
- The arms should not pass higher than shoulders and hands should remain clasped
until all upwards motion ceases.
- For slow serves, the player’s arms and legs should move upwards as contact is
made. This gives greater impetus us to the flight of the ball.
- Over head serves requires little follow through.
- The dig should take speed out of the ball, as such for fast balls, just place hands in
position.
- Clasp hands in a way you are comfortable.
- The rebound arch or trajectory of the flight of the dig is determined by the angle
at which the ball approaches the arms and the angle of the arms to the floor.
Normally the angle at which the ball leaves the arms is equal and opposite of the
angle from which the ball approaches.
- The single or one handed dig is only useful for serving (To play ball that is
extremely to the sides outside the line of the body where two hands cannot reach).

b) The volley
- This is the most accurate method of playing the ball.
- It is used when a player has time to assume a balanced well aligned position
below the ball.
- A good method of playing long high balls to opponents back court and
occasionally dropping ball softly just over the net.
- It is a precise method for setting.
Teaching points
- Be behind the ball (ball in direct alignment with the middle of the players
body/target.

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 - Wide base with one of the foot leading and the other at least 8 inches behind. (the
further the ball is to be passed, the wider the stride/step).
- Knees slightly flexed with weight evenly distributed between both feet.
- Arms almost fully stretched, fingers cupping and relaxed over the ball pump
facing upward with thumbs and first fingers almost meeting.
- Elbows bent as you receive the ball.
- With elbows outward, hands are brought to a position a few centimeters above the
face.
- The wrists are flexed, knees bent as ball is received.
- Finger tips of both hands are used.
- The fingers should contact the ball six to eight inches above the head.
- Prior to contact, the legs should begin to extend slightly upwards.
- On contact, the body almost immediately straightens thus putting the ball into
play.
- Follow through.

SETTING
- This is a way of placing the ball into position for one of the spikers to attack hit.
- The accuracy and consistency is necessary.
- The fore arm set should be used only when an all out effort to get ball has been
made and ball has dropped too low to be taken overhead.
- It is most tedious of the skills.
- This skill is performed by a specialized player called a booster/setter.
Qualities of a good setter
- Superior speed
- Mobility and flexibility
- Anticipation to move quickly under the pass and deliver a normal or complicated
set.
- Superior reaction.
- Superior ball handling skills
- Place the ball along a net at any height/spot
- Mental alertness/control advantage
- Know individual preference for each spiker and their strength.
- Have a competitive spirit.
Teaching points (Front set)
- Like overhead passing, any foot can be the leading foot (staggered stance).
- When setting the foot nearest the net should lead. This presents an overset or a set
that crosses to opponents’ side quickly under the ball.
- Anticipate flight of ball and move quickly under the ball.
- Be stationary and relaxed when ball arrives.
- Face to be inline with the descending ball.
- When the ball is about to be contacted ball weight shift over the leading foot and
the lagging foot remains on toes. The contact is like that of volley pass.
- Follow through with arms.
Setting variations
Apart from front set/low set, there are other sets. These include:-

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 a) Backset/Back toss
- This is used to confuse blocks
- It is used when the setter has no time to run round the ball and face direction of
set.
- Body position is as for front set.
- Ball contact is above the head
- The hands contact ball and extend up as back and neck archs and allow fingers to
face diagonally up and behind, follow through consist of hands, far up and back.

b) The lateral set/side set

- Movement of hands is to the side.
- The setters back is to the net as he/she delivers the set.
- The lateral set allows the ball to remain in setters hands for some time and places
the ball with greater accuracy.

c) The one handed set

- This is usually used for those passes that area close to the net which might force
the setter to commit a net foul as he/she attempts to set the ball.
- The setter jumps and raises hand nearest to the net above the head.
- The setter punches the ball from bottom with either clenched fist or spread out
fingers.
- The ball can be angled straight up or forward.
- Follow through is needed.
d) Jump set
- This is a way of confusing blockers.
- After a jump, one can set or strike the ball depending on reaction of the opposing
block.
- Back row setters use this set to confuse blockers although they cannot spike at the
front court
NB A set can be low, medium or high

SPIKE/SMASH
- This is the main instrument of attack.
- It is the act of jumping in the air and hitting a set ball from above level of the net
into the opponents’ court.
- It consists of : - Approach
- Vertical jump
- Striking the ball
- Follow through
- This is one of the most difficult skills in the game.
- Co-ordination is required between the approach jump and arm swing for a
successful spike.
- A spiker on side of court with his hitting/dominant hand on same side of body as
approaching set is called a one –hand spiker.
- A left handed spiker will be an one hand spiker at the left front position (No 4)
(opposite of one hand is off-hand)

