Have you ever played volleyball and wondered if you could touch the net? Maybe you’ve seen other players do it and wanted to try it yourself. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not you can touch the net in volleyball and what happens when you do. So, can you touch the net in volleyball? The answer is, technically, yes – but there are some things you should keep in mind if you do!
Can You Touch The Net In Volleyball?
According to the FIVB 2017 2020 Rule book, “Contact with the net by a player between the antennae, during the action of playing the ball, is a fault.” If you touch the net while playing with the ball, it’s a fault. However, there is an exception to this rule. It is technically fair game if you touch the net in the space that fills the gap between the net post and the antennae.
So, what are the antennae exactly? The sticks that mark the playing area are called “antennae.” For the point to keep going, the ball has to move between these antennae. So, touching the net between the antennae is equal to the width of the court, which is about 9 meters, or 25.50 feet.
It’s important to note that this rule applies to both international and domestic tournaments. For example, the exact wording is followed in the USAV (USA Volleyball). Therefore, if you touch the net during a game, it will be counted as a fault.
While some may view this rule as unfair, it’s important to remember that the net is there for a reason. It’s meant to divide the court and create two equal playing areas. If players were allowed to touch the net, it would give them an advantage and disrupt the game.
Volleyball Net Touch Common Faults
Pulling on the net while spiking would be a net fault because the player would be creating an advantage. By pulling on the net, they are changing its height and possibly preventing the opposing team from being able to make a play on the ball. This would be considered an unfair advantage and would result in a fault.
Pushing your hands into the net to interfere with the opponent making a play is illegal because this net contact would hinder the opponent’s play on the ball. If you can reach the net and touch your opponents’ side, you are blocking their ability to hit or pass the ball. This would be considered interference and would result in a penalty.
Leaning on the net while saving the ball is illegal if, in the official’s judgment, the player used the net as support to make a play. If you are using the net to help you make a play on the ball, it is considered illegal. The officials may determine that you are using too much of the surface of the net to make you save and award a point to the opposing team.
What Does It Mean When A Ball Is In “Play”?
The FIVB Rule book states, “Any player who is close to the ball as it is played, and who is him/herself trying to play it, is considered in the action of playing the ball, even if not contact is made with it.” This means you can touch the net as long as you are close to the ball and trying to play it.
There are no specific statistics on how often players touch the net while playing volleyball. Still, from my personal experience, I have seen players touch the net while playing both indoor and outdoor volleyball games. I have also seen referees call players for touching the net, so it is something that can be called depending on the referee’s interpretation of the rule.
From my experience, it seems like players touch the net more often when trying to save a ball from going out of bounds or when diving for a ball. In these situations, players usually try to reach the ball as quickly as possible and may not have time to avoid touching the net.
Players are generally allowed to touch the net as long as they are close to the ball and trying to play it. However, referees can call players for touching the net if they feel it is impacting the game somehow.
The net is off limits in volleyball for a few reasons. First, if you’re playing the ball and hit it into the net, it’s called a fault, and the other team gets the point. Second, if you’re playing the ball and you get caught in the net, it’s also a fault, and the other team gets the point. Third, if you’re playing the ball and you touch any part of the net, it’s called a fault, and the other team gets the point.
When Can You Touch The Net In Volleyball?
In volleyball, as long as you don’t interfere with play, you can touch the net. However, interfering with the opponent is a vague direction. What exactly constitutes interference? According to the FIVB Volleyball Rules, interference is defined as:
“Any action by a player of either team which impedes or disturbs the opposing team while it is playing the ball.”
Several things could constitute interference. For example, if you reach over the net to block a ball and your hand touches an opponent or their equipment, that would be considered interference. If you jump up to spike the ball and your foot touches the net, that would also be considered interference. Anything that impedes or disturbs the other team while they are playing is considered interference.
Is It Fair To Touch The Net In Beach Volleyball?
According to the FIVB Beach Volleyball 2017 2020 Rule book, contact with the net by a player between the antennae while playing the ball is a fault. However, any player who is close to the ball as it is played and who is himself trying to play it is considered in the action of playing the ball, even if no contact is made with it.
FAQs
Can You Touch The Sideline Net?
A player may touch the net outside the sideline boundary, the cables or ropes, or the post without triggering a fault. The only exception is that they can’t interfere with anyone else while doing this – if they do, it’s a fault.
Can A Player Lean The Net To Avoid Falling?
A player is not allowed to take support from any structure or teammate. If a player is about to commit a fault by falling into the net or crossing the centerline, they are not allowed to get help from anyone.
Can I Play If The Ball Hits The Sideline Net Or Cables?
If the ball hits the net outside of the sideline or any of the cables, ropes, posts, or antennae, then it is ruled out of bounds, and the rally is over.
Final Thoughts
So, can you touch the net in volleyball? Whether or not you are allowed to touch the net depends on whether your contact with the net doesn’t interfere with your opponent’s play, go ahead and touch away!
