How do you serve in sitting volleyball?
B · Beginner · Play · 3 of 5The back-right player serves from the service zone within 8 seconds of the whistle, hitting the ball with one hand or arm after a single toss or release. At the hit, the server's buttocks must not touch the court, though feet and legs may. Since 2025, players with a hand impairment may serve without a toss. Teammates may not screen the server.
How it works
- Server: the back-right player.
- Time: 8 seconds after the whistle.
- Toss: one only.
- No toss: for classified hand impairment.
- Buttocks: off the court at the hit.
- Legs: may be on the court.
- Screening: banned.
- Early serve: cancelled and retaken.
The glossary has the service (sitting volleyball), the service without a toss, the server's buttocks, the screening (sitting volleyball), the service zone (sitting volleyball) and the raise the body.
Tricky cases
The server's legs touch the court. Fault?
No. Only the buttocks count.
Can a server dribble the ball first?
Yes.
Do teammates raise their hands during the serve?
No. Not above the head.
Can a server lift slightly?
A slight natural lift is allowed.
Why the rule exists
Buttocks mark the line in sitting volleyball as feet do standing. Screening is banned so receivers can see the ball.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Most servers | One toss | 12.4.1 |
| Hand impairment | No toss allowed | 12.4.1 |
| Buttocks | Off the court | 12.4.3 |
From the rule book
World ParaVolley, Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, rule 12, with World ParaVolley, Approved Rule Changes 2025-2028, items 3 and 8. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World ParaVolley Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028.