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Teaching points
- Take 2/3/4 running steps
- Jump off from both feet
- At take off, swing both arms backwards and upwards to propel the body off the
ground.
- The take off is to be made with bent knees and trunk.
- Contact with the ball is to be made above and in front of the attacking shoulder,
slightly after the apex of the jump.
- As wrist snaps forward, the heel and palm of hand simultaneously contact ball
followed by fingers.
- Fingers should be spread over the ball so as to provide enough surface area.
- The ball is to be hit with maximum force to make it move into opponents’ court in
a sharp angle.
- After contact, the striking arm follows through by continuing down and across the
body.
- Continuous eye ball contact should be maintained
- As the feet touches the floor, the landing is done with two heels simultaneously as
legs bend to absorb the impact.

THE BLOCK
- This is the first line of defense against a spike. It is the main defensive move that
is used to counteract the spike.
- Action of one or more players close to the net to intercept the ball close to the net
to intercept the ball coming from opponent by reaching higher than the top of the
net.
- Any part of the body above waist level can be used.
- A block can be individual or collective
- A collective block can be either of two or three players who block close to each
other.
Teaching points
- Knees slightly bent with fingers spread at ear level
- Double foot take off at about two feet from the net.
- Time the ball (jump with the spiker)
- Hands together
- Arms fully stretched upwards/closer with fingers spread.
- As ball hits the hands, flick the wrist downwards
- For the follow through withdraw the hands as you feel yourself descending.
COVER-UP
- There are two types of covering done during a game of volleyball.
i) Covering spiker
ii) Covering block
i) Covering spiker
- Regardless of offensive system used or skill level of players, many offensive
players will result in spiking the ball into the opponents’ block. Frequently, the
blocked balls return immediately to the spiker’s side of the net.

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 - Since the spiker is descending from a jump, he/she is unable to make any attempt
to play the ball. Therefore, on all the attacking play, it is necessary to place the
spiker’s teammates in positions behind and beside the spiker so as to recover any
blocked balls that return to their side of the net. This is called covering the spike.
In numerable combination of positions, to cover spikers is possible depending on
the offensive and defensive system used and location of set and the setter.
Attempt should be made to place the three (3) nearest to the spiker in a semi-
circle formation one big step away form the spiker. The remaining area is manned
by the other players.
- The setter who is CF3 follows direction of set to cover the area to the rights of the
spiker. LB5 moves forward to cover area behind and to the left of spiker. The
LB5 stands about 2 feet form the sideline form where he can easily move to the
sideline from where he can easily move to the sideline in time available.
The CB8 moves forward to cover area between LB5 and setter, The RB1 moves
to a deep positions in line with the block and RF2 moves off the net to a position
behind the attack line in the middle of otherwise uncovered area.
When the SET is to the right front, covering assignments are reversed.
ii) Covering behind a Block
The blockers teammates are placed behind and to the sides of the blocks. The
teammates assist in playing any ball that touch block and falls off behind it.
These other players are able to play any balls that are tactically placed over or around
the blocks.
ATTACK FORMATION/ ATTACK SYSTEMS OF PLAY
A system is a strategic pattern of play that a particular team adopts during a game/match.
Although numerous offensive systems are possible, most are variations of three basic
systems namely; - 4 – 2, 5 – 1 and 6 – 0
The 6 – 0 system
This is the simplest and the oldest system. It is the best system for beginners. There is no
designated setter. Any player in position three becomes the setter. This system requires
all the six players to be accomplished setters. There is no much movement in this
movement because players maintain their formations throughout the rally. The ‘W’
pattern for reception is used.
The 4 – 2 Formation
This system has 4 spikers and 2 setters. This allows players to specialize in their strength.
However, if the pass is poor, spikes might be forced to set and setters to spike.
The line up of the team is made in such a way that there are two spikers between the
setters in the serving order. This ensures the presence of one setter in the front court at all
tines.
NB The setter only moves after the service
The 5 – 1 formation
This system utilizes 5 spikers and 1 setter throughout. When the setter is in front court,
the team employs the same offense as that of 4 – 2 system.
When the setter moves to the back court, the setter has to keep moving to the front court
to set.

