Q&A for How to Play Volleyball

We've got an article on that topic to help you out. Most importantly, wear comfortable, athletic clothing and shoes, and remove all accessories.

If you can't reach it for a set, and you're in the back row, let it go out. If you're in the front row, make sure to call out for another player to get it. Or, you can turn around and hit it with a backwards bump. If it's the last hit on your side and you need to get it over, arch your back when you hit it. If you're just starting your attack, all you need to do is get it up so that another player can set it and then spike it over then net, hopefully getting a point. The same concept can be applied to receiving it with a backwards set.

Jump and put your hands up as though you were setting, but keep your fingers tight together to block the ball. If the ball approaches slightly to one side, move your hands but keep your fingers pointing straight up. Ideally, the ball should roll down from your fingers and onto your palms, where you direct it to another player.

Beach volleyball is played barefoot on sand in smaller courts, with only two players per team. You can attack from anywhere on the court, and there are a number of other differences between the types of legal hits. Usually the teams play to 21 points, and a match is best of 3 sets.

The score goes up to 25. Every time a team scores a point, the scoring team receives the ball to serve. For example, if the teams were black and blue, let's assume blue has 13 points and black has 9, and black will serve. The the score would be 9-13. If the blue team scored a point, they would then serve, and the score would be called out as 14-9 (the score of the serving team is called first).

Technically, a dig is any successful defensive contact, even if you stay on your feet. Diving is a technique that is almost exclusively used in digs, though.

The libero is the best passer/defensive player; it is usually one of the shortest and quickest players on the team. A defensive specialist is just like the libero, but instead they aren't as good at passing. The reason you designate the libero as best passer is because they are placed in the middle of the back row, where most balls are hit.

Teams change sides to promote fairness. In outdoor volleyball, for example, one side of the court may have bright lights that make seeing the ball difficult. Switching sides ensures neither team has an unfair advantage.

Run toward the baseline from behind it carrying the ball. Before reaching the line, throw the ball into the air, jump as high as you can, and hit the ball as it comes down. The idea is to hit the ball as high off the floor as possible to achieve a flatter trajectory and make it harder for the receiving team to return the ball.

Build up arm and shoulder strength.

There is no standard time. A single game will usually last a half-hour or more. A full match can last an hour, often longer.

Volleyball was invented in 1895 by a YMCA director in the United States.

Short players can be valuable as defensive specialists and setters. Being closer to the ground can really help in digging out those low shots.

Your team gets the point.

Yes.

A match is typically won by the first team to win two sets (sometimes three). A set is typically won by the first team to win 25 points (or 15, depending on league rules). The winner must win by at least two points.

You can't play volleyball or most any sports with broken arms or legs. You have to wait until your limbs have healed.

A game starts with a serve.

In volleyball, there are six different spots on the court. After you score, you get the serve, and for every new server, you rotate. You play all six positions, as you have a rotation set up.

Just get in there and try. You will eventually hit it, and with time and practice, hit it correctly. The more you play, the more confident you'll become.

There are some great tips in wikiHow article Be a Better Volleyball Player.

Of course. Most schools have teams, and many communities have volleyball leagues. Players with no experience are usually welcome to join in.

Not everyone can set well. If you can dig, pass, spike or serve well, you can be valuable to your team.

Position 1 (serving position) is Right Back or Setter. Position 2 is Right Front or Right Side Hitter. Position 3 is Middle Front or Middle Blocker. Position 4 is Left Front or Opposite. Position 5 is Left Back or Outside Hitter. Position 6 is Middle Back or Middle Blocker (or Libero).

A serve is the act of hitting the ball (either overhand or underhand) from behind the baseline and over the net into the opponents' court. Each point in a game begins with a serve.

No. Generally speaking, volleyball is played without injury because there is usually no physical contact between players. Minor injuries do occasionally occur due to pulled muscles or jammed fingers. In addition, players may suffer bumps and bruises while diving for the ball. But it is not nearly as dangerous as some other sports, like football.

People of any height can play volleyball. Coaches like to have their taller players at the net, but shorter players can help their team from any spot on the court.

In receiving a serve, it's best to bump the ball with your forearms, but you may use your fingers, especially if the ball is near or above your head.

Spiking is difficult. Ask your coach or teammates for pointers, and then get lots of practice.

It depends on how long it takes for a rally. One game is usually 30-50 minutes.