Have you ever watched a volleyball game and wondered why players aren’t allowed to kick the ball? It seems like a perfectly viable option when the ball is out of reach, right? Well, it turns out some rules in volleyball prohibit the use of the feet. But why is that? Are there any exceptions to this rule?
While it may seem frustrating, the rule against kicking in volleyball serves an important purpose. The game of volleyball is built around specific techniques and skills, and allowing players to kick the ball would fundamentally change the nature of the sport.
By restricting players to using only their hands and arms to hit the ball, volleyball promotes fair and consistent play, ensuring that matches are determined by skill rather than physical power. However, there are some instances where the ball can unintentionally hit a player’s foot. In these cases, the rule is typically not enforced as long as the player did not deliberately use their foot to make a play.
Can You Kick the Ball in Volleyball?
The new rule regarding contact with the ball with any part of the body made volleyball a much more exciting and engaging sport, allowing players to make lightning-fast defensive plays and extend rallies.
To help create even more spectacular plays, the libero position was introduced to the game. This position was designed to be one of the best defensive assets on the court and offer more control than a typical player.
It is important to remember that although you are technically allowed to kick the ball, it might not always be beneficial. Volleyball requires strict ball control and a level of finesse that cannot be achieved with a foot punt–especially when it comes to higher levels of play. Experienced players understand this concept; quoting Phil DeSalvo,
“In which other sports are you required to take a ball that’s coming at over 60 mph and control it into a 3ft x 3ft box?” A player must have total confidence in their technique and touch during responses to return serve or keep an intense rally alive. These tasks are done much more effectively without involving the feet.
So when You should and shouldn’t use your feet in volleyball?
| Situation | When to Use Feet | When Not to Use Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Serving | Balance during the serve | Hitting the ball over the net |
| Receiving Serve | Quick movement to position | Passing or setting the ball |
| Passing (Bump) | – | Accurate passing with forearms |
| Setting | – | Using hands and fingers for setting |
| Spiking | Positioning for a spike | Hitting the ball over the net |
| Blocking | Jumping to block | Kicking the ball while blocking |
| Digging (Defense) | Quick movement for digging | Digging or passing with feet |
| Diving (Defense) | Pushing off the ground during a dive | Intentional kicking of the ball while diving |
| Playing the Ball Over | – | Using hands, arms, and legal body parts |
| Serving as a Teammate | Supporting teammate’s serve with feet | Serving with feet if you’re a teammate |
| Setting as a Teammate | – | Using hands and fingers for setting |
| Helping Teammates | – | Using hands and arms for controlled passes |
Why Would It Be Illegal To Kick The Ball In Lower Levels Of Volleyball?
As a sport, volleyball is meant to be as safe as possible for the players and fans. That’s why many levels of it, from recreational leagues through advanced training and tournaments, forbid kicking. It puts the other players in danger of being kicked in the face or head accidentally when someone attempts to kick the ball.
This could result in serious injury if someone accidentally kicked a teammate or even volleyed the ball into their face at close range. Despite its potential for skillful and dramatic plays, it comes with an elevated risk that’s unhealthy for most levels of play.
While Olympic-level players are quite practiced with their footwork, this isn’t the case at lower levels of competition. At best, novice players may trip or miscalculate their motions during complex movements using their feet. At worst, they could harm themselves or another player while attempting kicks far beyond their level of athleticism. This is why a ban on kicking can lead to healthier habits on less competitive teams as they slowly improve and reach those higher heights someday.
Types of Kick Which is Allowed in Volleyball:
1. Emergency Kick In Volleyball
Emergency kicking in volleyball is an important skill that all players should learn. This technique requires quick thinking and fast reflexes to get the ball over the net when a player doesn’t have enough time to set up for a regular hit.
It is usually done by jumping in the air and quickly kicking the ball with both feet while keeping balance. This type of kick requires a lot of practice as timing must be accurate and precise, but it can be a great way of quickly getting the ball over the net and extending rallies.
2. Team Support Kick-In Volleyball
In team support kicking, players use their feet to help their teammates’ serves and sets. It requires a bit of coordination between the two players to time their movements correctly.
This kick is usually done when a player is close to the net and can’t reach the ball with their arms or hands. The player will jump and use their feet to support their teammate’s hit. This allows the ball to go higher and further, giving the attacking team an advantage.
How many kicks are allowed in a volleyball match?
The rules of volleyball dictate that each team can hit the ball up to three times on their side of the net before it must go over the net. As such, teams should pass the ball or aim to hit it over the net within three contacts to keep control of play. An individual player can only strike the ball once before another player from their team plays it.
If a team hits the ball a fourth time before sending it back, this is considered a fault, and their opponents will award them one point. When playing indoors with six players per team, any double contact — kicking and hitting, for example — is also not allowed and could result in foul play being called on the offending side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is kicking the ball allowed in volleyball?
No, kicking the ball is not allowed in volleyball. Volleyball is a sport that relies on using hands, wrists, and forearms to hit the ball over the net. Kicking is considered a violation of the rules.
2. Can you kick the ball to keep it in play?
No, kicking the ball to keep it in play is against the rules of volleyball. Players must use their hands to pass, set, or attack the ball. Kicking the ball is considered an illegal play.
3. What happens if a player kicks the ball in volleyball?
If a player intentionally kicks the ball during a volleyball game, it will result in a foul, and a point will be awarded to the opposing team. It is important to remember that only legal means of contact, such as using hands and arms, are allowed in volleyball.
4. Can the ball accidentally hit a player’s foot in volleyball?
Yes, the ball can accidentally hit a player’s foot during a volleyball game. However, as long as it is unintentional and not used to play the ball purposefully, it is not considered a violation, and the game will continue.
5. Can the libero kick the ball in volleyball?
No, the libero, who is a defensive specialist in volleyball, is also not allowed to kick the ball. They are governed by the same rules as other players and must use legal means of contact to play the ball.
Conclusion
Kicking the ball in volleyball is not allowed and can result in a violation. Players must use their hands, wrists, and forearms to pass, set, or attack the ball. Emergency kicking should be used only as a last resort when players do not have enough time to set up for a regular hit. Team support kicking is also allowed if two players coordinate their movements correctly. The rules of volleyball dictate that each team can hit the ball up to three times on their side of the net before it must go over the net.
