Can you reach over the net in volleyball?
A · Advanced · Playing the ball and the net · 4 of 8A blocker may reach over the net, but may not touch the ball on the opponents' side until they have made their attack hit. An attacker must contact the ball on their own side, and may follow through over the net afterwards.
How it works
- Blocking: hands and arms may go beyond the net if this does not interfere with the opponents' play before their attack hit.
- An attack hit is any action that directs the ball towards the opponents, other than a serve or a block. So a pass heading over the net may be blocked beyond the net, but a set travelling along the net may not.
- Attacking: the contact must be made within the player's own playing space. Hitting the ball in the opponents' space is a fault.
- After the hit the hand may pass over the net.
- Touching an opponent in their space before their attack hit is a fault.
Tricky cases
Can a blocker block the setter's set?
It depends on where the ball is going. If the set is heading over the net it is an attack hit and may be blocked. If it is travelling along the net to a hitter, touching it on the setter's side is a fault.
The attacker hit the ball on their own side and their hand went over. Is it a fault?
No. Passing the hand beyond the net after the hit is allowed.
Both teams touched the ball above the net at once. Whose ball is it?
Play continues, and the team that receives the ball has three hits.
Why the rule exists
Each team is entitled to finish its attack on its own side. Once the ball is sent towards the net, it is fair game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB rules | As above | V 11.1; V 13.1.1; V 13.3.1; V 14.3 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 9.1.2.2, 11.1, 11.4.1, 13.1.1, 13.3.1 and 14.3. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules (PDF).