Volleyball Basics/Rules

Basics

In volleyball, a hitter's primary job is to jump high and drive the ball over the net into the opponent's court with power and precision. The process begins with a dynamic three- or four-step approach designed to convert forward momentum into vertical height. As the hitter nears the net, they swing both arms back and then explode upward, contacting the ball at its highest point with an open hand and a "snap" of the wrist to create topspin. Success depends on timing—coordinating their jump with the setter’s pass—and the ability to aim for gaps in the defense or "wipe" the ball off the opponent's block.

Rules

A hitter must follow several key rules to ensure their attack remains legal during a match. Most importantly, a hitter must contact the ball within their own playing space; while their hand can cross the plane of the net on a follow-through, they cannot touch the ball on the opponent's side of the net unless it has already broken the plane or the opponent has finished their play. Additionally, hitters are strictly prohibited from touching the net between the antennae while in the action of playing the ball, which includes the jump, the hit, and the landing.