How To ...Follow Volleyball

First thing we'll define is the libero. The libero is a defensive player and is usually used for her passing and digging skills. She can ONLY play in the back row and enters the floor at the back of the court. She has to wear a jersey with a color totally different than the pre-dominant color of her teammates' uniforms. In high school and college, the libero can serve but cannot in USAV/Junior Olympic or international competition. However, she can only serve in one rotation or for one player. The other thing the libero CAN'T do is set up an attack with a set in front of the 10-foot spiking line nor can she attack the ball from anywhere on the court if the ball is above the height of the net. She is used as a defensive player not an offensive threat.

Definition of volleyball words:
Dig--is when the ball is passed up on a hard-driven spike.
Kill--is when a spike or attack hits the floor or is shanked off an opponent.
Set--is the motion of putting the ball in the air overhead with the fingertips to set up an attack or spike.
Pass--is either using the forearms or the overhead pass to send the ball close to the net for the set. First and foremost, a team has to be able to pass in order to set up the offense. Good teams are good passers.
Block--is contact on the ball by the opponents at the net as it is being attacked by the other team. A block can barely touch the players or can be blocked back into the opponents' court. However, a block does not count as a first contact so a team still gets three more chances to get the ball over the net.

Points of Emphasis
At all levels of volleyball, the directive is emphasizing to let the players play. Because volleyball players can be so athletic, they are better at making exceptional plays that may look awkward but are legal. For years, the rule has been that the first contact with the ball can be two hits. The only thing that can be called on the first contact is an illegal hit (throw, lift). Most spectators don't know this. Also, referees are being asked to call based on how the ball leaves the hands not how the ball looks. So, what may look illegal to a spectator a lot of times is not. It's just ugly or awkward. There is a difference between ugly and illegal.

With the game becoming faster and more athletic and changes being made all the time, spectators often don't have the means to keep up with the little and sometimes important adjustments. However, it is a fun game to watch and realizing that the teams who can pass, set, attack and serve are the ones who will be the most successful.



Bridget Bauer has been a member of the Arkansas Officials Association for 18 years and the Missouri State High School Officials Association for six years. She also is a member of USA Volleyball and the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials.