The field where they play volleyball is a rectangle 18 m long by 9 feet wide, divided in its center line by a network that separates the two teams. In reality the game is also on the outside in the free zone provided that the ball does not touch ground or any other element. The free zone must be at least 3 m, at least in international competitions is increased to 5 m on the sidelines and 8 m for baselines. The free space on the track must be at least 7 m in international competitions up to 12,5 m.
A 3 m of the network, a line in each field defines the target area, an area where operations are restricted to players who are currently in defensive roles (defender and libero ). These lines, extending outside of the field with broken line, and constraint they represent are also planned throughout the line, even beyond the lines drawn. All lines are 5 cm wide.
The players contact with the ground is continuous, usually using joint protection. The surface can not be rough or slippery.
At the core of the field lies a network of 1 m wide and 9.5 to 10m long, with two bands and two outstanding vertical rods on the sideline of the field. The upper edge of the network, the rods and the roof of the pavilion itself define the space through which you must pass the ball to the opposite field.
The top of the net height can vary in different categories, being in the adult categories of 2.43 m and 2.24 m for men and women.
The ball is spherical and flexible, and 65-67 cm in circumference, 260-280 g in weight and pressure inside between 0.300 and 0.325 kg / cm ². It's smaller and lighter that the balls of basketball or soccer . Can be made of various materials but the most comfortable and the leather is used. There are also occasional plastic balls can be used in training.
A match consists of three, four or five sets. The games of volleyball are played best of five runs or blocks that are, as in tennis , the Anglo-Saxon name sets . In the moment one of the two teams won accumulates three sets wins the match and terminating the engagement. A team wins a set when it reaches or exceeds 25 points with a lead of two (ie: with a 25-23 win, but would have to wait 25-24 26-24 and so on as neither team does not get the two-point advantage).
If necessary, the fifth time, set tiebreaker, the goal is lowered to 15 points but also two ahead. This set is thus a shorter duration, but in any case, the duration of the volleyball games is very variable and can range from about an hour to even more than two hours.
The fields are drawn before the game and the kickoff. Each set is a change of alternating field and will serve first. If necessary the fifth set, third set, he takes a new draw and also makes a change from field to the point reached by the first of eight teams.
Each team may request up to two rest periods of 30 seconds in each set. Times can be requested by both the coach and the captain . In addition to establishing official championships, ex officio, two 60-second technical time when you reach the first eight teams and 16 points respectively in each set, except in the final fifth set.