Basic Rules: 

Across all variations of the sport, volleyball is played by two teams on opposite sides of the net in formation. Each side attempts to send the ball over the net to the opponent and score a point by the ball hitting the ground. This ends each possession which is known as a rally.

To begin a possession, the opposing team serves the ball over the net and once the ball has been received, the receiving team has three touches before they have to get the ball over the net. The rally continues until one team successfully completes a kill, where the ball touches the floor on the opponent’s side or either team commits a fault, where they drop the ball or hit the net causing them to lose the rally.

Within the rally, the receiving team sets up an attack using the setter and one of the hitters to score a point.

Positions:

Setter: The orchestrator of the offense, all plays run through the setter. Sets up the hitters for an attack. Requires a delicate touch with the ball and proper communication amongst players to execute plays.

Outside Hitter: The left side hitter and lead attacker in offense. Adaption is key for outside hitters because sets and circumstances always change. In order to be successful you need to jump high and be agile.

Opposite Hitter: Right side hitter who maintains the same offensive threat. But the opposite hitter focuses on defense and blocking the opposing team’s opposite hitter.

Middle Blocker: The team’s first line of defense by blocking opposing hitters. Middle blockers also have the opportunity to attain quick points because they’re the tallest on the team as well.

Libero: The Libero can only stay in the back row, and is mainly a role for receiving passes and hits. The libero is most likely the most alert and agile on the ground as well. They also wear a different colored jersey.

Defensive specialist: The defensive specialist is able to substitute any player on the court. The defensive specialist focuses on ball control and works with the libero as well.