Volleyball: History, Rules, and Playing Techniques

Posted on Nov 27, 2024 in Physical Education

Volleyball: A Complete Guide

Early History

Invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan in Holyoke, Massachusetts, as “Mintonette,” the game aimed to provide a less physically demanding sport than basketball. A year later, Dr. Halstead of Springfield renamed it “Volleyball.” Initially, it used a tennis or badminton net (1.98m high) and a basketball.

The YMCA spread the sport across the USA and, by 1914, the world. England introduced it to Europe. By 1916, it boasted 200,000 players. Spain adopted it in 1920, with the first African references appearing in 1923. Initially under the Spanish Handball Federation, the Spanish Volleyball section was established in June 1950 with Benito Pérez Arjona as vice-president. National championships began in 1951, and Spain joined the FIVB in 1953.

Game Rules and Court

The Court

The rectangular court (18m x 9m) is divided into two 9m x 9m halves, separated by a net. Net height varies by age group:

  • Children: 2.24m (boys), 2.10m (girls)
  • Cadet: 2.37m (boys), 2.18m (girls)
  • Junior: 2.43m (boys), 2.24m (girls)
  • Senior: 2.43m

A line defines the attack zone, where only front players can hit the ball.

Participants

Each team has 12 players, including a libero (a specialized defender wearing a different colored shirt).

Team Formation

Six players are on the court at a time, following a set rotation. Only the libero can enter and exit without affecting scoring. Players must maintain their positions; otherwise, the referee will note the infraction.

  • Front positions (near the net): 4, 3, and 2
  • Back positions (defenders): 5, 6, and 1

Gameplay

Ball Handling

Each team can hit the ball up to three times before sending it over the net. A player cannot hit the ball twice consecutively. Any body part can be used.

Net Play

Players’ hands can go over the net during an attack, but the ball must go directly to the opponent’s side. Players cannot touch the net or enter the opponent’s court.

Ball In/Out

The ball is considered “in” if it lands within the court’s boundaries, including the lines. It’s “out” if:

  • It completely misses the court boundaries.
  • It hits an object outside the court (except for players).
  • It touches the antenna, rope, referee, or the net’s side bands.
  • It passes through the space between the antenna and the back boundary line.

Scoring

A team scores a point when the opposing team commits a fault (violating rules) or fails to return the ball over the net within three hits. A match is typically best of five sets (to 25 points, except for the fifth set, which is to 15 points with a 2-point lead).

Techniques

The Hit

This is a fundamental skill, combining body movement and biomechanics to send the ball over the net.

  1. Body oriented towards the court.
  2. Lead foot opposite the hitting arm.
  3. Hold the ball with the opposite hand, at hip level.
  4. Hitting arm is prepared.
  5. Involuntary trunk torsion.
  6. Legs slightly bent.
  7. Hit the ball with the lower-posterior part of the hand.
  8. Remove the supporting hand just before impact.
  9. Maintain hand-arm coordination and leg extension.
  10. Shift weight to the back leg after hitting.
  11. Continue the arm’s pendulum-like motion.

The Serve

This can be a starting point for more advanced techniques.

  1. Shoulders parallel to the net.
  2. Lead foot forward.
  3. Release the ball vertically, hitting it with one or two hands.
  4. Hitting arm prepared.
  5. Arm/shoulder not low before hitting.
  6. Hit the ball at the back, middle, or bottom with the whole hand.
  7. Hit the ball at its highest point, feet flat, arm extended.
  8. The movement continues naturally.