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Rally Scoring

Every rally results in a point regardless of which team served. There are 5 sets, and games are played best of 5. The first 4 sets are first to 25, but the 5th set is to 15. The game continues past 25 if the score is within one point; you must win by 2 points.

Three Contacts Per Side

A team may contact the ball 3 times before sending it back over the net. The typical sequence is a pass -> set -> hit. A block touch does NOT count as a touch.

Net and Under the Net Violations

You may not touch the net or cross under the net during active play. Referees may ignore a crossing under the net violation if it doesn't interfere with the game, but it is highly discouraged.

Back-Row Attack Rules

A back row player cannot jump in front of the attack line and attack above the net height. A back row player also cannot participate in a block.

Libero Rules

The libero is a defensive specialist who wears a different jersey and plays only in the back row. The libero cannot participate in a block or attack above net height and is often used for serve receive and defense.

Double Contact and Lift Rules

Illegal ball handling includes prolonged contact (lift/carry) and double contacts. Modern officiating allows double contacts on the first team contact and hard driven balls.

Blocking Rules

A block is a defensive action at the net to stop a hit. A block touch does not count as a team hit. Multiple blockers may contact simultaneously. As mentioned, back-row players cannot complete a block.

Substitution Rules

Each team a limited number of player changes during a set. Substitutions can only occur when the play is not active. Once a player is substituted out, they may typically re-enter later, but in the same spot they substituted out.

Serving Rules

Modern serving includes jump serves, float serves, service faults, and service order enforcement. Key violations are foot fault on the endline at service, wrong server, and ball landing out.