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From: [e-mail] (Donn C Young)
Subject: rec.sport.volleyball Frequently Asked Questions List
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REC.SPORT.VOLLEYBALL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION LIST

About this FAQ: During the 'history' of rec.sport.volleyball, there have
been a goodly number of discussions and questions of recurring topics.
Occasionally, someone mentions that a rsv.faq would be handy. Other folks
have started this task before, but other commitments kept them from pulling
it together. With help from some of the long time rsv folks like Van Vo,
I've tried to put the faq together. It's got something from and for
everyone. The FAQ will be posted on or about the first of each month.

All rules questions refer to the 1992 USVBA Rulebook. The proposed rule
changes by the FIVB are just that, proposed and not yet adopted. So, they
are not included in this FAQ.

Some answers reflect my own prejudices and ignorance. Please try to keep
your roars and flames to a minimum. Any errors, mistakes, or stupidity are
mine alone - but I'm easily influenced!

If you have comments on any responses or suggestions for additions, please
send them to me at [e-mail]. This FAQ will be
constantly changing, so feel free to help keep it current.

Since the FAQ contains quotes from the USVBA Rulebook, etc., the FAQ is
not copyrighted. Howsomever... If you publish material from this FAQ,
please give credit where credit is due and acknowledge them [this will
also lend greater credibility and fame to rec.sport.volleyball].

Copies and updates of this FAQ may be obtained by anonymous ftp to
pit-manager.mit.edu (18.172.1.27) under
/pub/usenet/news.answers/volleyball-faq
or send email to [e-mail] with
send usenet/news.answers/volleyball-faq in the subject line, leaving
the body of the message empty.  You'll now find these archived FAQ
files compressed due to lack of disk space, but they'll be ftp'ed
even if you omit the ".Z" suffix. Email is always uncompressed.

Changes since last month: Several answers (#31, 34, 35, 45) have been
modified somewhat. By next month, I'll try to work out a better way of
grouping the questions in categories.

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

Donn Young   [e-mail]
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
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I've tried to arrange the questions and comments to follow some logical
pattern. Here's an index of sorts:

1.  Where can I buy ....?
2.  What vb mags are out there and how do I subscribe?
3.  What shoes are best?
4.  What is the "strength shoe"?
5.  What shoes should I wear on grass?
6.  What volleyball is best?  For indoor play?  For outdoor?
7.  Which camp should I attend?  Is there one near me?
8.  What volleyball sanctioning organizations are out there?
9.  Where do I get a copy of the current Rule Book?
10. What size is the court?
11. Are the lines (2" wide) in or out? Do the lines extend?
12. Can I step on the center line?
13. How high is the net?
14. Do you rotate when you receive the first serve?
15. When does a serve start?
16. Can a server jump forward of the end line while serving?
17. What makes a "floater" move? or a topspin dive?
18. Is an underhand serve legal?
19. Can I bounce the ball before serving?
20. Can the serve be blocked or attacked?
21. Where do I have to serve from?
22. What if I'm standing on the side-line at the time of service?
23. How long do players have to remain in their 'official' positions
    (serving order) before moving to their 'playing' positions?
24. When positioning at the serve, how much can you overlap?
25. When is a set a set and when is it a throw?
26. If the set comes off my hands spinning is it a fault?
27. I've heard that overhead sets aren't legal in beach play?
28. The wind blew the ball over the net and a fault was called!?!
29. Does a block count as a hit?
30. Can a backrow player block?
31. Can a player below the top of the net considered a blocker?
32. I didnt even touch the ball and I got whistled for an illegal block?
33. What if the ball bounces off two blockers?
34. Can you block a block?
35. Can you carry/lift on a block?
36. What's the difference between a block and attack hit over the opponents
    court?
37. What's the best way to learn to block?
38. How come my hits (sail long/go into the net/get roofed)?
39. What about my hand position and shape?
40. I'm 5'6 with a 16" vertical, how can I learn to put the ball down within
    the 3m line?
41. What's the "vertical" and how do you measure it?
42. How can I increase my vertical by xx inches?
43. What are the Plain Truths of Training for volleyball?
44. Are double hits ever legal?
45. What about playing the ball with 2 separated fists?
46. What's considered a lift and what's a legal pass?
47. Can you pass/dig a spike overhead with hand/finger action?
48. Can a serve ever be passed overhead?
49. Are open one-hand dinks legal?
50. What's a 'power' dink and is it legal?
51. Can I contact the ball over the opponent's court?
52. Can I reach over the net to block the ball?
53. Can you reach across the plane of the net after the 3rd hit?
54. What if I'm LEGALLY under the net, my knees are across the plane of the
    net, and my leg is then hit by the ball on the opponents' side of the net
    before the ball breaks the plane of the net?
55. Can a backrow player legally attack the ball?
56. What if I jump from outside the court in front of the attack line
    extension?
57. I'm a 6'7" backrow player, standing in the attack area, when the
    ball comes my way. I unloaded on it without jumping. Why did the
    ref whistle a fault?
58. Can you ever cross the center line?
59. The ball hit a basketball backstop near our court, do we replay
    the point?
60. What if the ball hits the ceiling?
61. What is a 'free' ball and why do players yell 'free'?
62. What are "angle" and "line"?
63. In a beach game, I saw the player at the net hold up 2 fingers. Why?
64. What are the position numbers on the court?
65. Someone asked me if I played a 6-2 or 5-1, but I'm 5'8. What were
    they talking about?
66. I've heard sets called by different numbers. What are they?
67. How do you build a sand court?
68. What is rally scoring?
69. What are the rules differences between USVBA and high schools?
70. I was playing vb at a picnic and people crashed the net, lifted
    the ball, ran over on our side, and generally ignored the rules.
    How do I let them know there are rules?

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EQUIPMENT:

1.  Where can I buy ....?
    First of all, support your local VB shop.  These good folks have made a
    commitment to bring VB accoutrement into your neighborhood.  Help keep
    'em going.  Reasons, if you need them, include:

      1. You can see what stuff really looks and feels like. The fit of
         those great-looking Turbo Gel Dinkums make your new wingtips feel
         great. Maybe a Desert Storm camo ball isn't for you.
      2. If something goes wrong, they'll usually be happy to find a
         solution to your problem. I bought a new ball (deflated) which had
         a broken bladder - exchange was simple.
      3. Prices are usually a bit higher, but sale items can be great deals.
      4. You don't have to pay shipping.
      5. You have it now; those new shoes will add 4" to your jump for
         tonight's tourney.
      6. You can get info on the local VB scene; leagues, tournaments, etc.
      7. Finally, VB people are friendly and nice folks - I feel good about
         giving them my business.

    Now, if you don't have a local VB store the solution is mail order.
    Mail order prices can be lower than stores (less overhead) and shipping
    is usually very fast (they'll be happy to tell you how many days it'll
    take).  Return policies vary, but are often pretty lenient.  Here are a
    few in the US (sorry if they don't ship overseas; email me other
    sources, I'll add them to the list). Oh yea, these folks have catalogs;
    usually free if you buy stuff, a couple of bucks for looking:

      SCI / The Volleyball Store         Phone:  1-800-VBL-STOR

      Spike Nashbar                      Phone:  1-800-WE-SPIKE
        4111 Simon Rd., Dept 124
        Youngstown, OH  44512-1343

      Volleyball One                     Phone:  [phone]
        15392 Assembly lane, Suite A     FAX:    [phone]
        Huntington Beach, CA 92649

2.  What vb mags are out there and how do I subscribe if my local bookstore
      doesn't carry them?
    There are two national vb mags that cover just about everything:

      Volleyball (White V in black circle)  [12 issues / $17.95]
      To subscribe:  Volleyball
                     Subscr. Dept. Volleyball
                     PO Box 3709
                     Escondido, CA  92033

      Volleyball Monthly                    [12 issues / $19.95]
      To subscribe:  Volleyball Monthly
                     PO Box 3137
                     San Luis Obispo, CA  93403

3.  What shoes are best?
    "..., it is illegal to wear shoes." [O5-4] for sand anyway!
    For those of you forced to play indoors and prefer the shod look; I'm not
    even going to mention preferences since these are so personal - I know
    players who would be happy to wear different brands on each foot.
    There's a wide range of shoes to chose from including companies with
    specialized VB shoes (Mizuno, ASICS, Nike, Reebok, Avia) as well as
    multi-sport crosstrainers. Controversies are common:  high tops vs low,
    gum soles vs composition, neon vs b&w, gel vs air. Save your comments
    for r.s.v.shoes (:-). Like me, you'll probably end up with several and
    match them with your uniform de jour.

4.  I've heard of a thing called the "strength shoe". What is it?
    The Strength(R) Shoe, by Strength(R) FOOTWEAR, Inc. is a shoe with a
    'platform', slightly larger than the front part of the shoe, attached
    to the bottom of the shoe (and adds a total of 1-2" to the front of the
    shoe)[yes, you'll look goofy!]. They supposedly can increase your
    jumping by 5-9" (they recommend a 9 week training program). A pair of
    shoes cost about $110.  High-tops are not available. You'll see ads for
    them in magazines; check with Greg Martin ([e-mail]) who
    posted a summary awhile back.

5.  What shoes should I wear on grass?
    Again, no consensus, but many folks lean to turf shoes with the small
    rubber bumps on the sole giving better traction than a regular vb shoe.
    No spikes/cleats; they're illegal [O5-4].

6.  What volleyball is best?  For indoor play?  For outdoor?
    There are strong feelings about VB's - but basically skin was meant to
    touch only leather in more ways than you can imagine.

    Indoor:  There seems to be no consensus on what ball is preferred indoors.
      For a long time, folks only played with Tachikara SV5W's, until Mikasa
      bought the NCAA bid.  There are many other good balls made by Spalding,
      Brine, Ichiban, Molten, & Baden. Prices vary widely, but the cheapest are

      'used' (post-camp) balls available by mail order.
    Outdoor:  There's only one - the Spalding Top Flight 18/AVP. Expensive and
      worth it - and, destined, like men, to grow heavy and ugly with age and
      the amount of liquid absorbed (Sorry - I forget who said this). The Ball
      abhors water, so if you're playing near the ocean or pool, where it
      might get dunked, you may want to think about one with a synthetic cover
      like Redsand, King-of-the-Beach, Sunny, I-Dig, or the wierd synth AVP.
      Some folks are impressed with the Tach "Beach Head" leather ball.  It
      has the seamless bladder of the new TopFlites at a fraction of the cost
      AND it's Really Round.

