Volleyball Hitting Rules: In Depth Guide for Beginners and Pros

Hitting is one of the most fundamental and essential skills in volleyball. It involves making contact with the ball in order to direct it over the net and into the opponent’s court. Becoming really good at hitting involves some specific volleyball hitting rules and regulations that can be learned and practiced.

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Official Volleyball Hitting Rules

The official volleyball hitting rules are designed to ensure that the game is played fairly and safely. These rules cover various topics, including legal hits and faults, types of hits, hitting zones, and common hitting mistakes.

Legal Hits and Faults

Understanding the fundamental rules of volleyball hitting is crucial for maintaining fair play and ensuring the integrity of the game.

Legal Hits:

Players can hit the ball with any part of their body above the waist. (Reference)
Players can hit the ball multiple times in succession, as long as it is done within the same contact with the ball.
Players can hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court.

Faults:

Players cannot touch the net while hitting the ball.
Players cannot hit the ball below the waist.
Players cannot carry the ball.
Players cannot double hit the ball (two consecutive contacts with the ball by the same player). (FIVB)
Hitting the ball with a closed fist or bent fingers.

Types of Hits:

Volleyball hitting includes a variety of hit types, each with its unique purpose and technique.

Spike: A powerful overhead hit that aims to drive the ball over the net and forcefully into the opponent’s court.
Tip: A soft and controlled hit that aims to place the ball over the net and into a specific area of the opponent’s court.
Set: A precise hit that aims to raise the ball high in the air, allowing a teammate to spike the ball.
Dump: A soft and controlled hit that aims to place the ball just over the net into an open area of the opponent’s court.
Roll shot: A smooth and controlled hit that aims to roll the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court.

Hitting Zones:

Volleyball hitting zones refer to the areas of the court within which volleyball hitter is allowed to hit the ball.

Front Row:

Front row players can jump to hit the ball above the net.
Front row players can hit the ball from any position on the court.

Back Row:

Back row players cannot jump to hit the ball above the net.
Back row players must hit the ball from behind the 10-foot line.

Read More: Volleyball Serving Rules.

Common Volleyball Hitting Mistakes:

Identifying and avoiding common hitting mistakes along with volleyball hitting rules is crucial for improving performance and consistency.

Double hit: Hitting the ball twice in succession.
Carrying the ball: When a player in volleyball holds or traps the ball instead of hitting it cleanly, it is known as carrying the ball.
Hitting the ball below the waist: It is considered an invalid hit in the game if the ball is struck using any part of the body below the waist.
Touching the net: You are not allowed to touch the net while hitting the ball.
Not hitting the ball with a clean, open hand.

Practical Hitting Drills and Exercises

Consistent practice and repetitive hitting drills in volleyball are crucial for improving hitting techniques and maximizing performance along with knowing volleyball hitting rules.

Accuracy drill: Aiming to hit the ball into specific target areas.
Power drill: Hitting the ball as hard as possible.
Consistency drill: Hitting the ball over the net with consistent power and accuracy.
Tip drill: Practicing controlled tip shots.
Setting drill: Practicing accurate sets.
Wall Drill: Practice hitting the ball against a wall to improve hand-eye coordination and hitting technique.
Jump Serve and Hit Drill: Practice serving the ball and transitioning quickly into a hitting position to improve reaction time and hitting power.

Tips for Improving Your Volleyball Hitting Skills:

Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become at hitting the ball.
Focus on accuracy and consistency: It is better to hit the ball consistently into the opponent’s court than to hit hard shots that go out of bounds.
Use the correct type of hit for the situation: If you are playing against a team with a strong blocking defense, you may want to use a tip shot. If you are playing against a team with a weak blocking defense, use a spike.
Develop power: Train your muscles to hit the ball with force and explosiveness.
Improve timing: Practice hitting the ball at the right time to maximize effectiveness.
Watch professional volleyball players: Observe how professional players hit the ball and try to emulate their techniques.
Get feedback from a coach or experienced player: Ask for feedback on your hitting technique and identify areas for improvement.

Read More: Rotation Rules in Volleyball

Conclusion

Becoming a skilled volleyball hitter requires hard work, commitment, and attention to detail. By familiarizing yourself with the volleyball hitting rules, techniques, and drills, you can improve your hitting abilities and become a valuable asset to your team. Remember that hitting is just one aspect of volleyball, so it’s essential to also focus on other crucial skills like serving, passing, and setting. With consistent practice and a love for the game, you can refine your overall volleyball skills and excel on the court.

Additional Tips:

Use the correct grip: A proper grip provides control and power when hitting the ball.
Keep your body balanced and aligned: Proper posture and balance are essential for generating power and accuracy.
Follow through with your swing: Completing the swing motion ensures maximum force and control.
Anticipate your opponent’s moves: Read the game and adjust your hitting accordingly to outsmart your opponents.
Communicate with your teammates: Effective communication.

By following these tips, you can take your volleyball hitting skills to the next level and contribute to your team’s success.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many hits are you allowed in volleyball?

In volleyball, there is no limit to the number of hits a team can take before crossing the net as long as all hits are legal. However, there is a restriction on consecutive hits: only two players on the same team can hit the ball consecutively.

How many consecutive hits can one player hit?

According to official volleyball rules, a single player cannot hit the ball twice consecutively. If a player touches the ball, they must allow another teammate to touch it before they can touch it again.