★ DOCUMENTATION

VOLLEYBALL RULES

Simplified FIVB regulation — the essential rules to understand and play.

This page is an educational summary. For official competitions, refer to the official FIVB regulation.

Match format

A match is played as best of 5 sets. Each set is played to 25 points with at least a 2-point lead. If a 5th set is needed, it is played to 15 points.

Teams

6 players per side on court. A team can have up to 6 substitutes and one libero. Maximum 6 regular substitutions per set (libero not counted).

Serve

The serve is performed from the service zone behind the back line. The ball must cross the net into the opponent's court. The server has 8 seconds after the whistle to strike. A serve that touches the net and falls into the opponent's court is GOOD (let serve legal since 2001).

Point on every rally

Since 1999 (rally point system), a point is scored on every rally, regardless of which team served. The scoring team gets the serve.

COMMON FAULTS

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Touching the net during play

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More than 3 team touches

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Double contact by the same player

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Held / carried ball

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Back-row attack above the net from the front zone

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Foot fault on the serve (stepping on the line)

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Serving before the whistle

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Position fault at rotation