How many touches does a team get in volleyball?
B · Beginner · Playing the ball and the net · 5 of 8A team has at most three hits to send the ball back over the net, and no player may hit it twice in a row. A touch on the block does not count as one of the three, and the blocker may play the ball again straight afterwards.
How it works
- A hit is any contact with the ball by a player in play, intended or not.
- A fourth hit is the fault "four hits".
- One player may not make two hits in a row, except after a block or in the cases under Double contact and catch.
- Two teammates touching the ball at the same moment count as two hits, except when blocking.
- If two teammates go for the ball and only one touches it, that is one hit.
- Two opponents touching the ball at the same time above the net: play goes on, and the team that receives the ball has three fresh hits. If it lands out, the fault is against the team on the other side from where it landed.
- A player may not take support from a teammate or an object to reach the ball: an assisted hit.
- A team need not use all three hits.
Tricky cases
Does the block count as one of the three hits?
No. After a block contact the team still has three hits.
Can a team send the ball over on the first hit?
Yes. Three is a maximum.
The ball hit a player on the head by accident. Is that a hit?
Yes. Any contact counts, and the ball may touch any part of the body.
Can the blocker play the ball again after blocking?
Yes. The first hit after a block may be made by any player, including the one who blocked.
Why the rule exists
Three hits allow the pass, set and attack that give volleyball its shape, and the ban on consecutive touches forces the team to share the ball.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB rules | As above | V 9.1; V 14.4 |
| Beach volleyball | The block counts as a hit, leaving two more | BV 14.4.1 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 9.1, 9.2.1, 9.3 and 14.4. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules (PDF).