Volleyball

How the game unfolds

Volleyball is a combination sport where each player has a strict specialisation on the court. The match begins with a serve that must cross the net into the opponent’s half. Teams have three touches to return the ball, though the block does not count as a touch. If the ball lands in the opponent’s court or they fail to return it cleanly, the serving team scores a point. Matches are played best of five sets, with each set won by reaching 25 points and leading by two. The deciding fifth set goes to 15 points.

Scoring and offences

Points are awarded when the ball touches the floor in the opponent’s zone or when the opposition commits a fault. Common offences include carrying the ball, double hits, or stepping over the centre line. A player touching the net is penalised, as is hitting the ball into the net. These errors cost the team a point and the serve. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) sets the global rules, which national federations adopt.

Players and substitutions

Six players from each team are on the court at any time. The libero is a defensive specialist who wears a different coloured jersey. They can replace any back-row player without counting toward the substitution limit. Other substitutions are limited to six per team per set. Players rotate positions after winning the serve, ensuring everyone takes turns in the front and back rows. This rotation prevents one player from dominating the net permanently.

Tournament structure

The sport gained Olympic status in 1964, debuting at the Tokyo Games. Since then, it has remained a core part of the programme. Major tournaments include the World Cup and the World Championship, organized every four years. At the club level, leagues operate on a round-robin basis, followed by playoffs. The FIVB oversees international competitions, setting standards for refereeing and equipment. Domestic leagues vary in format, but most follow a similar pattern of regular seasons leading to finals.