How to play Volleyball – Spike, Set and Serve like a Pro
Volleyball is a thrilling sport that combines teamwork, strategy, and athleticism. Whether you have just started playing volleyball as a beginner & eager to learn the basics or aiming to play like a pro, understanding the basic volleyball rules is the key.
In this guide, we’ll break down the fundamental aspects of how to play volleyball like a pro and cover everything from the court layout to serving, spiking, and scoring.
Want to know: Volleyball Spike Secrets
So let’s start with the basic volleyball rules!
Basic Volleyball Rules
Court Setup
The game of volleyball takes place on a rectangular court of 18 meters that is splitted into two equal halves by a net of 9 meters width and 2.43 meter height.
Each team consists of six players positioned on their respective sides. The net is positioned at the center, and the court is further divided into front and back zones.
Serve the Ball & Stay Behind the Baseline
The game begins with a serve. The person serving needs to stay behind the back boundary line and send the ball over the net into the opponent’s side.
The ball must pass over the net and land within the opponent’s boundaries to win a point . If the serve is out of bounds or doesn’t clear the net, it results in a point for the opposing team.
To serve the ball efficiently, Just stand behind the baseline and hit the ball over the net and into the other team’s court.
A good serve is not about hitting the ball over the net, it’s how strategically you are directing the ball at the opponent team.
Passing (Bump), Setting, and Spiking
After the serve, the receiving team has three hits to return the ball to the opponent’s side.
The first hit is typically a pass or bump, where a player uses their forearms to control the ball.
The second hit is a set, where a player positions the ball for a third hit. To set the ball, you extend your arms in front of you and slightly above your head. Spread Fingers , cup your hands together and push the ball up into the air to set the ball.
There is a dedicated position called Setter in volleyball who sets the ball for hitters to spike.
The third hit is often a powerful spike, where a player approaches the net and jumps high to forcefully strike the ball towards the opponent’s court.
Rotation
After successfully serving and winning the point from the other team, every player rotates its positions on the court. The rotation ensures that each player has an opportunity to serve and prevents players from becoming statues.
Scoring
Points are scored when the ball lands in the opponent’s court or when the opposing team commits a violation. Game is typically played to 25 points, and a team must win by at least two points. Matches are usually best of five sets.
Read out: How to Score a Point in Volleyball Easily – Beginners Guide
Top 3 Tips for beginners – How to Play Volleyball
If you are a beginner and want to know how to play volleyball, start by understanding the basic rules of volleyball. You need to know how points are scored, what are the main positions on the court, and most importantly what essential skills are required for a successful volleyball player.
Here are the top 3 tips for you to follow:
- Master the Basics:
Basics comes first. Beginners must start by understanding the fundamental skills like serving, passing, setting, and spiking. Practice each skill separately before combining them into fluid movements during a game because players are rotated on every position in the court.
- Footwork is important for Accurate Movements
Pay attention to footwork, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and executing accurate movements. Learn to move quickly and efficiently around the court to be in the right position to make plays.
- Develop a Communication Signals with Your Teammates
Volleyball requires teamwork, and successful communication plays a crucial role. Develop a system of signals and calls to coordinate with teammates, ensuring everyone is on the same page during the game.
How to Play Volleyball Like a Pro
To play volleyball like a pro, you can start by grasping the basics – Learn the basic rules. As a tip, “strong and accurate serving is crucial,” so practice different types of serving, especially the float serve.
To hit like a pro, develop powerful spiking techniques by perfecting your net approach, jumping high, and having accurate timing.
You can improve your defensive skills through digging, blocking, and anticipating opponent moves.
Here are the 3 tips that can make a you a Guru in Volleyball
1. Advanced Techniques:
Pros master advanced techniques like jump serves, powerful spikes, and precise blocking. Practice these skills regularly to elevate your game.
2. Strategy and Positioning:
Understanding the opponent’s weaknesses and adjusting your strategy accordingly is a hallmark of pro-level play. Learn to read the game, anticipate moves, and position yourself strategically on the court.