7.  Which camp should I attend?  Is there one near me?
    Whether you're a new high school player or an aging post-40 player, there
    is a camp for you to improve your skills and play. They're located
    everywhere and are usually run by a 'famous' coach or player, who may or
    may not be a good teacher. Check out the VB magazines mentioned [the
    April 92 issue of VB Monthly had a 6-page camp directory], but the best
    recommendations come from friends who have attended one.

RULES

More questions arise from rules than any other source, but most are answered
in the Rule Book. Everyone above the jungle ball level should have a copy of
the Rule Book (and read it!). I'll be parochial and say that the USVBA Rule
Book provides pretty good coverage. The USVBA rules indicate whenever FIVB or
AVP rules differ from USVBA rules. You might want to get the FOVA Rule Book
if you're outdoors on sand.

Rules Notation:  The Rules will always refer to the most current USVBA Rule
  Book (now 1992).  When Rules are cited in the faq, they are enclosed in
  square brackets [ ] and represent [Rule#-Article#-Subarticle letter] or,
  in the case of commentary [Rule#-Commentary#-Subcommentary letter].
  Outdoor Rules have an O prefix [O-8-5-b] while Current Pract uses a CP
  prefix [7-CP1].

8.  What volleyball sanctioning organizations are out there?
    There are a number, including (sorry about the parochialism):
      FIVB/IVBF - Federation Internationale de Volleyball /
                  International Volleyball Federation
      USVBA     - U.S. Volleyball Association
      FOVA      - Federation of Outdoor Volleyball Associations
      AVP       - Association of Volleyball Professionals
      WPVA      - Women's Professional Volleyball Association

9.  Where do I get a copy of the current Rule Book?
    You can get the current USVBA Rule Book from Spike Nashbar by calling
    1-800-WE-SPIKE.  Don't call the USVBA, they no longer sell them
    directly (Yes, I know this is strange).  For enquiring minds, the
    USVBA address is:
                            USVBA
                            3595 E. Fountain Blvd
                            Colorado Springs, CO  80910-1740
                            719 / 637-8300 (voice)
                            719 / 597-6307 (fax)

FACILITIES

10. What size is the court?
    Both indoor and outdoor courts are 9 x 18 m (29'6" x 59'). Indoor courts
    also include an attack area designated by a line 3 m (9'10") back from
    the center line.

11. Are the lines (2" wide) in or out? Do the lines extend?
    The key to most line rules is that the line is part of the area it
    delineates. Also, all lines extend infinitely beyond the court (except
    the center line).

        1) The side and end lines are part of the court
        2) The 3-meter line is part of the attack area
        3) The 2 small lines on each side the serving area are also part of
           the serving area

12. Can I step on the center line?
    Yes, but be careful! A player is allowed to step on the center line. You
    may contact your opponents court as long as "some part of the encroaching
    foot or feet remain on or above the center line" [9-6] It also isn't a
    fault to cross the extension of the center line Outside the court
    [beaucoup bandwidth blown on this discussion!].

    Proposed changes to the USVBA rules may make it legal to completely cross
    the center line into your opponents court. This is total madness! Many
    VB foot/ankle injuries are caused by encroachment. Never allow
    encroachment to go unchastized! Especially with lower level players in
    jungle ball games (an excellent reason to eschew jungle ball).

13. How high is the net?
    Net height for men, co-ed mixed 6, & outdoor is 2.43 meters or 7'11-5/8".
    Net height for women & reversed mixed 6 is 2.24 meters or 7'4-1/8".
    These net heights also cover jr/sr high school competition. For younger
      play, check the rule book.

SERVES:

14. Do you rotate when you receive the first serve?
    Yes, except in high school play. [7-6] says "The team which receives the
    ball for service shall rotate one position clockwise before serving." It
    doesn't add "except after the first side out in a game."

15. When does a serve start?
    When the ref blows his/her whistle. The server then has 5 seconds to put
    the ball in play. The ref should make sure that the server is not
    initiating a serving motion prior to blowing the whistle - none of this
    "tweet" while the server is in midair.

16. Can a server jump forward of the end line while serving?
    Yes, as long as at the time of last contact with the court, your body was
    within the legal service area [7-1c-] [7-C1-e].

17. What makes a "floater" move? or a topspin serve dive?
    Like a baseball knuckleball, the "float" serve moves erratically by
    creating unstable and unpredictable air currents around the ball
    resulting in unstable "lift" causing the ball to move in mysterious ways.
    No one, not even the server, knows where it's headed.  The faster the
    "floater," the more it moves as the forces acting on it are greater.
    And no, it's not due to a certain position (out or up) of the valve at
    the time of the serve.  And no, it's not caused by the bladder and ball
    expanding/contracting/pulsing after being hit.

    Like a curveball, a topspin or sidespin ball dives or moves based on
    unequal pressure on the ball caused by the rotation. The pressure is
    higher on the surface of the ball moving more quickly in the direction of
    flight than in on the surface rotating away.  The ball appears to be
    "pushed" away from the surface with higher pressure.  A rough surface or
    prominent seams may exaggerate this effect.

18. Is an underhand serve legal?
    Yes, as long as the ball is "clearly released or thrown" [7-1-b] prior to
    contact of the hand hitting the ball.  If you don't release it (termed
    "cradling"), it's a fault and a sideout, although in many non-USVBA
    leagues most ref's won't call it.

