BADMINTON

History
Badminton started in India and became popular in England. It came to the United States by way of
Canada. Supposedly the game originated from a game called “Poona” that was played in India. The
first Poona Club was established in Bath, England in 1873. The name Badminton comes from the
country estate of Duke of Beaufort in England. The estate called Badminton house was near the
village of Badminton in Gloucestershire. The first real American impetus of the game came from the
return of soldiers from WWI. Officers became acquainted with the game in England and brought it
home to Canada and the US. Badminton became an Olympic sport in 1992. It can be played indoors
or outdoors, singles or doubles. The game requires quick reflexes, finesse and good conditioned
players.

The game of badminton originated in Siam, China over 2,000 years ago. It was brought to England
in 1870 and was played somewhat like tennis. After being played in Canada, badminton arrived in
America and has been popular since 1929. Since 1992, badminton has been an Olympic sport, with
bird speeds reaching 100 m.p.h.

Nature of the Game

Badminton is played as a singles or doubles game with one or two players on a side. The object of
the game is to hit the shuttlecock or “bird” back and forth with a racket across a net five feet high at
its center. The bird should be hit with such speed and accuracy that the opponent is unable to return
the shot successfully. The game can either be fast or slow paced, depending on the skill level of the
players.

Safety/Etiquette
1. Keep a firm grip on the racket.
2. Be careful not to hit your partner with the racket.
3. Stay in your own court to avoid the possibility of collision with other players.
4. Stop play if other players enter your court.
5. Wait until there is a stop in the action to retrieve a bird from another court.
6. Be aware of the walls and the net posts.
7. Before play, agree on the boundaries and determine the first server.
8. Players call their own lines; replay the point if in doubt.
9. Shake hands after the game/match.

Other Etiquette
1. Introduce yourself to your partner and opponent.
2. Call faults promptly and fairly, compliment opponents or partners good shots.
3. Do not ask spectators to help with decisions, avoid distractions.
4. Avoid repeated replays, avoid making excuses for poor shots.
5. If you are serving, call the score before EACH point.
6. No swearing, complaining, criticizing or equipment abuse.
7. Warm up with your opponent
8. Check that the receiver is ready before serving
9. Call “No shot” when you fault by carrying, slinging or throwing the shuttle.
10. Retrieve shuttles on your side of the net. Hit or toss them gently to where they will be
initiating their serve.
11. Do interfere with play on adjoining courts.
12. Shake hands with your opponent upon completion of game or match
13. Report score and return equipment to proper place at end of class.

Safety
1. Take equipment only when instructed to do so, stop playing on the whistle.
2. DO NOT GOLF the birdie, bend over to pick it up.
3. Retrieve the bird on adjoining court when play is stopped.
4. Call shots that could be taken by either player.
5. Racquets are NOT to be tossed in the air or dropped.
6. All equipment needs to be put away when not in use

Facilities/Equipment
Equipment: Badminton requires a racquet, shuttlecock (birdie or bird), net and playing surface. The
height of the net shall be 5’ at the center and 5’1” at the sides.
1. Rackets are fragile. Avoid striking the floor, wall, net, posts, or your partner. Also avoid
flipping, throwing, or twirling rackets.
2. Shuttlecocks should be handled by the tips only. Birds caught in the net should be
removed carefully.
3. Each student is responsible for reporting any damaged rackets to the instructor.
4. Rackets are returned to the proper slot and birds to the basket at the end of each period.

Game Rules/Scoring
Players
1. Singles – one player on a side.
2. Doubles – two players on a side.
3. Mixed Doubles – one male and one female partner opposing a male and female opponent.
RULES:
Toss: Before play begins, opponents toss to decide order of service and choice of courts. The winner of
the toss has choice of service or choice of courts and the loser has alternative choice. The side that wins a
game serves first in the next game. Sides of court are also changed after each game and at 8 points in
game 3.

Scoring: Either team can score points, rally scoring played to 21. The winner needs only a point
advantage, unless the score becomes 29-29 the team that scores the 30th point shall win that game. A
match is the best of 3 games.
1. Rally scoring allows for a point to be won by either team regardless of which team is serving.
2. Both singles and doubles games are won with 21 points.
3. The side winning a rally adds a point to their score.
4. At 20 all, the side that gains a 2 point lead first, wins that game.
5. At 29 all, the side scoring the 30th point wins that game.
6. In the third game of singles and doubles, players change sides when a side scores 11 points.
7. A match is won by winning two out of three games.

Service:
Singles-Players shall serve and receive from the right hand service courts when the servers score is 0 or
any even number of points. The players shall serve and receive from the left hand courts when the
server’s score is an uneven number of points. Both players change service courts after each point scored.

Doubles-Only one partner on the team with the first serve in double may serve in the team’s half of the
inning. After a fault by the serving team, both opponent partners get to serve in their half of the inning.
Thereafter, both partners serve in their respective half-innings.

Faults: A fault by serving side—server loses serve.

A fault by receiving team—server earns a point.

Service Faults:
1. Racquet head higher than server’s hand. The serve must be underhand.
2. Shuttle contacted higher than server’s waist.
3. Shuttle falls outside service court (on the line is good).
a. Servers or receivers feet not inside the proper court line, both feet must remain stationery when racquet
begins motion.
b. Before or during service, a player fakes or otherwise balks his opponent
c. If in service or play the shuttle touches anyone or anything other than the racquet
head and face (except the top of the net).

A fault (violation of rules) occurs if:

a. On the service, any part of the racket head is higher than the server’s wrist and contact
is made above the waist.
b. The service fails to cross the net or go into the proper service court.
c. The feet of the server and receiver are not in the proper courts at time of service.
d. The server hesitates or stops (feint/balk) the service motion or misses the bird.
e. The improper receiver returns the bird on the serve.
f. A bird hit into the net, under the net, against the wall or ceiling is out-of-bounds.
g. A player hits the bird before it crosses the net.
h. The bird touches a player or clothing.
i. The player touches the net while the bird is in play.
j. The bird is hit twice in succession by one/both partners.
k. The bird is held, caught, or carried on the racket when struck.
l. A player obstructs an opponent.

General Rules/Regulations
1. Serving
a.The server must keep both feet in contact with the floor at the time of the serve.
b. The bird must be contacted below the waist.
c.The racket head must be below the server’s wrist.
d. The server should not serve until the receiver is ready; the opponent is deemed ready
if a return is attempted.
e.Partners of the server and receiver may stand anywhere on the court providing they do
not obstruct the opponent’s view.
f. A bird that touches the net on the serve and goes into the proper service court is legal.
g. If the server misses the bird on the serve attempt, it still counts. In singles and
doubles the serve would go to the opponent.
2. Serving Order – Singles
a. At the beginning of the game (0-0) and when the server’s score is even, the serve will begin
from the right service court. When the server’s score is odd, the serve will be from the left
service court.
b. If the server wins a rally, the server scores a point and will then serve again from the alternate
service court.
c. If the receiver wins a rally, the receiver scores a point and becomes the new server. They
serve from the appropriate service court – left if the score is odd and right if it is even.
3. Serving Order - Doubles
a. A team will only have one player serve, per “service”.
b. At the beginning of the game and when the score is even (0,2,4,6, etc.) the server serves from
the right service court. When it is odd (1,3,5,7, etc.) the server serves from the left service
court.
c. If the serving side wins a rally, the serving side scores a point and the same server serves
again from the alternate service court.
d. If the receiving side wins a rally, the receiving side scores a point. The receiving side
becomes the new serving side.
e. The players do not change their respective service courts until they win a point when their
side is serving.

4. The winners of the first game serve first in the next game.
5. Birds falling on the lines are considered good.
6. During a rally, a bird that touches the net and goes over is in play.
7. A player obstructs an opponent.
8. Let (a play allowed to be replayed)
a. The bird becomes caught in or on the net after passing over the net.
 b. The bird hits the basketball supports or net.
c. The following situations occur before the next serve and if the offending side wins the rally:
1. The correct server serves from the wrong court.
2. The wrong server serves from either the correct/incorrect service court.
3. The correct receiver receives in the wrong court.

Basic Skills
A. Grip
1. Forehand – with the racket head perpendicular to the floor, shake hands with the grip
so the “V” formed by the thumb and forefinger is on the top of the handle.
2. Backhand – using a forehand grip, rotate the hand slightly so the thumb is along and
parallel to the wide side of the handle.
B. Footwork
1. Move toward the shot with short steps and end with a long stride.
2. In the ready position the racket is held high, the knees are slightly bent, and the body
weight is on the balls of the feet.

C. Strokes
By using the same motion for all shots, the opponent is unable to detect what shot you are
going to make until the bird is actually hit. A good wrist action allows more power and
control with much less effort. A forehand stroke is one from the dominant side; the
backhand stroke is from the non-dominant side. The racket is swung back, the arm is
bent with the elbow up, the wrist is cocked, and the body weight is placed on the back
foot. From this position, the stroke is made by throwing the hand at the point of contact
between bird and racket with weight being transferred to the forward foot. If possible,
shots should be made with an overhand stroke.
1. Clear – a shot used to drive your opponent away from the net or forecourt or to slow
the game. The bird should fly above the opponent’s reach and fall within one foot of
the baseline.
2. Smash – an attacking shot made at the limit of one’s upward reach and slightly in front
of the shoulder. At the moment of contact, the arm and wrist come down forcibly.
3. Drive – A flat shot kept as low as possible and is second only to the smash as an
attacking shot.
4. Drop Shot – any shot that drops immediately after crossing the net. The descent of the
bird is controlled with little follow-through.
5. Net Shot – any shot played as near to the net as possible, controlled by wrist and
forearm. The hairpin shot is an example of a net shot.

D. Serves
1. High and deep (singles) – take a position near and on the proper side of the center line
and about four feet behind the short service line. Drop the bird on the racket side and
swing the racket forward.
2. Low and short (doubles) – take a position closer to the front service line. The racket
is swung forward with little follow-through.
3. Drive (flick) – a quick snap of the wrist in the backhand grip with the bird held
directly in front of the body. The bird travels in a direct line at the receiver.

E. Light Patterns (left to right)

 B = short serve G = smash
C = underhand drop shot H = overhead drop hot
D = overhead clear I = net shot
E = high doubles serve J = drive

Playing Strategy

A. Singles – serve long most of the time. Return a high serve with a drop or clear.
Build the game plan on a basis of alternate drop and clear shots, and then
use the smash/drive as openings occur. Run your opponent from the front to
back and from side to side of the court.

B. Doubles – make shots, the return of which will leave an opening for your partner
to play a winning shot. Never play a shot that leaves your partner open to
smashes. Always make an attacking shot. This implies that all shots should be
hit down. Most serves should be short and low. Attack short serves when
receiving.
1. Side-by side – each partner is responsible for half of the playing court, net
to baseline.
2. Up-and-back – one member plays the front portion of the court, operating
from the centerline and just behind the short service line. The partner
plays the rear portion of the court from the centerline and just in front of
the double rear service line.
3. Up/back rotation – combines the two doubles’ strategies, using the side- by-
side position for defense, and up and back formation for attack.

Terminology
1. Alley – an extension of the width of the court on both sides to be used in doubles play.
2. Backhand – any stroke made on the side of the body opposite the racket side.
3. Balk - Any deceptive movement which disconcerts an opponent before or during service.
4. Baseline – back boundary line.
5. Bird – the object that flies over the net, officially known as a shuttlecock.
6. Block – placing the racket in front of the bird and letting it rebound into the opponent’s court.
7. Carry – momentarily holding the bird on the racket during the execution of a stroke.
8. Clear – a high shot that falls close to the baseline.
9. Combination Doubles - Using both side by side and up and back strategy in doubles play
10. Deception- Out witting ones opponent with deception stroking through change of direction
and/or speed of shuttle
11. Double hit – contacting the bird twice in succession on the same stroke.
12. Doubles – a game of four players, two on each team.
13. Drive – a hard stroke that just clears the net on a horizontal plane.
14. Drop Shot – a shot made that barely clears the net with little speed.
15. Fault – any violation of the rules whose penalty is loss of serve or the point.
16. Forehand Stroke – any stroke made on the racket side of the body.
17. Game - Official game is 21
18. Hairpin (net) stroke – shot made from below and very close to the net with the bird just
clearing the net and dropping sharply downward.
19. Home position – the ideal spot for awaiting the opponent’s return.
20. Inning: A side’s turn to serve.
21. In Play: The bird is in play from the time it is hit by the server until it hits the floor, body or
clothing of a player, or until a fault has been committed.
22. “In” Side: Player/team having the right to serve.
23. Kil - : A shot that makes a return impossible, also called a smash, usually very fast, aiming
down at the opponents’ floor in a straight direct manner
24. Let – a play allowed to be replayed.
25. Lob: A high clear, the bird is raised high and lands in the back court.
 26. Long, High Serve: A high clear serve. Used more in singles, enables you to return to your
home position.
27. Love: No score
28. Match – best two out of three games.
29. Odd and even courts – in singles, the right half of the court is “even” and the left half of the
court is the “odd.” When the even player is serving from the right the score is even, and odd
when serving from the left.
30. “Out”: Player or side receiving the service
31. Overhand Hit: Hit used in returning a bird from a point overhead, should be contacted
slightly in front of the body.
32. Rally – rapid returns made by players.
33. Ready position – an alert body position enabling quick movement in any direction.
34. Receiver – the player to whom the bird is served.
35. Rush the Serve: Quick move to the net in attempt to smash/put away a low serve.
36. Server – the player who puts the bird in play.
37. Short Serve: Refers to the flight of the bird. Sometimes called soft serve, lands close to the
service line and is close to the net as well.
38. Shuttlecock – the feathered/plastic object that is hit back and forth in badminton.
39. Singles – a game involving one player on each end of the court.
40. Sling – an untrue hit, usually because of the bird momentarily resting on the racket.
41. Side By Side: Strategy where players play their “side” of the court.
42. Smash – a powerful overhand stroke that sends the bird downward over the net.
43. Stroke – the action of striking the bird with the racket.
44. Toss/spin – the method of deciding which side will serve first at the beginning of the match.
45. Throw: A shot where the bird is carried or thrown by the racquet-Illegal
46. Up and Back: Strategy where partners are either playing the front or the back of the court.

Badminton Court

↓ Doubles Sideline ↓
↓ Back Boundary Line/Baseline ↓

↓ Singles Sideline ↓ Alley

↑ Net
↑ Short Service Line ↑
ServiceLine

Right
↓

↑ Double Back Service Line ↑

Service
↓ Singles Back

Court
↓ Center Line ↓

Left
Service
Court

Grading
See activity unit breakdown, fitness grade breakdown, and final grading scale under NC/SC Grading
Policy at the front of the Study Guide.

Technique Description/Skill Tests

Specific skills for activity units are taught on a regular basis. In some units, demonstrated
knowledge of skills may be obtained through some form of skill testing. This testing is not outcome
based.
HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT VOLLEYBALL
 Volleyball was developed in 1895 by William G. Morgan at the Young Men's Christian Association
(YMCA) in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
 It was created for businessmen who required a game that involved less physical contact than
basketball.
 Volleyball blended elements of baseball, basketball, handball, and tennis.
 Volleyball was originally played using a tennis net hung 6 feet 6 inches above the floor.
 The first game of volleyball was played on July 7, 1896 at Springfield College.
 Official volleyball was designed in 1900. - The set and spike were introduced in the Philippines in
1916.
 The United States Volleyball Association (USVBA, now called USA Volleyball) was formed in
1928.
 Volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964.
 The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) was formed in 1983.
 U.S. men's team won the Gold medal and the U.S. women's team won the Silver medal at the
1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
 U.S. men's team won the Gold medal at the 1988 Olympics in Korea.
 Volleyball celebrated 100 years of existence in 1995.
 Two-person beach volleyball was added to the Olympics in 1996.
 Volleyball is a popular sport which can be played both indoors and outdoors. It appeals to people
of all ages and skill levels. It is fast-paced, with constant jumping and nmning, and thus provides a
strenuous aerobic workout. It also requires mental alertness and quick, precise physical reactions.
Many associate volleyball with the beaches of southern California and in fact, a number of
professional players get their start by playing beach volleyball. However, volleyball is popular not
only on the beaches, but in virtually every country of the world In 1964, it was officially recognized
as part of the Olympic Games.
 Volleyball originated in Massachusetts in 1895 when the director of a local YMCA used the bladder
of a basketball for a ball and a tennis net as the first volleyball net. The game was regulated by the
YMCA until 1928 when the United States Volleyball Association was founded.

HOW VOLLEYBALL IS PLAYED

The name "volleyball" is not an entirely accurate description of this sport. The object of
the game is hit the ball over the net in such a way that the opposing team cannot return
it. Volleyball is played on a court 30 feet wide by 60' feet long. The net is three feet high
and spans the width of the playing area. The top of the net is position~ eight feet (in
men's'volleyball) front the floor or playing surface. The modem volleyball is about the
size of a soccer ball. The game is played by two opposing teams, with six players on
each team. Once the ball is put into 'play, it is "volleyed" back and forth betwet:-n the
teammates up to three times before it is hit over ~ the net or until it falls to the flOOf, is
hit out of bounds Of a team commits a foul. The same player may not make a hit twice
in a row. Even if the ball hits a player by accident, it counts as one of the three touches
allowed per side. However, if a player blocks a spike, the block is not considered a "hit."
The game has a total of 15 points. Each game must be won by a two-point margin. A
match consists of either three or five IS-point games. The team which wins two (in a
three-game match) or three (in a five-game match) games is the winner of the match.
Volleyball requires a referee, who generally has the final word regarding points in
dispute, an umpire who assis~ the referee, a scorekeeper, a timekeeper and linesmen.
Even though there may be officials present during a game, players who commit fouls
are expected to callout their own mistakes.
VOLLEYBALL PLAYER ROTATION
 Players rotate in a clockwise position.
 Position of players in order of the serve:
Right Back, Right Front, Center Front, Left Front, Left Back, Center Back
 Position of players at net: LF CF RF LB CB RB
VOLLEYBALL EQUIPMENT
THE NET
 The net is placed vertically over the center line.
 The top of the net is set at the height of 2.43 meters (7 feet 115/8 inches) for men and 2.24 meters
(7 feet 41/4 inches) for women.
 Its height is measured from the center of the playing court.
 The net is 1 meter wide and 9.50 meters long, and is made of square black mesh.

THE BALL
 The ball is spherical, and is made of a flexible leather or synthetic leather with a bladder inside
made of rubber or a similar material.
 It may be a uniform light color or combination of colors.
 The volleyball measures 65 to 67 centimeters (25 to 27 inches) in circumference and weighs 260
to 280 grams.

VOLLEYBALL COURT
The size of the volleyball court will depend on the playing ability level and the equipment used.
Dimensions will range from approximately 20 feet wide by 40 feet long for lawn or backyard
volleyball to 19 feet 6 inches wide by 59 feet long for tournament play. The width of the court is
determined by the size of the net used. The service areas should be a minimum of 6 feet in depth
back of the endlines.

