Lesson 4: Key Rules & Fouls

Understanding the core rules will help you play legally and avoid losing easy points. **Serving:** - The server must start **at least 6 feet from the net** - The server gets **two attempts** to land a legal serve - Two failed serves (**double fault**) award a point to the receiving team **Touches during a rally:** - Each team has **up to 3 touches** to return the ball onto the net - Touches must **alternate between teammates** — one player cannot hit twice in a row (outside a permitted soft-touch) - The ball must hit the **net**, not the rim **Common fouls that lose the rally:** - **Rim hit** — ball strikes the rim on a serve or return - **Pocket** — ball hits where the net meets the rim, changing trajectory - **Roll** — ball rolls across the net instead of bouncing cleanly - **Extra touches** — more than 3 touches by one team **Hindrance:** - Defenders must **clear out** of the offense's path - Illegal obstruction results in a **replay** of the point, or a point awarded, depending on tournament rules