19. Can I bounce the ball before serving?
    Bounce away, but remember, when the ref blows the whistle, you've got 5
    seconds to put it in play [R7-1-a]. However, when you release/toss the ball
,
    it's got to go hand-to-hand, you can't let it hit the floor and then be
    hit for a serve [7-1-b & 7-C1-a].  Do this twice during your term of
    service and it's a sideout. Do it again during the same game and it's
    a yellow card, next time a red card and a point for opponents or a sideout.

20. Can the serve be blocked or attacked?
    No. Blocking a serve is a fault [8-14-c]. It is illegal to attack a serve
    while the ball is completely above the height of the net [8-10].  Although
    I've never seen it happen, it would be legal for a back row player to
    attack a served ball.

21. Where do I have to serve from?
    From the service area [SA] (no surprise here). At the time you contact
    the ball, you must be within the SA, or, if you're airborne, your last
    contact with the court must have been within the SA. Outdoors, the SA is
    anywhere behind the end line. If you're indoors, the SA consists of the
    extension of the right sideline and a line parallel to it 3 meters towards
    the center of the court. In depth, it extends indefinitely to the rear of
    the facility with a minimum depth of 2 m.

22. What if I'm standing on the side-line at the time of service?
    At the instant the ball is contacted for service, all players, EXCEPT FOR
    THE SERVER, must be on or inside the court lines. Which means you can
    stand on a side- or end-line during service.  See Rule [7-3c].

23. How long do players have to remain in their 'official' positions (serving
    order) before moving to their 'playing' positions?
    Rule [7-8] states "At the time the ball is contacted for the serve,..." -
    except for the server. After contact, you can move to wherever you wish.

24. When positioning at the serve, how much can you overlap other players?
    Rule [7-8a] states clearly that "the center player may not be as near the
    right sideline as the right player nor as..." (same for left). Likewise,
    "a back row player may not be as near the net as the corresponding front
    row player." Folks, we're talking here about foot contact with the floor.
    We once had all three front row players overlap; the lf went to mf, mf to
    rf, and rf to lf.

SETS:

25. When is a set a set and when is it a throw?
    Excellent setters can seemingly get away with a one-thousand-and-one,
    one-thousand-and-two, ... during the set.  While the indoor rules do
    not mention setting, basically, it's:

    1.  the ball cannot come to rest [8-6]
    2.  no "deep dish" sets (ala chest-high = forehead and above).
    3.  ball rotation off the set does not necessarily indicate a
        throw [8-C1-e] [O-8-6-a]
    4.  and most importantly, the ref's judgement.

26. If the set comes off my hands spinning is it a fault?
    No, not necessarily. Rules [8-1e] says "(It is not a fault) When a
    poorly hit ball is caused to rotate (such as [...] a set ball that
    is caused to rotate due to improper but simultaneous contact." And
    outdoors, [8-6a] says "Rotation of the ball is not considered to
    be a fault." Nevertheless, extreme examples of spinning sets will
    rightly be whistled as a lift.

27. I've heard that overhead sets aren't legal in beach play?
    While two-hand overhead sets are de rigeur on a hard court, they are
    eschewed on sand, where ref's prefer(demand) to see bump sets. A
    squishier (read bag-like) Topflite 18 naturally stays on your fingers
    longer than a pumped up SV5W resulting in what some folks would call a
    throw. Maybe it's because you'll rarely see a good indoor setter
    playing 2's on the beach.

28. Playing 2's I set my partner and the wind blew the ball over the net
    into our opponent's court. They got the point. Why?
    Local rules. [O-8-6C] says an intentional set-over is illegal, but if
    you attempt to set your partner and the wind causes the ball to float
    over, it is not a fault. Check local rules on this. In our area, 'all'
    set-overs are illegal.

BLOCKS

29. Does a block count as a hit?
    No, a block doesn't count as the 1st hit [8-1], you get 3 more. Except
    in AVP/WPVA play where the block is counted as the first hit [I won't
    have to worry about this!]

30. Can a backrow player block?
    No [8-14-d]. And they don't have to contact the ball.  Say your setter
    in a 6-2 releases and moves to the net for a set. However, the pass
    crosses the net where their 6'9" hitter unloads on this ripe fruit.
    Your middle blocker's recovered and gets a touch on the returning orb
    while the poor setter, standing next to the blocker, raises their hands
    to prevent the need for reconstructive surgery.  Tweet!! Backrow player
    guilty of participating in a composite block.  Moral of story: Cover
    up (wuss!) or look that ball straight in the eye and hope the hitter's
    your friend.

31. Can a player below the top of the net considered a blocker?
    Yes, as part of a composite block, but not as a lone blocker. "Some
    part of the body must be above the height of the net during the
    effort" [8-7c]. Blocking occurs "close to the net" either before
    crossing the net, as it crosses, or "immediately after crossing."
    A lone 5' player with arms upraised with a finger tip above the net
    and contacting an attack hit is 'blocking.'

32. I didnt even touch the ball and I got whistled for an illegal block? WHY?
    The word is participation. A back row player may be considered to be
    participating in a block even if they dont contact the ball.

33. What if the ball bounces off two blockers?
    In a composite block (>1 blocker) the ball can hit more than one and be
    considered a single block (with three hits still left for the side.
    However, a second blocker 6' away getting a touch would count as the
    first hit.

34. Can you block a block?
    Yep - this can go back and forth. Often it'll result in a held ball
    and you'll do the whole thing over. However, if an attacker has the ball
    blocked back into them, that's the first contact and not counted as a
    block. Each side's contact gives the other 3 more.

