How To Play

Detailed Rules

• Before Play

  -The ball should be inflated to 12in circumference.
  -The tension of the net should be consistent throughout. A ball dropped from 3 feet above the net should bounce up approximately 12-18 in.

• During Play

  -All players except the receiver must begin the point at least 6 feet from the net.
  -The receiver may stand at any desired distance
  -Once the server strikes the ball, players may go any where they choose.
  -Possession changes when the ball contacts the net.
  -Each team has up to 3 touches per possession.
  -Determine a serving order which alternates players from the two teams (e.g. Player 3 follows Player 1, etc.).
  -To equalize sun and wind effects, rotate starting positions 90 degrees counter-clockwise every 5 points if desired.

• Scoring

  -Roundnet is played using rally scoring; points can be won by the serving or receiving team.
  -Games are typically played to 11, 15, or 21. In tournament play, the tournament director specifies the winning score.
  -Games must be won by two points unless otherwise agreed upon or specified.
  -The rally ends and a point is awarded when:

  • The ball contacts the ground or otherwise isn't returned onto the net within 3 touches.
  • The ball is hit directly into the rim at any time, including on a serve.
  • The ball bounces and falls back onto the net or rim.
  • The ball clearly rolls across the net.

• Serving

  -If the receiving team wins the point, the next designated player serves according to the initial sequence. Otherwise, the server switches places with his/her partner and serves to the other receiving team member.
  -The receiving team sets their position first. The server stands 180 degrees across the designated receiver--the only player allowed to field the serve.
  -Serves may be struck with any amount of force; short serves are allowed.
  -If a server serves two faults, the receiving team wins the point. Violation of ANY of the following rules is a fault:

  • The server must toss the ball upward at least 4 inches.
  • If the server tosses the ball, he/she must hit it. Dropping, catching, or swinging at and missing a toss all count as a fault.

• Rallies

  -Touches must alternate between teammates. Consecutive touches by one player result in a loss of a point.
  -The ball must be contacted cleanly, not caught, lifted, or thrown. Players may not hit the ball with two hands, even if placed together "volleyball style".
  -Players may use any individual part of their body to hit the ball.
  -After the serve, any unusual bounce (i.e. pocket) that does not contact the rim is legal and playable.
  -A shot which lands on the net, rolls into the rim and then off the net (i.e. roll-up) is played as a pocket, not a direct rim hit.
  -If teams cannot determine the legality of a hit, replay the point.

• Infractions

  -Remember: Player safety is paramount
  -Defending players must make an effort not to impede the offending team's possession or play on the ball.
  -If an offender collides with a defender, or a defender's position prevents a markable offensive play on the ball, the infracted player may call "hinder" to force a replay of the point.