Volleyball is played by millions worldwide. This game is fast-paced and requires agility, reflexes, and teamwork. Whether or not a beginner “can you kick the ball in volleyball” or “Is kicking allowed in volleyball” is one of the most frequent topics they ask.
The answer is yes, you can kick the ball in volleyball, but it’s not recommended for most situations.
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) states in rule 9.2.1, “The ball may touch any part of your body”. This implies that you can continuously strike the ball with your foot. It’s crucial to remember that players often only use their hands to strike the ball.
Playing with your hands is logical and has a simple explanation. It’s just more practical. You have way more control over the ball once you attack with the palm of your hand than with your head.
When you’re setting the ball, it’s also more comfortable and efficient than using your leg. Even when players are in defense, using arms is better. Your arms are more cunning than your legs, so you have a better chance of reacting.
Basic Rules of Volleyball
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Teams | Two teams, each with six players, compete against each other. |
| Objective | Hit the ball over the net and make it land on the opponent’s side of the court to score points. |
| Sets | The game is played in sets, and the team winning the most sets wins the match. |
| Hits | Each team is allowed to hit the ball three times before it must cross the net. |
| Successive Hits | A player is not allowed to hit the ball twice in succession. |
| Serving | The ball must be served from behind the end line of the court, and it must clear the net. |
| Ball In Play | If the ball hits the boundary line, it is considered in play. |
| 10-Foot Line Restriction | A player cannot block or attack a serve from on or inside the 10-foot line. |
Volleyball Ball Contact Rules
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) states in rule 9.2.1, “The ball may touch any part of your body”. This implies that you can continuously strike the ball with your foot. It’s crucial to remember that players often only use their hands to strike the ball.
Playing with your hands is logical and has a simple explanation. It’s just more practical. You have way more control over the ball once you attack with the palm of your hand than with your head.
When you’re setting the ball, it’s also more comfortable and efficient than using your leg. Even when players are in defense, using arms is better. Your arms are more cunning than your legs, so you have a better chance of reacting.
Techniques for Legal Ball Contact
Kicking the ball with any part of your body other than your hands is extraordinary. When watching a volleyball match, maybe in 1 out of 4 games, there’s a situation when some player needs to touch the ball with his leg.
99% of all ball kicks occur because players have to save the ball. Usually, when running to keep the ball, they almost get it, but they don’t have enough time to receive it with their hands. That’s when they decide to use their legs.
This move is often successful, and they can keep the ball in game. But, kicking the ball might be risky, so exercise caution if you try this technique. Limiting your play to utilizing your hands if you’re just getting started until you feel more at ease is advisable.
Recall that volleyball is an enjoyable and thrilling activity that calls for reflexes and collaboration. Go on and enjoy yourself, then.
Kicking It’s the ball with a body component other than your hands is impressive. Maybe one of every four volleyball matches I watch will have a scenario where a player needs to contact the ball with his leg.
Can you use your feet in volleyball?
Yes, you can use your feet in volleyball. According to the FIVB, “The ball may touch any part of the body.” However, because it is challenging to control the ball with your feet and volleyball shoes are not made for ball kicking, using your feet is not a regular practice in volleyball.
Players may use any body part to hit the ball in beach volleyball if it is judged a clean hit.
In a variant of the sport called foot volleyball, participants play the ball with their feet rather than their hands.
It’s important to note that these exceptions are not applicable in official indoor volleyball competitions, adhering to the standard rules. In such cases, players should refrain from using their feet.
Can You Kick the Ball in Volleyball Under the Net?
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) states in rule 9.2.1, “The ball may touch any part of your body” . This implies that you can continuously strike the ball with your foot. It’s crucial to remember that players often only use their hands to hit the ball.
If the ball is not blocked or attacked, it can kick it beneath the net. A clean hand hit is required when the ball is struck or blocked. Recall that kicking the ball might be risky, so exercise caution if you try this maneuver.
Limiting your play to utilizing your hands if you’re just getting started until you feel more at ease is advisable. Recall that volleyball is an enjoyable and thrilling activity that calls for reflexes and collaboration. Go on and enjoy yourself, then.
In traditional volleyball, players can legally use their feet to hit the ball. According to the FIVB, “The ball may touch any part of the body.” Volleyball players rarely use their feet since controlling the ball is complex, and their shoes aren’t intended for ball kicking.
Beach volleyball has lax ball contact restrictions. Players can hit the ball with any body part if the contact is clean.
This suggests that players occasionally make a save or maintain the ball in play with their feet.
When, If Ever, Should You Use Your Feet In Volleyball?
In a variant of the sport called foot volleyball, participants play the ball with their feet rather than their hands. It follows similar rules to traditional volleyball but emphasizes soccer-like skills.
In foot volleyball, kicking the ball is not only allowed but is the primary method of ball contact.
In casual settings or during warm-ups, players may juggle or freestyle with the volleyball, showcasing their ball control skills using different parts of their bodies, including their feet. However, this is not part of the formal gameplay.
Referees may exercise discretion regarding minor violations, especially if using feet does not impact the game’s fairness. This is more common in friendly or non-competitive settings.
It’s important to note that these exceptions are not applicable in official indoor volleyball competitions, adhering to the standard rules. In such cases, players should refrain from using their feet.
Kicking the ball is complex (and dangerous).
If you’ve watched the video above, you’re probably amazed at how athletic those players are. Although this kind of commitment might seem easy, it’s not simple.
If you want to do the same while playing volleyball, remember that kicking the ball can sometimes be dangerous, especially when you’re chasing it. You’re running, not looking at what’s ahead of you.
You’re following only the ball and might hit a chair, bench, or other stuff. It’s the easiest way to get injured. Kicking the ball in beach volleyball is also legal, and I think it’s a bit safer. Even when there is nothing in your way, the ball kick alone can harm you.
Once you string your leg to kick the ball, you will likely pull your leg muscle and get injured badly.
FAQs
Yes, you can use your feet in volleyball. But volleyball is rarely played with your feet since it’s hard to control the ball and volleyball shoes aren’t made for kicking.
In volleyball, players can use their legs to hit the ball, but there are some exceptions. A player can hit the ball up to three times on their side of the net, with the third hit ensuring that the ball goes over the net.
A slap in volleyball refers to a quick and forceful open-handed hit, often used as a defensive play to redirect the ball with speed and precision. It is a technique employed to keep the ball in play or to initiate offensive moves.
According to the FIVB 2017-2020 Rule book, a player is not allowed to touch the net anywhere between the two antennae while playing the ball. However, contact with the net between the antennae and net posts is legal, so long as it doesn’t interfere with play. There are no specific rules regarding clothes touching the net in volleyball. However, it is advisable to avoid touching the net with any part of the body or clothing to prevent any interference with play.
In volleyball, a smash, also known as a spike, is a powerful and forceful attack where a player forcefully hits the ball over the net with a closed fist to score points. It is a strategic offensive move executed near the net to overwhelm the opposing team’s defense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kicking the ball is an option in volleyball, although it’s generally not advised. This maneuver is best used when saving the ball in a tight situation. When attempting this move, it’s vital to use caution because kicking the ball can be deadly.
Limiting your play to utilizing your hands if you’re just getting started until you feel more at ease is advisable. Recall that volleyball is an enjoyable and thrilling activity that calls for reflexes and collaboration. So go forth and enjoy yourself!
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Hassan Baig a former volleyball player, coach and Administrative At Volleyplan.com.
My name is Hassan Baig and I am a former volleyball player and coach. I have a passion for the sport and have dedicated my life to promoting it. I have worked with some of the best players in the game and have helped them achieve their full potential Read More