35. Can you carry/lift on a block?
    Yes, if 1) the ball rolls along your body (like arm) or 2) you redirect
    the ball with wrist motion into your opponents court.  Rebounds and
    caroms are ok, but changing the direction of the ball after the ball
    in in your hand is not.

36. What's the difference between a block and attack hit over the opponents
    court?
    Sometimes a blocker can legally be very aggressive on a block, flicking
    the hands, reaching out and tapping the ball with their fingers, etc.,
    in an effort to prevent the ball from crossing the net (as well as making
    the block difficult to dig).  What distinguishes an attack is the arm
    reaching back behind the head as in a spike and swinging forward. Here
    the intent in my judgement is not to prevent the ball from crossing the
    net, but to drive the ball into the other court.  (I dismiss such
    outcries as "the player did prevent the ball from crossing....")  If the
    hands start in front of the head and the arm is never cocked, then
    it is a block.

37. What's the best way to learn to block?
    Ramblin', aka [e-mail] (Richard Pottorff), gave a
    summary: "I was told the outside blocker lines up with his nose on the
    hitter's hitting shoulder. The middle blocker will come over to stand
    beside the outside blocker to close the block. Each blocker will start
    with his hands in a nearly "Mickey Mouse" position i.e. hands height of
    his neck, and thumbs overlapping the shoulders.  When you jump, go to
    about a 1/4 knee bend, keeping your hands in the Mickey Mouse position.
    As you jump (half a count after the hitter (unless he's running a one)
    extend your arms up, and over the net (I find that the shorter the
    hitter I'm up against, the farther I try to penetrate the net, and the
    higher the hitter can get up the higher I try to reach). Don't swing
    your arms, just put them over the net and take away a section of the
    back court. If the ball hits your hands, a quick flick to put the ball
    down a little quicker works nicely. If you are the outside blocker,
    angle your hands in slightly to keep the ball from rebounding out of
    bounds. To improve your technique, stand at a net in the Mickey Mouse
    position, and do your blocking jumps.  When I pratice my blocking, I'll
    jump at the middle, step and crossover to one side, jump, step and
    crossover to the middle, jump, step and crossover to the other side,
    jump, step and crossover back to middle, jump, and repeat. Its a good
    workout, and gets you used to jumping and moving right after the jump."

SPIKING:

38. How come my hits (sail long/go into the net/get roofed)?
    There's too much to cover in this brief space. Get thee to a good coach.
    Howsomever, there are a few tips;
      1) Approach and jump
      2) Keep the ball in front of you
      3) Timing
      4) Peripheral vision

39. What about my hand position and shape?
    Theory is that fingers are spread and the hand should be shaped as if you
    were palming the ball.  This offers control. Contact the ball with a firm
    hand at the bony part at the top of the palm near the knuckles. This
    provides power. Flick your wrist at contact to provide top-spin.

40. I'm 5'6 with a 16" vertical, how can I learn to put the ball down within
    the 3m line?
    Reality check time! There are some folks destined by biology and physics
    to be setters and backrow players. I also know some who have mastered the
    dink to the point it's as effective as most hard hit balls. If you can't
    increase your jump to 24+", work on dinks and deep lobs to the corners.

41. What's the "vertical" and how do you measure it?
    One's vertical is the effective height of one's approach/jump. To measure
    it, stand flat footed and measure how high you can reach. Then with an
    approach and jump, say next to a wall, measure your best jump. The
    difference is your "vertical." Theres no such thing as an 'average'
    vertical (except for the constant discussion, the only comparable
    measurement that is subject to such exaggeration is the length of the
    male sexual organ). All I can say is that almost everyone can improve it.

42. How can I increase my vertical by xx inches?
    Many ways; probably the fastest and most effective way is to improve
    your jumping technique. Check out vb books and work with a coach.
    There are many strengthening methods that will increase your jumping
    ability - and, plyometrics work. Here's a suggestion:

      Remove your shoes for best results, stand on the edge of a step with
      your toes giving you the support, slowly drop your heels until you feel
      your calf muscles stretch out, then go up, lifting your heels above
      your toes to get as much height as you can then repeat. You should be
      able to feel your calf muscles "burn". Use this as a guide to control
      number of repetitions.

43. What are the Plain Truths of Training for volleyball?
    1. Any attempts to increase your physical abilities MUST start with a
       rigorous whole body weightlifting program.
    2. To jump higher, do a lot of jumping.
    3. You cannot overemphasize the need for stretching to prevent injury.
    4. Physical improvements are hard. For most people, improving their
       volleyball skills is far and away the wisest use of time. Find good
       players and emulate them. Ask them what you do wrong & listen to them.
    5. Play a lot of volleyball, every day if possible, and play with people
       better than you.

PLAY OF THE BALL:

44. Are double hits ever legal?
    Yes, the first contact of the ball by the receiving team can be a double,
    but must consist of a single continuous attempt to play the ball [8-5]
    [8-3c], say, shoulder - head or wrist - upper arm, but always with NO
    finger contact/action. Remember, the rules clearly state that the
    successive contact rule applies to the first team hit regardless of
    whether it is in response to a spike, block, serve, dink, dump, free
    ball, etc.

45. What about playing the ball with 2 separated fists?
    According to [8-5] [8-3c] on the first attempt to play a ball this is ok.
    This is considered "multiple contacts during a single attempt to play
    the ball." As long as there is NO FINGER action and it's one motion,
    it's ok. The key here is that it is "one attempt" to play the ball - if
    you raised your fists at the same time it's legal.

