One of the most commonly understood rules about volleyball that most people know is that your team only has 3 hits to get the ball over the net to your opponent’s side. So a very common question is whether the block counts as one of those 3 hits.
In indoor volleyball, the block does not count as a team hit. In beach volleyball, the block does count as a team hit.
You can see where it can get confusing, especially for newcomers to the sport. Read on to learn about the different details having to do with blocking and how and when it counts as a touch.
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Why Doesnt a Block Count As a Hit Volleyball?
The block is considered a defensive play and the player must have a part of their body above the height of the net while making contact with the ball. If the blocker is unsuccessful (and the ball comes back to their side of the net), they are allowed to play it again.
If a player does what we call a “soft block” this counts as a hit. This is when the player does not get above the height of the net and is trying to make a block. In this case, it would count as a regular contact, just like a pass, a dig, or a volley, and the team will only have 2 remaining touches to get it to the other side.
What Is An Illegal Block in Volleyball?
An important rule in blocking is that only front-row players may block. Back-row players often move during the play and will get in front of the attack line, but they may not contact the ball above the height of the net unless they are behind the attack line. You may sometimes hear this called a “back row attack violation.”
Another blocking rule is that you are not allowed to penetrate beyond the vertical plane of the net and interfere with the opponent’s chance to attack. Now, if you watch high-level volleyball you will feel like you see this violated on almost every rally. But you are allowed to penetrate the net, you’re just not allowed to block the ball before your opponent has a chance to attack it.
How Many Players Can Block in Volleyball?
Teammates may block together, trying to form a wall to create a stronger defense. Since only front-row players may block, the most blockers you can have at once would be 3.
A block is technically only counted when contact is made with the ball, but in some cases, the ball will deflect or ricochet and touch multiple blockers at once. Consecutive touches may be made by several teammates as long as they are all during one action.
Would you like to learn more about the different types of blocking? Learn all about them in this article.
How To Signal An Illegal Block
There are 2 separate signals a referee may use depending on the type of blocking fault.
- For a general blocking fault, the referee will raise both arms straight up in the air, with palms facing forward.
- For reaching beyond the net, the referee will place a hand over the net, palm facing down to the floor. This is to symbolize that the player was extending and interfering in the opponent’s play.
Can You Have 4 Touches in Volleyball?
Essentially, yes your team can have 4 touches on the ball in indoor volleyball if the first contact is a block.
When players compete above the net from both sides, both trying to hit or block, whichever team is on the side the ball comes down on has 3 more hits to play the ball.
After the ball comes down on one side or the other, anyone can play the ball, even the person who last touched it during the block.
I really believe (totally my opinion), that this rule was made to make rallies more competitive. Blocking is very difficult against high-powered offense and being able to react by trying to save the ball after a block gives the defenders a better chance to keep the rally going.
Would you like to improve your blocking? Check out our post called: Six Steps To Dominate In Volleyball With Incredible Blocking
Does a Block Count As a Touch in Beach Volleyball?
Yes in beach volleyball, a block always counts a touch. This is one of the rules that’s different between indoor volleyball and sand volleyball.
In some ways, it doesn’t seem fair. It would seem like the volleyball officials are making it harder on beach volleyball players, especially since they only have 2 players per team.
I think (again my opinion), that this rule makes sense in beach volleyball because a blocker going up who knows that they could touch it again, may be able to essentially deflect it up to themselves, jump and kill it. While you may think this is unrealistic, remember that except for the highest levels of beach volleyball, the attacks aren’t as powerful as in indoor volleyball.
The rules also explain that if a player goes up to block and makes 2 consecutive contacts with the ball, as long as they both occur during one action.
One interesting detail here is that if both teammates go up to block and both touch the ball simultaneously (according to section 9.1.2.1)
Have you ever wondered if it’s illegal to block a serve in volleyball? Find out here.
Resources
https://www.fivb.com/en/volleyball/thegame_glossary/officialrulesofthegames
https://www.fivb.com/en/beachvolleyball/thegame_bvb_glossary/officialrulesofthegames
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