The rules of volleyball have been widely debated over time. One of the most controversial topics is whether or not it is legal to kick the ball in volleyball. Depending on the league, kicking the ball can range from being completely illegal to completely legal.
This article will explore the different rules and variations related to kicking the ball in volleyball, including serving, beach volleyball, and Sepak Takraw.
It will also discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with kicking the ball in volleyball.
Kicking Rules
Kicking the ball in volleyball is generally illegal in organized leagues, except in USAV Rule 9.2 which permits it in high-level play, and beach volleyball in which it is allowed but inconsistent.
In U.S. high schools and junior high schools, kicking the ball is illegal and may lead to injuries such as concussions. Furthermore, it can create a bad habit that results in poor form and inconsistent results. Additionally, it may damage the volleyball. The NFSHSA has kept the rule against kicking in place for lower age groups.
During serving, the server must stay behind the end line until after making contact with the ball, and any foot fault will result in a point and ball awarded to the other team. Line judges watch for foot faults during serving and kicking the ball is not allowed.
Kick volleyball (Sepak Takraw), a sport mainly played in Asian countries, does not allow kicking the ball either. Sepak Takraw is a variation of volleyball played with kicking, using feet, shoulders, knees, and head, and will debut in the Summer Olympics in 2024.
Other rules in volleyball include using the head to hit the ball and using any part of the body above the waist, which are both legal.
Serving Rules
Serving requires the server to remain behind the end line until contact is made with the ball. Stepping on the end line during serving is a foot fault, which results in a point and ball awarded to the other team. Line judges watch for foot faults during serving and kicking the ball is not allowed.
However, in some leagues, such as USAV Rule 9.2, it is legal to kick the ball in high-level play. Kicking the ball can lead to injuries, such as concussions, and can damage the volleyball. The NFSHSA has kept the rule against kicking in place for lower age groups.
In beach volleyball, kicking the ball is allowed but it is not recommended as it can lead to poor hits and inconsistent results. Kick volleyball (Sepak Takraw) is a variation of volleyball played with kicking, but it is not allowed in this sport.
Using the head to hit the ball and using any part of the body above the waist is legal in volleyball.
Beach and Sepak Takraw
Beach volleyball and Sepak Takraw are two variations of volleyball that have different rules regarding contact with the ball. In beach volleyball, kicking the ball is allowed, but it is often inconsistent and diving is usually a better option.
On the other hand, kicking the ball is not allowed in Sepak Takraw, a sport played mainly in Asian countries. Instead, Sepak Takraw uses feet, shoulders, knees, and head to contact the ball. Sepak Takraw will debut in the Summer Olympics in 2024.
In volleyball, using the head to hit the ball is legal, as well as using any part of the body above the waist. Kicking is not allowed in regular volleyball in U.S. high schools and junior high schools, due to the risk of injuries, such as concussions, and the risk of developing poor form and inconsistent results.
Kicking the ball is legal in high-level play according to USAV Rule 9.2, but it can still lead to damaging the volleyball.