46. What's considered a lift and what's a legal pass?
    Here's a commentary that ALL players and refs should know:
      [8-1c] Reception of the Ball- Contact with the ball must be brief.
      When the ball has been hit hard, or during setting action, it
      sometimes stays very briefly in contact with the hands of the player
      handling the ball. In such cases, contact that results from playing
      the ball from below, or a high reception whenre the ball is
      received from high in the air, should not necessarily be penalized.
      The following actions of playing the ball should NOT(!!) be counted
      as faults (Note: the "not" is bold faced caps in the book!):

      a) When the sound is different to that made by a fingertip hit, but
         the hit is still played simultaneously with both hands and the
         ball is not held.
      b) When the ball is played with two closed fists on a 2nd or 3rd
         hit and the contact with the ball is simultaneous.
      c) When the ball contacts an open hand and rolls off the hand
         backward without being held.
      d) When the ball is played correctly and the player's hands move
         backwards, either during or after the hit.
      e) When a poorly hit ball is caused to rotate (such as a defective
         spike where the ball is not hit squarely and is caused to spin,
         or a set ball that is caused to rotate due to improper but
         simultaneous contact)

47. Can you pass/dig a spike overhead with hand/finger action?
    Maybe; [O8-5b] "When defensing a hard spiked ball, the ball can be
    held overhand with the fingers briefly as a reflex action, but not
    as a planned action." No mention is made of this in the indoor rules.

48. Can a serve ever be passed overhead?
    Maybe; [8-2c] "receiving a served ball with an overhead pass using
    open hands is not necessarily a fault." You might be able to get
    away with it on a high, soft underhand serve, but expect to hear a
    "9" on the Groan Index. Be safe, with this kinda serve you've got
    plenty of time to get in position and give your setter a perfect pass.

49. Are open one-hand dinks legal?
    Funny, dinks are not mentioned in the Indoor rules, but are in
    Outdoor. Open hand dinks are legal Indoors, but NOT Outdoors where
    [O8-7] says an "open hand placement" is illegal; it's got to be a
    "roll shot," "cobra," or "camel toe."

50. What's a 'power' dink and is it legal?
    Controversy here... First, a 'power' dink is one that looks like
    a throw; the hand contacts the ball high and with a stiff wrist
    is directed downwards into the opponents' court with considerable
    velocity. Your hand might remain in contact with the ball for
    some time, like for 30-45 degrees of arc. When you see these, it's
    often the start of an argument on both sides.  It usually happens
    when the ball's set too close to the net and the hitter's trying
    to avoid getting stuffed. To some folks it's a throw, others, a
    legal shot. Higher level refs call it ok, lower level will call
    it a fault.

51. Can I contact the ball over the opponent's court?
    Only when blocking their attempt to direct the ball into your
    court [8-11] [8-14-f]. You cannot attack a ball completely on
    your opponents side of the net.

52. Can I reach over the net to block the ball?
    Sho nuff! [8-11] [8-14] Some older folks might remember in days of
    old when your hands could not legally break the plane of the net.

53. Can you reach across the plane of the net after the 3rd hit?
    Yep. If the "over" was the result of a follow-through of a spike
    of a ball on the plane or on the attacker's side - perfectly
    fine [8-11]. Otherwise, see the 2 questions just above.

54. What if I'm LEGALLY under the net, my knees are across the plane of the
    net, and my leg is then hit by the ball on the opponents' side of the net
    before the ball breaks the plane of the net?
    Rule [9-1c] says "The opponents are not allowed to intentionally touch
    the ball under the net before the ball passes fully beyond the vertical
    plane of the net. However, if the ball inadvertently contacts an opponent
    beyond the plane under the net, the ball becomes dead and is not
    considered to be a fault by the opponents."

    Unfortunately, this paragraph does not say what to do in case the contact
    is not intentional and is not beyond the plane of the net.  Probably best
    to use the same rationale as in play above the net, i.e. unintentional
    contact under the net is not a fault by the defenders if the ball clearly
    would not clear the net and it is the third hit or none of the attacking
    team members could have made a play on the ball.  If any of these points
    are in doubt, I would rule against the defenders (Geoffrey Clemm).

BACKROW ATTACKS:

55. Can a backrow player legally attack the ball?
    Yes, as long as when the player attacks the ball, they are behind
    (not on) the 3m attack line or, if in mid-air, they jumped from
    behind the attack line. They may also 'attack' the ball if it's
    not COMPLETELY above the top of the net. [8-12]

56. What if I jump from outside the court in front of the attack line
    extension?
    Tweet! See [8-12](above) plus [1-4] says that the attack line
    extends indefinitely.

57. I'm a 6'7" backrow player, standing in the attack area, when the
    ball comes my way. I unloaded on it without jumping. Why did the
    ref whistle a fault?
    If you are in the attack area and a back row player, the ball must
    still be under the net height to be sent over, no matter how high
    you can reach standing.

MISCELLANEOUS:

58. Can you ever cross the center line?
    Your foot may cross the center line if part of your foot remains on
    or above the line [9-6]. If any other part of your body, say your
    pinkie, touches the opponents' court, it's a fault. As an aside:
    BE CAREFUL! ENCROACHMENT IS NOT TO BE TOLERATED! Even in practice
    or rec play. Most serious ankle-foot injuries are the result of
    encroachment - let everyone know it's a Serious Fault!

