Volleyball

Volleyball is a team sport played by two teams on opposite sides of a net. In indoor volleyball, each team has six players on court. The aim is to send the ball over the net and make it land in the opponent’s court, or force the other team to commit a fault. A team can make up to three contacts before returning the ball, usually through a reception, a set and an attack. Players may use any part of the body to play the ball, but they must not catch or throw it.

The indoor court measures 18 by 9 metres, and the net is 2.43 metres high for men’s competitions and 2.24 metres for women’s competitions. When the receiving team wins a rally, it gains a point and the right to serve, then rotates one position clockwise. Matches are generally played as the best of five sets. The first four sets are won by the team that reaches 25 points with a two-point advantage; if the match reaches a fifth set, it is played to 15 points, again with a two-point margin.

This scoring system means that every rally can change the score. Volleyball combines jumping, quick changes of direction, balance and precise hand-eye coordination. Players must communicate constantly and anticipate where the ball will go. Different roles contribute to the team: setters organize attacks, hitters try to score, middle blockers defend near the net, and the libero specializes in back-row defence.

Training can improve muscular power, agility, coordination and cardiovascular fitness. Because the sport includes repeated jumps and rapid movements, gradual training, suitable footwear and good technique can help reduce injury risk. Volleyball can be played recreationally or at a high competitive level.