We explain what volleyball is and the main characteristics of this game. Also, who are the referees and assistants who interfere.
What is volleyball?
Volleyball is a sport that consists of two teams, made up of six players each, who face each other, within a court divided by a net into equal parts. The main objective of this game is to pass the ball over the net and for it to hit the ground of the opponent’s court.
The game begins with a serve of the ball from one team to the opposing court. The length of the play may vary, depending on whether a foul was committed during the game or if the opposing team was unable to intercept the ball and return it to the opponent’s court. Each team has three hits of the ball, which must be clean. The team that wins the first game will be assigned a point and will have a new serve available. You must read about History of Volleyball once.
Among its main rules we can find the famous rotation. The rotation occurs according to the points obtained by each team.
Volleyball has different modalities, which vary depending on each country and also on physical disabilities; thus, sitting volleyball or standing volleyball can be differentiated.
Technical characteristics of volleyball
- Field or court: It has a rectangular shape. It measures 18 meters long by 9 meters wide. The central line indicates which area is to be occupied by the teams and has a free zone of between 3 and 5 meters.
- Nets: This has a length of approximately 10 meters and a width of 1 meter.
- Ball: It is very different from the one used in football, since it has a circumference of 65 centimetres and a weight of almost 300 grams, making it an easy element to manipulate. The raw material that composes them, generally, is leather, although there are also synthetic ones.
- Uniform: The clothes that the players must wear are: Shorts, T-shirt, elbow and knee pads, socks and tennis shoes.
- Time: The matches are made up of sets, which can be three, four or five. The team that manages to win three of them will win the match. To win a set it is necessary to obtain at least twenty-five points, being obligatory to have a two-point difference with the opposing team.
- Tiebreaker: The team that obtains 15 points, with the two points difference, will win.
Volleyball referees and assistants
There are several referees working during a volleyball match. The main referee is the one located next to the posts and his objective is to direct the game, giving the pertinent instructions and issuing cards when necessary. There is also a second referee, whose role is to assist the main referee, standing at the post that is vacated by the referee.
On the other hand, there are the scorers, in charge of keeping track of the points, changes, rotations and faults.
Also, the line judges (who can be two or four and also assist the main referee) report whether the ball fell inside or outside the court. Maybe you should definitely read about Volleyball Rules once.
Movements in volleyball
- Shooting: This occurs when a player throws the ball towards the opponent’s area.
- Blocking: When a player prevents the ball thrown by his rival from passing into his area.
- Receive: Prevent the ball from touching the ground by placing the hands and arms in the appropriate position, thus being able to return the shot.
- Set/Set: In a series of no more than three passes between players of the same team, the goal is to achieve a play that scores a goal.
- Attack: Send the ball with a precise blow to the unguarded area or to the player at a disadvantage.
- Finish: Return the ball unexpectedly, with force.