BASIC RULES OF VOLLEYBALL

General Rules
-Volleyball is played by two teams of six players on a court divided by a net.
-There are different versions available for specific circumstances in order to offer the versatility of
the game to everyone.
-The object of the game is to send the ball over the net so that the opposing team cannot return
the ball or prevent it from hitting the ground in their court.
-Each team has three hits to attempt to return the ball. -The ball is put in play with a serve that is
hit by the server over the net to the opponents.
-The volley continues until the ball hits the playing court, goes out of bounds, or a team fails to
return it properly.
-When the receiving team wins a volley, it gains the right to serve, and the players rotate one
position clockwise.
-When the serving team wins a volley, it wins a point and the right to continue serving.
- Each team consists of no more than six persons, with each side having an equal number.
- Each player must be in his or her own position before the ball is served.
-After the server strikes the ball, each player may cover any section of the court.
- The positions of the players are numbered as follows: *The three players along the net are
front-row players and occupy positions 4 (front left), 3 (front center), and 2 (front right).
*The other three are back-row players occupying positions 5 (back left), 6 (back center), and 1
(back right).
-Each player serves in turn and continues to serve until the volley is lost (side out).
-The ball must clear the net on the serve, unless the ball hits the net and goes over the net on the
first attempt, then it may be reserved.
-After a team has lost its serve, the team receiving the ball for the first serve must rotate one
position clockwise before serving.
-The ball may be volleyed only three times from one team member to another before returning it
over the net.
-During this volley a player may not hit the ball twice in succession. One or both hands may be
used.

GAMES
FOULS
 A player holds or throws the ball.
  The ball touches any part of the body, other than the
hands or forearms.
 A player touches the net with any part of the body or hands, or reaches over the net.
 A player plays out of position when the ball is being served.
 A player does not clearly hit the bailor allows the ball to come to rest on any part or parts of the
body.
 A player hits the ball out of the boundaries of the court.
 A player allows the ball to hit the floor, or any object outside or over the court (except net),
before being legally returned to the opponent's court.
 A player touches the ball twice in succession.
 A player fails to make a good serve.

PENALTY
 The penalty for fouls or errors committed is a point if the foul or error was committed against the
serving team, or side out if the foul or error was committed against the receiving team.

SCORING
 Only the serving team can score.
 When the serving team fails to score, it is side out and the receiving team becomes the serving
team.
 The game is played to 21 points or, upon agreement by both teams, 15 points may constitute a
game.
 A match consists of two out of three games.

SAFETY HINTS FOR VOLLEYBALL

 Warm up thoroughly prior to game.
 Equipment should be checked for safety prior to game.
 Area surrounding court or playing area must be kept free of obstacles.
 No jewelry or sharp objects should be worn during game. - Players should stay in control and
maintain their own positions. - Ball should be rolled to opponents when returning ball for serve. -
Players should learn to play the ball properly to avoid injuries to hands and fingers.

VOLLEYBALL TERMS
 Ace - Serve that results directly in a point.
 Add Out - Team that has scored a point following a tie at scores over 14 points.
 Block - Defensive play by one or more players used to intercept a spiked ball in an attempt to
rebound it back into the opponent's court.
 Bump - Forearm pass.
 Deuce - Any tie score of 14 points or more. Passing a spiked or powerfully hit ball. Violation of
the rules.
 Game Point - Last point in a game.
 Newcomb – Game variation using catching and throwing skills in place of setting and bumping.
 Out of Bounds – When a ball lands completely outside the boundary lines.
 Pancake - Defensive technique where player extends hand, palm down on floor, so that ball
bounces off back of hand.
 Rotation - Clockwise movement of players prior to the new serving term of a team.
 Serve – Skill used by player in back-right position to put ball into play.
 Side Out – When serving team fails to win the point or makes an illegal play.

SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

THE READYPOSITION AND JUMP
One of the basic positions in volleyball is called the "ready position." The knees are
slightly bent with hands at waist level and elbows near the body to allow the player t<
concentrate on the ball. Players should learn this position so that time is not wasted.
Note that overhead passes are not used when the returning ball is a "spike."
THE SPIKE
The spike is one of the most difficult plays in volleyball: a player has to run, jump and hit
the ball to a specific spot on the other side of the net. However, it is the best offensive
move in volleyball, and it should be learned. Generally, a spiked ball is hit with an open
hand. However, unless a player is quite experienced, spiking a ball can .sometimes
result in the ball going out of bounds or into the net. Remember that practice in timing,
jumping and hitting are required to spike correctly. A spiked ball, hit properly, can move
up to a hundred miles an hour.
THE FOREARM BOUNCE PASS-BUMP
The bump is used for receiving serves and spike balls. This shot is easy to execy,
because the ball simply bounces or bumps off the clasped hands, wrists or foreanns.
The purpose of this shot is to bounce the ball into the air so that a teammate can get
under it to make a set-up (a move usually used to direct the ball to the spiker).
ONE-HAND BOUNCE PASS-DIG
This is a recovery shot, and is used if the ball received is low and off to the side of a
player. If you cannot make a bump pass, use a dig or save pass instead. In this move,
the hands are cupped. They are then placed under the ball just before it hits the floor.
THE BLOCK
This move is used chiefly as a defensive position to stop spiked balls. As with spiking~
timing is important in blocking. A player must anticipate an opponent's spike and
position him or herself accordingly The blocker then jumps just after the spiker has
jumped. The blocker's arms should when the ball is hit. Jumping is always done near
the net. Players should practice jumping so that they do not touch the net, or bump into
or injure other players. They should also remember always to jump parallel to the net.
THE SERVE: OVERHAND AND UNDERHAND
Only the serving team can score a point. Thus serving is a crucial skill for the volleyball
player to learn. The cardinal rules of serving are simple: do not step on a boundary line,
and get the ball over the net.
The overhand serve is the most popular and effective serve. It is similar to a tennis
serve. The ball is thrown into the air so that it rises a few feet above the server's head.
As the ball comes down, the right arm (if you are right-handed) is raised up and back
while the elbow comes forward. The ann is then extended at the elbow and the server
hits the ball with the heel of the hand.
The underhand serve is a good serve for beginners to use. It is simply another way of
getting the ball over the net. The ball is held in one hand and hit by the heel of the other
hand. The underhand serve is generally not as effective as the overhand serve.
THE PASS OR SET
The pass is a difficult move for many beginning players. This skill looks easier than it
actually is when performed. Once the ball is served, the player who will pass the ball
gets into position under the ball with knees ben4 hands up and fingers cupped. All the
fingers and the two thumbs contact the ball, but the ball does not touch the palm of the
hand. When the ball is in the air over the serving side's court, it may be passed up to
three times before it is returned over the net. One player cannot pass the ball twice in a
row.
THE GAME
In volleyball, there are six positions on the court. Players get to play all six positions.
Each time the team gets the ball back to serve, the players rotate one position
clockwise. The player in the right back position, gets to be the next server. Each team is
allowed up to three hits to return the ball, however the third hit must put the ball over the
net.
Cues for Bump Pass:
 Make a platform & lock elbows.
 Hold both hands out with your palms facing up.
 Keep your fingers together but your thumbs spread and facing the outside.
 Contact ball with both arms simultaneously
 Shrug shoulders and straighten knees without swinging up at ball
 Move feet to get under the ball
 One foot in front of the other with knees bent
 Aim your arms towards the top of the net and not to the ceiling
 Keep the head up and eyes on the ball

Cues for Set Pass:

 Elbows high
 Make a diamond shape with your hands using your thumb and index fingers
 Bend Knees
 Quick “catch” and push with your fingers (do not hold ball)
 Extend your arms and wrist
 Pretend you are catching a water balloon to help you get the feel of not “stabbing” at the ball

Cues for Underhand Serve:

 Face your target
 Hold the ball in medium space with your non-striking hand (imagine the ball sitting on a batting
tee)
 Use a bowling motion (step with the opposite foot and bring your striking hand back)
 As your open hand comes forward, strike the ball with the heel of your hand
 Do not toss the ball in the air during the striking motion
 Follow through toward your target

Scoring:
 Rally scoring will be used.
 There will be a point scored on every score of the ball.
 The Offense will score on a defense miss or out of bounds hit.
 The Defense will score on an offensive miss, an out of bounds hit, or serve into the net.
 A game is played to 25 points. Teams must win by 2 points.

Fouls:
 The most common infractions are:
 reaching over the net to play a ball
 crossing the centerline when the ball is in play
 touching the net during play
 catching, scooping, or carrying the ball
 a player out of position on the court
 touching or stepping over the serving line
 two consecutive hits by the same player
 spiking the ball from behind the attack line