The ball is put into play by a serve over the net between the antennas. The ball is allowed to touch the net as long as the ball crosses to the other side. The receiving team must return the ball into the server's court using no more than three contacts with the ball. The opponents then have three attempts in which to return the ball as well. The play should be a pass-set-hit sequence so that the ball is played in such a way that the other team can not make a successful play on the ball. Points can be scored by both teams (rally scoring). A point is scored when a team ends a rally or a server misses their serve. Games are played to 25 with a win by two stipulation. A match is the best two out of three games or the best three out of five depending on the level.
No player may make contact with the ball twice in succession except after a block. The ball is considered dead and the referee has blown the whistle for one of the following reasons:
1. The ball did not cross the net completely between the antennas.
2. The ball hits the floor, wall, or other obstruction.
3. The ball passes under the net or outside of the antennas.
4. A player commits a fault.
5. A served ball does not clear the net.
A fault occurs when.........
1. The ball touches the floor.
2. The ball is held, thrown, or pushed.
3. A team touches the ball more than 3 times consecutively (except when blocking).
4. Players are out of position at service.
5. A ball is illegally served.
6. An illegal block occurs.
7. The ball does not completely cross the net between the antennas.
8. A player enters a non-playing area to play the ball.
9. A player touches the net with their body and interferes with the play.
10. A player breaks the plan on top of the net and interferes with a play or player on the other side.
11. A player steps into the opponent's court.
12. A player reaches under the net and touches the ball or player.
13. A ball lands outside the court or strikes an object.
14. A ball is already being played by a player and another teammate attempts to play the same ball simultaneously.