Basic Rules
Basic Rules:
The game begins when the offensive team serves the ball into play. The defensive team has the opportunity to hit the ball three times (bump, set, spike) in an effort to return the ball to the offensive team. In Anchorage middle school volleyball, we play rally scoring. This means that a point is scored on every play. The first team to 25 points wins the set. The first team to win two sets (best of three) wins the game. The number of sets and points to win a set depends on the league and rules of the organization.
Ball Handling Terms:
Serving - This is the hit that puts the ball in play. The server has one chance to serve the ball over the net and into the defense's court. Under the new volleyball rules, a served ball that hits the net but drops into the defenses court must be played.
Bump (Pass) - This is the first defensive hit. The goal of the player is to absorb the serve while passing the ball under control towards the net to the setter.
Set - The active setter's job is to find the pass wherever it may be and position the ball near the net for a hitter.
Spike (Hit) - The hitter's job is to send the ball across the net with some heat. This is the third and final hit that the defensive team may make.
Block (Roof) - A defensive player may block the ball at the net back into the offensive team's court. If the ball is not successfully blocked but is touched by the defense, this touch does not count as part of the three hits the defensive team may make.
Free Pass - When a team is unable to get the ball in position to hit the ball at the opposing team, sometimes they just pass the ball across the net. When this happens it is known as a free pass.
Serve Receive Positions (Basic):
The diagrams below show the basic locations of players on the court. As your skills and teamwork continue to grow, you will learn additional formations for blocking (defense) and hitting (offense). This shows you how the setter moves to her position. At any given time there are two designated setters. The setter nearest the net (the active setter) will have the responsibility of setting the ball to the hitters. The setter needs to be the leader of the court. These people must be vocal, athletic, and serve as a team leader on and off the court.
This is known as position One (1) The active setter is at the net on the upper right.
This is position Two (2) or Stack. The active setter has moved from the back row to set. The setter cannot move into her set position until the ball has been served.
This is position Three (3) or the Split. The active setter has rotated to the middle of the net. After the ball has been served, she may move to her position on the right hand side of the net.
*Volleyball Lingo & Translation*
"Ace" *When the ball is served to the other team, and no one touches it.*
"Side-out" *When the team that served the ball makes a mistake or loses the point, causing the ball to go to the other team.*
"Roof" *When a player jumps above the height of the net, and blocks the ball.*
"Stuff" *When a player jumps about the height of the net, blocks the ball, and the ball goes back at the person who attacked(spiked) the ball.*
"Dig" *When a player makes a save from a very difficult spike.*
"Kill" *When a team spikes the ball and it either ends in a point or a side-out.*
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