Volleyball Assisted Hit Violation
In volleyball, there are various types of hits and attacks players can use to rally the ball over the net to score points. However, certain types of hits are forbidden in volleyball, as they give an unfair advantage to players that make the game less challenging. One type of forbidden hit is the assisted hit, in which a player is helped in hitting the ball by a teammate or object on the court. This type of hit will earn a volleyball player a penalty.
Definition
In volleyball, a key component of the game is rallying the ball back and forth over the net to score points by causing the ball to strike the court on the opposing team’s side. To do this, players may perform a variety of legal hits on the ball, such as platforms, sets, and spikes. However, specific types of hits on the ball are disallowed in certain instances. One instance in which hitting the ball is forbidden in volleyball is in the case of an assisted hit. An assisted hit is defined by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball’s rules (FIVB) as any hit by a player that uses some manner of support from a teammate or from any other structure or object.
There are a few different ways assisted hits can occur. The first way is via a teammate, who may help the player pursuing the ball to reach it, either by pushing them in the direction of the ball or moving an obstructive object, such as the net, away from the ball so that another player may hit it. The second form of assisted hit is an assist from an object. For example, the player may utilize the net poles for support, making it easier to reach the ball. In these cases, hitting the ball is considered illegal and will result in a violation.
One notable exception to the assisted hit rule concerns potential faults committed by a team member. If a player notices that their teammate is about to commit a fault, such as by touching the net or crossing the centerline, it is permissible for the player to physically hold back or restrain their teammate from committing that fault without incurring a penalty.
Result
According to the standardized FIVB Rules, which apply across almost all volleyball leagues, an assisted hit is a violation and will result in the offending team losing the point. The offending team will also be forced to give the ball over to their opponents to serve. This is known as a “side-out” in volleyball terms. Since a side-out results in losing a point to the other team, volleyball players should try to avoid committing violations such as assisted hits.
Referee Signal
According to the FIVB Rules, there is no unique signal for an assisted hit violation. However, in some leagues, such as the NCAA, if an assisted hit occurs, the presiding referee at the net may sometimes utilize the signal for the carrying violation. This signal involves holding out the arm with the palm of the hand facing upwards and slowly lifting the hand in a scooping motion.
Examples
Example 1: During a rally, Player 1 of Team A sees the ball heading towards an open area of the court, which their teammate, Player 2, is standing near. Player 1 hurries over and lifts Player 2, allowing them to hit the ball over the net. Player 1 is called for an assisted hit violation, and Team A loses the point and the serve.
Example 2: As the ball travels over the net from Team A’s side to Team B’s, it glances off the antenna at one side of the net, which deflects it and causes it to fall easily towards Player 1 of Team B. Player 1 hits the ball, but is called for an assisted hit violation, as an object assisted them in the process of hitting the ball. Team B forfeits a point and the right to serve to Team A.
Example 3: Player 1 of Team A serves the ball over the net to Team B. Player 2 of Team B gets beneath the falling ball and hits it back over the net but uses the support post of the net as a handhold during their strike. Player 2 is called for an assisted hit violation, and Team B loses the point to Team A, who resumes their serve.
Helpful Links
Similar Violations to Assisted Hit
- Carrying
- Four Hits
- Consecutive Contacts
- Touching the Net
FAQ
What is an assisted hit in volleyball?
In volleyball, an assisted hit occurs whenever a player who is hitting the ball is assisted by a teammate or an object on the court. An assisted hit can occur if a teammate pushes, moves, or lifts a player into the ball’s path, so they can easily hit it. An assisted hit can also occur if a player uses an object on the court for assistance, such as the net poles or the antenna. An assisted hit is a violation in volleyball and will be penalized with a side-out.
What are the consequences of being called for an assisted hit in volleyball?
If a volleyball player is called for an assisted hit, their team will be penalized with a side-out. A side-out involves the offending team losing the rally and giving a point to their opponents. In a side-out, the offending team must also give the right to serve over to the other team, allowing them to gain the ball and start a new rally by serving.
Can a teammate lift you up in volleyball?
In volleyball, lifting or moving a teammate is forbidden in most instances, most obviously when it is done in order to help that teammate hit the ball. Lifting a teammate to give them a better ability to hit the ball qualifies as an assisted hit and is a violation of FIVB rules. However, there are instances in volleyball where lifting or moving a teammate does not incur a penalty. For example, if a player sees that their teammate is about to commit a fault, such as by touching the net or crossing the centerline, they are permitted to move or restrain that teammate in order to prevent the fault. Therefore, lifting a teammate could be legal in volleyball if it was done with the intent of stopping a fault.