59. The ball hit a basketball backstop near our court, do we replay
    the point?
    Usually, yes. If the ball hits a low hanging obstruction under 7
    meters and within 2m of the court, the ball's normally called dead
    and replayed.  This falls in the category of local rules and should
    be explained by the ref prior to play.

60. What if the ball hits the ceiling?
    A ceiling, particularly over 7 meters is out and a point or side
    out awarded. If it hits part of the ceiling between 15-23' (4.5-7m)
    it's still in play. Under 15'? Jeez, serves you right for playing
    in the Troglodyte Open.

61. What is a 'free' ball and why do players yell 'free'?
    A free ball is generally any ball which isn't spiked/hard hit.
    When a team sees that their opponents are not going to blast the
    ball over, someone (setter, or in our play, anyone first sensing
    that it won't be a hit - sometimes the setter's view might be
    blocked) yells "free" meaning, "get your slow hitter butts back
    and pass something" [thanks to Darcie Hammer].

62. What are "angle" and "line" and why do I hear players yelling
    these words?
    The non-hitter who has a view of the blocker(s) yells to the hitter
    what areas are not blocked or covered to direct the spike into
    these areas. A "line" hit is one down the sideline nearest the
    hitter, while an "angle" is a crosscourt hit from a ball set to
    the side. Obviously these don't work for a middle set.

63. In a beach game, I saw the player at the net hold up 2 fingers
    behind their back when their partner was serving. Why?
    The net player/blocker was telling their partner the direction they
    were going to block; 1 = line, 2 = angle, fist = no block.

64. What are the position numbers on the court?
    There's more than one system, but the most common has the setter
    (right back) designated #1 with 2-6 numbered clockwise from #1.

65. Someone asked me if I played a 6-2 or 5-1, but I'm 5'8. What were
    they talking about?
    They were asking about standard player/offensive sets. In these 2
    common offenses, the first number is the number of designated
    hitters, the second, the number of setters. In a 6-2, while 2 players
    share setting duties (coming from the back row), all 6 players are
    hitters as well. In a 5-1, there are 5 hitters and one setter (back
    or front row). Most higher level teams go with a 5-1 to get
    consistent setting. With lower level teams you might hear a 4-2 where
    two setters always set and the setter is always in the front row.
    A bit farther and you'll hear "center set" where the person rotating
    into the middle of the front row sets (giving up the middle hit).

66. I've heard sets called by different numbers. What are they?
    There are many setting systems with varying number schemes. Check
    with your local folks. The simplest system uses numbers to refer to
    the height of the set above the net. The setter calls (holds up hand
    behind back) the play. They are:
       1 - a short set (1m high) directly into the middle hitters hand
       3 - a medium high set to middle or outside hitters
       5 - a high ball, to the outside
      10 - a high set to a backrow hitter (closed fist)

67. How do you build a sand court?
    Check with John Thomas ([e-mail]) for help!
    Basically look for washed sand with round grains - irregular is
    too rough. You'll need a minimum of 12", preferably 18". This is
    A Lot Of Sand!

68. What is rally scoring?
    A perverted system of scoring designed to destroy normal play
    strategies, etc. A point is scored with each serve; whoever wins
    the volley gets a point. Normally used in a final game to speed
    up play to get the show over quickly.

69. What are the rules differences between USVBA and high schools?
    There are too many to list here. If you're interested, check with
    Van Vo ([e-mail]); he's compiled a list of 30+
    differences courtesy Sue Lemaire, NAGWS VB Rules Interpreter.

70. I was playing vb at a picnic and people crashed the net, lifted
    the ball, ran over on our side, and generally ignored the rules.
    How do I let them know there are rules without them saying "we're
    only playing for fun" and me sounding like an asshole?
    Good Luck! The best way to do this is to let it be known from the
    start that 1) the net is "fragile", please don't crash it, 2) that
    crossing onto your opponents court is how ankles get broken. As
    for throws, doubles, etc., let'em go. If you have a problem with
    this kind of play - sit back in that lawn chair and have another
    beer. You might try a little teaching, but lets face it, folks are
    there to party, not learn.

INJURIES

First, a couple of caveats about what this section is and most importantly, is
not.  It is not a do-it-yourself guide to treatment of serious and "career-
threatening" injuries. We are not physicians (of any kind) trained in physical,

orthopedic, or sports medicine. We would never attempt to either diagnose or
recommend treatment of any injury suffered whilst playing volleyball. Mistakes
of diagnosis or treatment have the potential of turning even minor injuries
into severe ones requiring long-term rehabilitation. If you are injured (how
seriously depends on you), get thee to specialist in sports-related injuries -
as soon as possible.

Any discussion of injuries starts with prevention. The two words that
volleyball players need to swear an oath to are "stretch" and "strengthen."
Now say it again:
                        "stretch" and "strengthen"

Stretching cannot be overemphasized, particularly for an over-40 player like
myself. Stretching of muscles and tendons is not overly complex, but takes
pre-game time - like get there 30 minutes before gametime. Particularly
important are the muscles of the lower back, legs (like hamstrings), and
shoulders. Make a commitment to devote a fraction of the time you spend on
the court in S & S - I can't say how much, but try 20-30 minutes before a
2-hour practice, at least 20 minutes before a 3-game match, and a couple of
hours per week outside of play.

