In a volleyball game, the ball may touch any part of the volleyball player’s body, including their feet, via a kick. Whether the ball hits the arms, the head, or the feet, this is legal contact, and there will be no penalties against the player. In fact, there are instances where kicking the ball is an excellent strategy during matches.
So, what are the official volleyball rules about this subject? How many times can you kick the volleyball? Can you serve the volleyball by kicking it?
Here is the complete breakdown of kicking the ball in volleyball.
Are There Any Official Rules Stating You Can’t Kick the Volleyball?
According to NCAA and FIVB rules, the ball may touch any part of the body without a penalty. This lack of penalty is the case as long as the ball does not come to rest on the body. In other words, the ball must hit their foot and then bounce off.
However, it is essential to note that this was not an official rule until 1993. This change to the language may be why many old-school volleyball players consider it a sacrilege when they see a foot come into contact with the volleyball.
Was Kicking the Volleyball Illegal at Some Point?
Before 1993, using any part of your body below the waist was illegal to hit the volleyball. However, now that the rules have changed, it is essential to remember that a kick counts as a touch.
How Many Times Can You Kick the Ball in Volleyball?
A kick is considered a touch in the game of volleyball. Therefore, you can kick the ball the same number of times you may hit it with your hands. The official rules of volleyball state that you may hit the ball three times before it must go over the net to the opposing team, which includes kicking.
What is it Called When You Kick the Ball in Volleyball?
Kicking the ball in volleyball is called a “kick save” or a “foot save.” Kick saves are helpful to save your team from awarding the other team a point. When the ball is nearing either the floor or the out-of-bounds line, you may reach your foot out and kick the ball to a teammate.
This action counts as a kick save and keeps the play alive. Not only will you save your team from sacrificing a point, but you might also score a point for your team.
Can You Kick the Ball During a Beach Volleyball Match?
You can kick the ball during a beach volleyball match. The rules are the same as indoor volleyball, where your team can only make three touches. So, you can kick the ball every time, but it can’t exceed three touches before you send it over the net.
When is a Good Time to Kick the Ball in a Volleyball Match?
There are several instances where it may be a good idea to kick the ball during a volleyball game, including during defense, when you are up against the net, and when chasing a wild hit. A kick save is a great time to kick the ball since you are saving a point being granted to the other team.
When you are up against the net, it can sometimes be hard to react quickly enough when a ball is heading your way. Sometimes all you have left is your feet, and that is alright! The important thing is keeping the ball in play by any means necessary. Wild hits flying outside the court can often result in diving face-first into something rather painful.
Another option besides self-injury is to stick your foot out and kick the ball back into play.
When Should You Not Kick the Ball in a Volleyball Game?
Most coaches and officials will agree that kicking the volleyball should only be done as a last result. The thought process is that it is much easier to control where you send the ball if you hit it with your hands rather than your feet.
Should You Practice Kicking the Ball in Volleyball Practice?
Since kicking the volleyball gives you less control than hitting it with your hands, most coaches will advise you to refrain from practicing kicking it. You have seen most of the kick saves a last-resort action that was more than likely not practiced by that person. Most of the time, the kick comes solely from the athletic intuition of the player making a play to save the ball from hitting the ground, which results in a kick.
What is an Illegal Hit in Volleyball?
According to the official rules, there are five types of illegal hits in volleyball:
- Slapping the ball
- Bumping the ball with separated hands
- Carrying the ball
- Palming the ball
- Directing the ball
Additionally, the ball must leave the player’s hands immediately after coming into contact with the ball. Kicking the ball is only illegal when the ball comes to rest on the part of the player’s foot.
Can You Serve by Kicking the Volleyball?
Serving the volleyball ball with your foot is illegal, no matter what league you play in. This discouragement of kick serving is because the rules of volleyball state that a serve can only occur with a single hand. Not only does this rule exclude kick serves, but it also excludes double-handed serves and every other type of serve.
Conclusion: Can You Kick the Ball in Volleyball?
In conclusion, kicking the ball during a volleyball game has been legal since 1993. You will have better control over ball placement when you hit it with your hands, so you should always try to get your hands in front of the ball. Kicking the ball is considered by some as a last-resort type of play.
However, using your foot to kick the ball can be very beneficial in certain situations. Sometimes, you may have no choice but to try to reach the ball with your foot, which is perfectly fine.
Similar Posts:
What is a Libero in Volleyball?