3. Physical Conditioning:
Professional volleyball players focus on physical fitness to enhance their strength, agility, and endurance. Incorporate a comprehensive training routine to improve your overall athleticism.
How to Pass the ball like a pro?
To pass the ball, first stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Now Extend your arms in front of you and slightly above your head. Spread Fingers and cup your hands together and push the ball up into the air. That’s the perfect pass!
Practice these steps to improve your passing skills and become a pro at it. But the key is to remain calm and balanced.
How to hit the ball like a pro in volleyball
Here are the 5 steps guide to hit the ball in volleyball effectively, follow these steps accurately:
- Approach the net with momentum: Take a few steps towards the net and gather your momentum.
- Plant your feet: Plant your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly in front of your body.
- Swing your arms: Swing your arms up and over your head, generating power.
- Hit the ball: Hit the ball with the heel of your hand and extend your arm fully.
- Follow through: Follow through with your swing and land softly on your feet.
Dos – What Volleyball Rules Allows
There are certain Do’s and Don’ts in volleyball that you must be aware of. So, Let’s break down the basic rules of volleyball that are allowed in simple terms:
- Players on the Court: There would be only six players on the court at a time, with three in the front row and three in the back row.
- Scoring: Points are scored on every serve, and the team that wins the rally gets a point (rally-point scoring).
- Hitting the Ball: Players can’t hit the ball twice in a row, and a block doesn’t count as a hit. During a volley or serve, the ball can touch the net.
- In or Out: If the ball hits a boundary line, it’s in. It’s out if it hits the antennae, the floor outside the court, the net or cables outside the antennae, the referee stand or pole, or the ceiling in a non-playable area.
- Ball Contact: Players can touch the ball with any part of their body.
- Illegal Actions: Catching, holding, or throwing the ball is not allowed. Blocking or attacking a serve from inside the 10-foot line is a no-go.
- Position Switch: After the serve, players in the front row can switch positions at the net.
- Matches and Sets: Matches are made up of sets, and the number of sets depends on the level of play.
Basic Volleyball Rule Violations You Must Avoid
Now, let’s look at what not to do in volleyball:
- Service Line Violation: Stepping on or across the service line while serving is a no-no.
- Failed Serve: Failing to successfully serve the ball over the net gives a point to the opponent.
- Ball Handling Errors: Mistakes like double touching, lifting, carrying, or throwing the ball result in violations.
- Net Contact: Touching the net while the ball is in play is against the rules.
- Illegal Blocks and Attacks: Blocking a ball from the opponent’s court or attacking it over the net when not allowed results in violations.
- Court Centerline Crossing: Crossing the centerline with any part of the body, except a hand or foot, is a violation.
- Serving Order: Serving out of rotation or out of order is not allowed.
- Back Row Violations: Back-row players can’t block near the net or attack a ball above the net in certain situations.
Best Volleyball Strategy to Win
Effective volleyball strategy is important for winning sets and matches. Here are top 3 tips you can follow to beat your opponent:
- Balance your offense and defense. You need to have a good offense (spikers) and defense (blockers) in order to win matches.
- Be unpredictable. Don’t let the other team know what you are going to do next.
- Communicate with your teammates. It is important to communicate with your teammates so that you can play together effectively.
FAQs
What are the different types of volleyball?
There are many different types of volleyball, including Indoor volleyball, Beach volleyball, Sitting volleyball, Water volleyball, and Bossaball
What are the 6 basic steps of volleyball?
The 6 basic steps of volleyball are Serve, Reception, Set, Spike, Block and Dig
How can I improve my volleyball skills?
There are many ways to improve your volleyball skills but the more you practice, the better you will become at volleyball. A good coach can help you to let you know as to how to play volleyball and improve your technique and learn new skills.You can also learn new techniques and skills by watching the game of professional volleyball players
Final Words
In conclusion, mastering how to play volleyball involves a combination of understanding the rules, practicing basic skills, and gradually incorporating advanced techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or aspiring to play at a pro level, continuous practice and a love for the game are essential. So, grab a ball, find a court, and start your volleyball journey today!
