Key Takeaways
- Players can touch the ball with any part of the body, including the legs, since 1993.
- The libero position allows players to use their legs to set, dig, and pass the ball.
- Using feet in volleyball can help save the ball in defense and quickly play the ball after a block.
- Kicking the ball is allowed in beach volleyball and is considered safer due to the soft sandy surface.
FIVB Rules
According to the FIVB rules, players can legally touch the ball with any part of the body, including the legs, since 1993. Prior to this, the sport had a rule against players touching the ball with any part of the body below the waist. The rule was changed to allow players to make more spectacular defensive plays and extend rallies. The introduction of the libero position also permitted players to use their legs to set, dig, and pass the ball.
The libero is a designated player who wears a different colored jersey and is limited to playing in the back row only. This specialized position was introduced to increase the defensive capabilities of the team and to add more excitement to the game. As such, the libero is allowed to use their legs to pass, set, and dig the ball.
Volley-Pedia’s Complete Guide to The Libero provides comprehensive information about the position, including rules, techniques, and strategies. It also highlights the key role the libero plays in a team’s success.
Overall, the FIVB rules allow players to use their legs in volleyball. This has helped to make the sport more exciting and dynamic. The libero position has also become an integral part of the game, with the player taking on an important defensive role.
Should You Use Your Feet In Volleyball
Using your feet in volleyball can be an effective way to defend and extend rallies, but it should be done with caution. Kicking the ball with your feet can help you save the ball in defense, and using your feet to quickly play the ball after a block is common. Flicking the ball up with your foot is also a common skill, particularly for setters. Players can make incredible foot saves when chasing down a ball out of bounds, and in some cases, kicking a leg out at the ball can be the best option instead of diving.
However, it’s important to be aware of the rules of the game when using your feet. Most leagues don’t allow players to use their feet to hit the ball, and if you do, you may find yourself facing a penalty. The FIVB rules state that players must not use their feet to touch the ball during the game, and any violation of this rule can result in a point loss. Additionally, players must use their feet with caution and must not endanger their opponents by kicking the ball in their direction.
Overall, using your feet in volleyball can be an effective way to extend rallies, but it should be done with caution. Players should be aware of the rules of the game and use their feet in a safe and respectful manner. This will help ensure that volleyball games are played in a fair and enjoyable manner.
Why Should You Avoid Kicking The Ball?
Kicking the ball can be detrimental to a player’s performance, so it should be avoided whenever possible. Controlling the ball with hands is much easier than with feet, as it gives the player more accuracy and control in setting up shots. Setters need to place the ball in a specific space accurately and using feet limits control, making it harder to gain a competitive edge.
Training habits also play an important role, as players who use their feet more often have to adjust and practice using their hands more. This can cause a transition period, where players are not able to perform as well as they would normally.
Overall, using your feet in volleyball is not recommended and can hurt performance. Players should focus on improving their skills and techniques using their hands in order to gain an advantage. Kicking the ball can cause inaccurate shots and can lead to mistakes that can be difficult to recover from. Taking the time to practice with your hands and set up shots accurately is the best way to avoid kicking the ball and improve a player’s performance.
Do coaches recommend using legs?
Coaches generally do not recommend the use of legs in volleyball due to the lack of control and accuracy when kicking the ball. Hands and arms provide better control and direction for the ball, making them the preferred method of passing the ball. While players may use their legs to save the ball when they can’t reach it with their hands, kicking is usually a last resort option.
Here are some reasons why coaches recommend avoiding the use of legs in volleyball:
- Kicking the ball can be difficult to direct
- It can be potentially dangerous for players chasing after the ball
- Hands and arms provide better control and direction for the ball
What about beach volleyball?
In beach volleyball, using any part of the body to make contact with the ball is allowed, thus offering players more flexibility in their style of play. This includes the use of the legs, which is not legal in indoor volleyball. Kicking the ball is legal in beach volleyball and is considered safer due to the soft sandy surface. However, it is rare to see a player kick a beach volleyball as it is not a common technique used in the game. When a player does kick the ball, it counts as one of the three hits for the team.
The center line rule is also different in beach volleyball, allowing players to cross over entirely into the other team’s court as long as they don’t interfere with game play. The use of the legs provides players with an additional option when making contact with the ball, making beach volleyball a more dynamic sport.
Other Foot Related Rules
Moreover, coaches must ensure that players are adhering to the other foot-related rules. One of these rules is not touching the baseline when serving. When serving, a player’s foot cannot cross the baseline before the ball is contacted. If the foot does touch the line first, it is counted as a foot fault and the opposing team is awarded the point.
Another foot-related rule is maintaining the correct spacing on the court during rotations. For rotations, the feet of the front row players must be closer to the center line than their back row teammates. Additionally, left and right rotations require the feet to be closer to the sideline than the center rotation. These rules ensure that the players are evenly spaced on the court and that the team remains in the predetermined rotation before serving.
Conclusion
Volleyball is a sport where the use of feet is not necessarily encouraged. Generally, FIVB rules do not allow the ball to be kicked, and this rule is also applied to beach volleyball.
While some coaches may suggest the use of feet as a tactic, it is best to avoid using them to prevent any penalty or injury.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations of the sport in order to ensure the safety of all players.