How to Play Volleyball: Rules, Positions & Basics Explained

Volleyball is all about keeping the ball off the ground on your side. It might seem simple, but we’ve built this guide to explain how to play volleyball by answering questions like how does volleyball work and what are the basic rules of volleyball. Summit Sport backs players across Australia with the right gear for backyard games, schools, and local clubs!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to play volleyball quickly by focusing on keeping the ball alive and using a simple three-hit rhythm to return it over the net.
• Master the 6 on-court positions and the clockwise rotation rule to ensure your team stays organised every time you win back the serve.
• Set your net to the correct height, such as 2.24 meters for women or 2.43 meters for men, to make sure you're practicing with regulation standards.

How Do You Play Volleyball? A Simple Overview

You play volleyball by using your hands or arms to hit a ball over a high net. The goal is to make it touch the floor on the opponent's side. Two teams of six players face off, and each team gets a maximum of three hits to get the ball back over the net. The game starts with a serve from behind the back line. Once the ball is in play, the teams start a rally. This goes on until the ball hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or a team fails to return it properly. Beyond  indoor volleyball basics, you must master communication and court coverage. In short, you’re trying to defend your space while looking for gaps in the other team's defence.

What Are the Basic Rules of Volleyball?

These volleyball rules for beginners are designed to encourage fast reactions and clean technique.

• No catching or holding: Every contact must be a clean hit without the ball resting in your hands.
• Double hit restriction: A single player can't hit the ball twice in a row. A block at the net isn't counted as one of the three team hits.
• Boundary lines: A ball is considered "in" if it touches any part of the boundary line.
• Out of bounds: The ball is out if it hits the side antennae or lands entirely outside the lines.
• Net contact: You can't touch the net with any part of your body while the ball is in play.

How Does Volleyball Work? Scoring and Match Structure

The volleyball scoring system awards a point on every single play, no matter which team served the ball. Most matches follow a best-of-five sets format. To win a set, your team needs to reach 25 points with at least a two-point lead. If the match goes to a fifth set, that deciding round is usually played to 15 points. 

How does volleyball work when it comes to serving? Every time your team wins the ball back from the opponent, your players must rotate one position clockwise. This ensures that everyone gets a turn at serving and playing both the front and back rows. It prevents a team from hiding a weaker server or keeping their best hitter at the net the entire time.

Volleyball Positions Explained

While everyone rotates, players usually have specific roles based on where they stand. Volleyball positions explained simply involve two main areas.

• Front row players: These are your primary attackers and blockers. They stay close to the net to spike the ball and stop opponent hits.
• Back row players: These are specialists in defence and passing. They're responsible for digging up hard hits and keeping the ball in play so the front row can attack.
• The Setter: You can think of the setter as the quarterback of the team. They usually take the second touch to perfectly place the ball for a hitter.
• The Libero: This is a defensive specialist who wears a different coloured jersey. They stay in the back row to help with passing and don't rotate to the front.

The setter sets up the ball for the hitter

Step up from the sidelines and lead your team to victory by checking out our pro tips on how to coach volleyball.

Basic Volleyball Skills Every Beginner Should Know

You only need a few core skills to start enjoying a game. Everything begins with the serve. You can serve underhand, which is great for beginners, or overhand for more power. Once the ball comes over the net, you use a pass or a "bump." You do this by joining your forearms together to create a flat platform. The next step is the set. You use your fingertips above your head to push the ball high into the air. This sets up the attack or "spike." A spike is a powerful overhead hit meant to drive the ball onto the opponent's floor. Defensively, you can use a block. This involves jumping at the net with your arms reaching up to deflect an incoming spike back toward the hitter.

Volleyball Court and Net Setup

A standard volleyball court setup is a rectangle measuring 18 meters long and 9 meters wide. It's divided into two equal halves by the centre line directly under the net. The net height actually changes depending on who's playing. For men, the top of the net is set at 2.43 meters. For women, it's 2.24 meters. Junior and school-level heights are often lower to make the game easier for younger athletes. You also have an "attack line" three meters back from the net. Back row players can't jump to attack the ball from in front of this line. Indoor courts use a flat, smooth surface, while outdoor setups might use grass or sand.

A standard set up for a mens game with the net height at 2.43m

Volleyball Equipment for Beginners

Summit Sport provides a full range of equipment designed to meet the standards of Australian schools and clubs. 

• Match and training balls: Match balls usually feature synthetic or genuine leather for a soft touch. Training balls are often more durable to handle heavy use in schools.
• Boundary markers: Portable lines are a great addition for backyard or grass play to clearly define the court.
• Ankle & Knee Support: These are optional for beginners, but they're the most common safety accessory used to protect you during low defensive digs.

Remember, using a ball that's the correct weight for your age group prevents wrist injuries and helps you develop the right muscle memory.

Common Volleyball Questions for Beginners

Can beginners play without knowing every rotation? 

Yes. In social games, you can simply focus on the basic serve and three-hit rule. You can learn the complex switching and rotational tactics as you get more comfortable. 

How long does it take to learn the basics of volleyball? 

Most people can learn to serve and pass consistently within a few sessions. It's a very rewarding sport because you see progress quickly.

Is volleyball suitable for kids? 

Definitely. It's a non-contact sport that builds great hand-eye coordination and communication skills.

Start Your New Volleyball Hobby Today

Learning how to play volleyball is a great way to stay active and build social connections. By sticking to the basic rules of volleyball and focusing on your passing technique, you'll be part of the rally in no time. Remember to communicate with your teammates and always keep your eyes on the ball. Whether you're setting up a new school program or just looking for a better match ball, explore the Summit Sport volleyball collection and score the quality gear you need.