The ball and the volleyball net
The volleyball ball is spherical, inflated, and made of leather (or similar synthetic material) and is usually light in colour, predominantly white. It is considerably smaller and lighter than a basketball or soccer ball: it is 65 cm in circumference and weighs approximately 260 g.
For its part, the net is one meter wide and supported by two posts at the ends of the central line. It must be tense at all times and has two white bands that mark its beginning and end at the top and bottom of its extension. The fact that the ball touches the net does not imply the end of the play, nor the point for the opponent unless it is a serve.
touches in volleyball
The ball can be hit in several ways throughout a play, typically:
Take out or service. It is the touch that starts the space, and is made by projecting the ball with one hand in the air and then hitting it with the other, either above or below the shoulder. The idea is that the ball goes over the net without interruption and looks for the weak sides of the opposing team’s formation. This serve is taken behind the baseline.
Reception. It is the touch with which the ball is received or intercepted after the opponent’s serve, joining both arms extended in front of the chest to hit the ball with the forearm or the region near the wrist. It is a critical touch in this sport, as it must not only prevent the opponent’s serve from hitting the ground but also give the team itself the opportunity to put together a counter-offensive play.
Placement. It is the touch that usually follows a successful reception. It is done with the fingers of both hands, propelling the ball so that a third player can shoot it over the net. It is a precise, simple, fast touch that can be made on the ground or during a jump.
Attack or finish. It is usually the final touch of the three allowed to a team and consists of hitting the ball hard so that it goes over the net and into the opposite court, looking for the ground. The attack can also be made during the first moves, both from an attacking and defensive positions.
Blocking. It is the touch with which it is sought to prevent the opposite attack; that is, it is carried out from a defensive position. It consists of jumping parallel to the net, with both arms extended, looking for the ball to hit them and returning to the opposite court instead of opening the field towards one’s own.
Sets and scoring in volleyball
A play ends in a point for one of both teams. It is generally considered a point for the opponent if:
The ball touches the ground on its court, regardless of whether it was the team’s or the opponent’s that touched the ball last.
During an attack, the ball leaves the opponent’s court and touches the ground in the free zone or beyond. Also, if during a play, the ball hits the ceiling or hits the net or the posts on the outside of the court.
The team itself incurs in the retention or accompaniment of the ball or if the reception occurs with improper touch.
The team itself exceeds the maximum allowed three continuous touches of the ball.
At the moment of service, the player of the own team that takes it steps on the baseline or hits the net.
The team that scores the most points will win the match, the length of which, however, can be highly variable since there is no pre-established playing time. A team must win three out of five sets to be considered victorious. Each stage ends when a team reaches or exceeds 25 points with at least a 2-point lead over its opponent (i.e. 25 to 23 points). If you do not have that advantage, you will continue playing until you reach it.
Any team that accumulates three winning sets will be the final winner. But if the fifth set is reached without a clear winner, this tie-break set will only be played to 15 points, which must be won with a 2-point advantage over the rival (15 to 13).
