Easy Volleyball for Beginners

Volleyball is a fun and energetic six-a-side game that puts a lot of emphasis on slick teamwork. You can play it indoors or outside so can enjoy it all year round.

The six team players strategically position themselves around the volleyball court for best coverage of the area. In the right back you have the server. The remaining positions are the right front court, centre front court, left front court, left back court and centre back court.

Volleyball is played over a high net across a court. Two opposing teams use their hands, or rally, to get a ball over the net and to ground it inside the opposition's half of the court. If they succeed, they gain a point. The team that wins the point then serves and the game continues until one team reaches 25 points, with at least a two-point lead.

• The receiving team can touch the ball three times before returning it. Catching, carrying and throwing the ball are against the rules and no player can touch the ball twice in a row.
• Usually, teams use their three touches to set up the ball to be hit forcefully downwards from a position close to the net. This final of the three shots — the "spike" — is the key attacking shot in volleyball, and the close "block" is the most important defensive ploy.
• When the receiving team wins a rally,and therefore the right to serve, its players rotate clockwise, so each player plays in every position in the course of a match.

The Spike

You use this move to win a point by directing the ball at high speed down towards an undefended part of the court. To do this, you have to jump high and close to the net and hit the ball with a clenched fist.

The Dig

Hold your hands together, the arms extended and wrists upwards, and meet the ball with the wrists. This is a powerful move that can get the ball over the net from any position on the court.

The Set

Position your palms upwards and use fingers to precisely direct the ball. This is a technique for sending the ball upwards. It’s a good move for sending to ball to a team mate near the net who can then do a Spike.

With practice, it’s easy to pick up the rules of volleyball and to hone your striking skills within a short time. Once you’ve learnt the drill, you’ll be able to enjoy an all-year sport, keep fit and get the satisfaction of being part of a team.