To play volleyball, the key basics are to serve the ball over the net to the opposing team and try to prevent the ball from hitting the floor on your side. Each team is allowed up to three contacts with the ball per rally to return it over the net. The main skills to practice first are serving (usually starting with an underhand serve) and passing (using your forearms to direct the ball to a teammate). A volleyball match consists of two teams (6 players each for indoor volleyball) competing to score points by grounding the ball inside the opponent's court. The objective is to win sets by reaching a set number of points, usually best of 3 or 5 sets depending on the format.

Basic Rules and Play

• Each team serves the ball to start a rally.
• Teams have up to three touches to get the ball back over the net.
• The ball must not hit the ground on your side.
• Players cannot touch the ball twice consecutively.
• Points are scored when the ball lands on the opponent's court or the opponent makes a fault.

Key Movements

• Serving: Beginners often start with an easy underhand serve.
• Passing (Bumping): Use forearms angled to direct the ball to a teammate.
• Setting: Using fingertips to position the ball for an attacker.
• Attacking (Spiking): Jump and hit the ball forcefully over the net.
• Blocking: Defensive jump at the net to stop or deflect the attack.
• Digging: Defensive skill to prevent the ball from touching the court after an opponent’s attack.

Match Setup

• Indoor volleyball: 6 players per side on a large court.
• Beach volleyball: 2 players per side on a smaller sand court.
• Sets are typically played to 25 points (or 21 in beach volleyball), must win by 2 points.
• Matches can be best of 3 or 5 sets.

This overview covers the essentials to get started playing volleyball, including game flow, rules, and fundamental skills to practice.