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