Indoor volleyball is played six against six. Every rally scores a point, sets are played to 25 (the fifth set to 15), and a team must win by 2. Each team gets up to three touches to return the ball, players rotate clockwise when they win the serve, and touching the net or crossing the centre line can be a fault.
Key rules
| Rule | Summary |
|---|---|
| Scoring | Rally scoring; sets to 25, win by 2 |
| Match | Best of five sets; fifth set to 15 |
| Touches | Three per side; a block touch does not count |
| Rotation | Clockwise when your team wins back the serve |
| Serving | From behind the end line within 8 seconds of the whistle |
| Double contact | One player cannot hit the ball twice in a row (except after a block) |
Common faults
- Touching the net during play (between the antennae).
- Stepping fully over the centre line and interfering.
- Back-row players attacking above net height from in front of the attack line.
- Catching or throwing the ball (a lift).
- Being out of rotation position when the serve is struck.
Rules reference: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules. USA Volleyball, NCAA and NFHS rules differ in some details.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hit the ball with your foot?
Yes. Under FIVB rules the ball may touch any part of the body.
Does a serve that hits the net count?
Yes. A serve that touches the net and goes over is in play.
How many substitutions are allowed?
Six per team per set under FIVB rules. Libero replacements do not count as substitutions.