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In most cases, the setter does the job in position 2 and this is the position where the setter
starts at the beginning of every set. this system/formation calls for specialization. Player
should play a position he/she can comfortably handle.
OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES
A volleyball match is manned by the following officials:-
- The first referee
- The second referee
- The scorer
- Four or two line judges
For FIVB official competitions an assistant scorer is used. The above group of officials is
referred to as refereeing corps.
A. FIRST REFEREE
The first referee sits or stands on a referee’s stand which is located at one end of
the net. The referees view must be approximately 50 cm above the net.
Authority
- Directs the match from start to the end and has authority over all members of the
refereeing corps and members of the teams.
- 1st referee’s decisions are final. During the match he/she can overrule the decision
of other members of refereeing corps.
- Can replace a member of refereeing corps who is not performing his/her function
properly.
- Controls the work of ball retrieves, floor wipers and moppers.
- Can decide on matters not provided for in the rules.
- Cannot allow any discussion concerning his/her decision though he/she has to
explain an application if requested by the game captain.
- The first referee determines before and during the match whether the playing area
equipment and conditions meet playing requirements.
Responsibilities
- Inspecting the conditions of playing area balls and other equipment
- Performs the toss with the team captains
- Controls the teams’ warming-up
- Issues warning to the team
- Sanctions misconduct and delays
- Checks the score sheet and signs it at the end of the match
B. SECOND REFEREE
- Stands outside the playing court near the post on the opposite side facing the first
referee
Authority

- He/she is the assistant of first referee and can take over if the first referee is
unable to perform his/her duties.
- Can signal faults
- Controls the work of the scorer (s)
- Supervises the team members on the team bench and reports the misconduct to
the first referee.
- Controls the players in the warm-up areas.

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 - Authorizes the interruptions, controls their duration and rejects improper request.
- Controls the number of time-outs and substitutions used by each team.
- Authorizes an exceptional substitution or grants 3 minutes recovery time incase of
an injury of a player.
- Checks conditions of floor in front zone and conditions of the ball during the
match.
- Supervises team members in the penalty areas and report their misconduct to the
first referee.
Responsibilities
- Checks that the actual positions of players on the court correspond to those on
line-up sheet at the start change of courts and in the deciding set.
- Whistles and signals during the match.
- In charge of checking of penetration onto the opponent’s court and the space
under the net.
- Checks on the positional faults of the receiving team
- Checks contact of the ball with an outside object.
- Checks on balls that contact antennae.
- Signs the score sheet at the end that contacts the match.
- Checks on balls that crosses the net totally or partly outside the crossing space to
the opponents court.

C. SCORER
- Performs duty while seated at the scorer’s table opposite side of the court facing
the first referee.
Responsibilities
- Keeps the score sheet according to the rules.
- Notifies the referees of any irregularities by using a buzzer or other sound device.
Before the match
- Registers the data of the match and teams including the name and number of
libero player, obtains signatures of the captains and coaches.
- Records the starting line-up of each team from the line-up sheet.
During the match
- Records points scored
- Controls serving order of each team and indicates any error to the referees after
service hit.
- Can acknowledge and announce requests for player substitutions using a buzzer.
- Controls the number of substitutions and records them (substitutions) and time-
outs.
- In forms second referee on the matter.
- Notifies the referee of a request for interruption that is out of order.
- Announces to the referee the end of the sets, and the scoring of 8 th point in the
deciding set.
- Records any sanctions and improper requests.
- Records exceptional substitutions, recovering time, prolonged interruptions, and
external interferences.

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 - Controls the interval between sets.
- Records final results at the end of the match.
- Permits the team/game captain to write on the score sheet a statement on an
incident if there is a protest.
- Signs the score sheet first before obtaining signatures of team captain and
coaches.
D. ASSISTANT SCORER
- Performs his/her duties seated beside the scorer at the scorer’s table.
Responsibilities
- Records replacement involving the libero.
- Assists with administrative duties of the scorer’s work.
- Takes over from the scorer if he/she (scorer) is unable to continue with his/her
duties.
Before the match
- Prepares the libero control sheet
- Prepares the reserve score sheet
During the match
- Records details of the libero replacement
- Notifies the referees of any fault of the libero replacement by using a buzzer.
- Starts and ends the timing of technical time-out
- Operates the manual score board on the scorer’s table.
- Checks that the scoreboard agree
- Can update the reserve score sheet and gives it to the scorer.
- Signs the Libero control sheet and submits it for checking.
- Signs the score sheet.
E. LINE JUDGES
- If there are two line judges, they stand at the corners of the court closest to the
right hand side of each referee (diagonal)
- Each controls both the end line and sideline on his/her side.
- When four line judges are used, they stand in the free zone at 1m to 3m from each
cover of the court.
Responsibilities
They perform their functions by using flags and they signal:-
 Ball ‘in’ and ‘out’ when ball lands near their lines
 Touch of ‘out’ ball by the team receiving the ball.
 Ball touching the antennae, the served ball crossing the net outside the crossing
space.
 Any player stepping outside the court during service with exception of the serve
 Foot faults of the server
 Any contact with the antennae by a player.
 Ball crossing outside the crossing space during play.

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