Injuries in volleyball tend to involve joints and muscles/tendons/ligaments.
The litany tends to go 1) shoulder strains/rotator cuff injury, 2) ankle
sprains and breaks, 3) knee strains, and 4) low back pain.

SHOULDER:

I've had recurring rotator cuff strains over the past 4 years - most of
which could be prevented by 1) stretching and 2) strengthening (remember?).
These injuries run the gamut from strains and tears to acromial impinge-
ment to dislocation. If you suffer a serious injury, check with an expert
- and maybe several at that! Todd Biske ([e-mail]) had a detailed
review of these injuries awhile back and Ill include them here. First,
symptoms (as if we have to tell you):

   * A dull, numbing pain in the shoulder which extended down to the elbow
       at the worse times, which would last for as long as 2-3 days at a time.
   * Nice cracking and popping sounds when rotating the shoulder fully.
   * Easily aggravated by any throwing motion, or harsh wrist snaps which put
       stress on the shoulder.
   * Sometimes not able to raise arm past 90 degrees.

Treatment (remember, check with an expert first):

    You may require medication to reduce the immediate inflammation and
    pain. My sports med doc gave me an injection of cortisone and put me
    on ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, a joint can only
    take so much cortisone, its used only with very serious injuries.

    Rest.  Don't use the shoulder for at least eight weeks or so.
    See a physical trainer and have them develop a rehab program for you.
    Rehab programs usually include range of motion and stretching and
      a weight program to strengthen the joint.

The important thing to remember is to start SMALL.  It may not feel like
a lot of weight, but with a tender rotator cuff, you want to take it
slowly.  Also, when you get back to the point where you can play again
have someone check your form.  Again, stretching your shoulder prior to
playing is Necessary. Get to the gym 30 minutes early for stretching.

You may have suffered a more serious injury requiring surgery, either
arthroscopically or other. If surgery is recommended, make sure its
necessary by getting a second opinion.

Jim Kiraly ([e-mail]) writes that his shoulder injury
"was even scheduled for a major surgery which would have immobilized my
arm for 6 weeks, required a year of rehab, and according to the
orthopaedic surgeon (who I thought was pretty good) could expect no more
than 80% function afterwards." He found a GOOD orthopaedic surgeon who
knew what the problem was (acromial impingement) and fixed it
arthoscopically with a full recovery in about 6 weeks.

ANKLE INJURIES

Ankle and knee injuries are frequently the result of an intimate pas de
deux or menage a trois at the net. Eschew them. Some folks are apparently
doomed by genetics to have weak, injury-prone ankles - or once you have an
ankle injury, you seem prone for more. High-mid-low; it doesn't really
seem to matter. Folks will swear by or at all three - whatever seems to
work for you is fine. Prevention is primarily a matter of avoiding contact,
particularly under the net. The proposed rule changes to allow a player to
cross the center line will guarantee an epidemic of sprained and broken
ankles. Everyone should ignore this rule change - and refs, even if they
can't fault encroachment, should point out the danger of so doing before
the match and whenever they see it.

Many folks swear by Aircasts (TM), lightweight, inflatable plastic and
velcro supports you wear in your shoe. Although designed to provide support
while recovering from an injury and to prevent subsequent ones, some folks
have taken to wearing them as preventive. Regardless, check with an expert
and get ones that fit (and shoes to go with them) if you wear them.

There is a feeling amongst players who have suffered ankle injuries that a
clean break heals better and is less apt to be a recurrent problem than a
serious sprain. Whatever, if you have broken an ankle, follow your rehab
program and you'll be back playing in no time.

KNEE

Knee injuries are, like ankle, frequently the result of contact, but may
result from running, turning, and jumping. I've seen players with such
extensive knee braces that they look like a true bionic player. The weight
definitely affects one's vertical for jumping and speed for setting.
However, don't think you'll be relegated to the back row after a serious
knee injury.

These injuries result in strains, sprain, and tears in the knee joint, one
of the body's more complex joints and one with great stresses. These are
all potentially career-threatening and should be treated with respect.

Treatment varies from rest to bracing to surgery, both arthroscopic and
open. Again, if surgery is recommended, get a second opinion.

LOW BACK PAIN

I am writing this hunched over the keyboard with terrible pain (even
with prescription drugs) an 8 pm vb league and no way to play - it's
hard to even stand upright with a low back muscle spasm. My low back
problems are always aggravated by diving forward to cover short balls and
dinks.

Low back problems should always be evaluated by a specialist - believe me,
the pain alone says "Serious!"  Back problems include muscle spasms (my
specialty), herniated disks, pinched nerves, and other assorted maladies.
Diagnosis usually requires a thorough history/physical exam and radiologic
studies (xrays, CT scans, MRI). Unfortunately, many of these injuries are
prone to recur, particularly muscle spasms - and they can be excruiatingly
painful (I was on hands and knees for 3 days).

Prevention again consists of stretching and strengthening. My problem has
always been lack of flexibility and a tendency to ignore the need to
stretch. Finally, muscle spasms may be the result of off-court stress in
your life. Yea, I know, volleyball is supposed to reduce stress!

Treatment for back injuries varies widely according to the injury. These
need professional attention - and if surgery is recommended, always, always,
get a second opinion by another sports med expert. Back injuries will always
significantly affect your playing time and schedule. If you ignore them or
try to come back too soon, you may jeopardize your chances of ever playing
again. Keep that in mind and don't push it.

The End - r.s.v. faq