How do positions work in sitting volleyball?
I · Intermediate · Court and teams · 2 of 4Positions follow volleyball: front row 4, 3, 2 and back row 5, 6, 1. A player's place is judged by where the buttocks touch the floor. At the service hit the receiving team must be in rotational order, but since 2025 the serving team may take any position. After the serve, everyone may move anywhere.
How it works
- Front row: 4, 3, 2.
- Back row: 5, 6, 1.
- Judged by: the buttocks.
- Receiving team: in order at the serve.
- Serving team: any position since 2025.
- Inside the court: both teams at the serve.
- After the serve: move freely.
- Rotation: clockwise after winning serve.
The glossary has the player positions (sitting volleyball), the position by buttocks, the positions at service, the front zone (sitting volleyball), the raise the body and the line judge (sitting volleyball).
Tricky cases
Can the serving team overlap?
Yes, since 2025.
Can a back-row player sit ahead of the front-row player?
Not on the receiving team at the serve.
What decides position if legs reach forward?
The buttocks only.
Can a player sit outside the court at the serve?
No, except the server.
Why the rule exists
Feet do not mark position for seated players, so the buttocks do. Freeing the serving team simplifies refereeing.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving team | In order | 7.4 |
| Serving team | Free since 2025 | 7.4; Chg 5 |
| After serve | Free | 7.4.4 |
From the rule book
World ParaVolley, Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, rule 7.4, with World ParaVolley, Approved Rule Changes 2025-2028, item 5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World ParaVolley Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028.