Equipment
Volleyball
A soft, inflated ball struck with the hands and arms in volleyball.
Equipment
Overview
A volleyball is a round, inflated ball with a soft panelled cover, lighter and softer to the touch than many other sports balls so it can be struck cleanly with the hands, forearms and fists.
Its low weight and soft surface suit the passing, setting and spiking of the game, and a beach version is built to handle outdoor conditions.
Good to know
- Softer and lighter than a football or basketball.
- Struck with hands, forearms and fists rather than kicked.
- Beach volleyball uses a slightly different outdoor ball.
Where it’s used
Sports that use volleyball:
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Techniques
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
- Volleyball DigA defensive contact that keeps a hard-driven ball in play by passing it up off the forearms, usually from a low position.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- One-Handed BackhandA backhand groundstroke struck with a single hand on the grip, driving through the ball with a full extension of the hitting arm.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Beginner guides
- Your First Volleyball Session: What to ExpectA warm, honest guide to what actually happens at your first volleyball session, so you can turn up relaxed, join in, and enjoy the rallies rather than worry about getting everything right.
- Your first basketball sessionA first basketball session is a friendly, fast-moving introduction to handling the ball, moving your feet and sharing simple play with others — no experience or prior skill needed.
Facilities
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
- GymAn indoor facility equipped with free weights, machines and cardio equipment for strength training and general fitness.
Rules
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
- Ball-handling faultsVolleyball faults for catching, carrying or double-contacting the ball rather than cleanly hitting it.
Positions
- LiberoThe libero is a defensive volleyball specialist who wears a contrasting shirt, plays only in the back row, and cannot attack the ball above the height of the net.
- Outside hitterThe outside hitter attacks from the left side of the net and is often a volleyball team’s main scoring option.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- SetterThe setter is volleyball’s playmaker, taking the team’s second contact and delivering accurate sets for hitters to attack.
- OppositeThe opposite is a volleyball attacker who plays on the right side of the net, opposite the setter in the rotation, and is often a key scorer.