Can you lift off the floor in sitting volleyball?
B · Beginner · Play · 2 of 5When playing the ball, part of the body between buttocks and shoulders must touch the floor. Losing contact is lifting, a fault for servers, attackers and blockers. In defence, lifting is allowed if the ball is not wholly above the net. Standing, crab-walking or moving on the knees to reach a ball is forbidden.
How it works
- Contact: buttocks to shoulders on the floor.
- Lifting: a fault when playing the ball.
- Defence: lifting allowed below net height.
- Brief lift: allowed except when attacking.
- Standing up: forbidden.
- Crab walk: forbidden.
- Knee up: natural in defence only.
- Attack hit: no knee up.
The glossary has the contact with the court, the lifting, the lifting in defence, the taking steps, the knee up and the raise the body.
Tricky cases
A defender lifts to dig a low ball. Fault?
No.
An attacker lifts while spiking. Fault?
Yes.
A player shuffles on hands and feet. Fault?
Yes, taking steps.
A blocker lifts but misses the ball. Fault?
No, if they do not touch it.
Why the rule exists
Staying seated is what makes the game fair for leg impairments. Allowing lifts in defence keeps rallies alive.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Defence | Lifting allowed | 9.4.1 |
| Attack | Lifting a fault | 13.3.4 |
| Block | Lifting a fault if touching | 14.6.3 |
From the rule book
World ParaVolley, Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, rules 9.3.5, 9.4, 13.3.4 and 14.6.3 and Definitions, with World ParaVolley, Approved Rule Changes 2025-2028. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World ParaVolley Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028.