Can you touch the net in volleyball?
I · Intermediate · Playing the ball and the net · 4 of 8A player may not touch the net between the antennae while playing the ball: that is a net contact fault. A foot may touch the opponents' court under the net only if part of it stays on or above the centre line. Touching the posts or the net outside the antennae is allowed.
How it works
Net:
- It is a fault to touch the net between the antennae, or the antenna, during the action of playing the ball.
- That action includes the take-off, the hit or attempted hit and a safe landing.
- A player close to the ball and trying to play it is "in the action" even without touching the ball.
- Also faults: using the net for support or balance, gaining an unfair advantage by touching it, hindering an opponent's attempt to play the ball, and catching or holding the net.
- No fault: touching the net outside the antennae, the posts or the ropes, if it does not interfere with play.
- No fault: the ball is driven into the net and the net touches an opponent.
Under the net:
- A foot, or both feet, may touch the opponents' court if some part stays in contact with or directly above the centre line and the opponents are not interfered with.
- Any part of the body above the feet may touch the opponents' court if it does not interfere.
- A foot wholly across the centre line is a fault.
- Reaching into the opponents' space under the net is allowed if it does not interfere with their play.
Tricky cases
A player's hair or shirt brushed the net. Is it a fault?
It depends on the referee's judgement. The rules speak of contact by a player during the action of playing the ball and of interference with play. They do not mention hair or clothing.
A player brushed the net while walking back to position, away from the ball. Is it a fault?
No. A net touch is a fault only during the action of playing the ball or when it interferes with play.
A blocker landed with a hand on the opponents' floor. Is it a fault?
No, unless it interfered with the opponents' play. Only a foot wholly across the centre line is a fault in itself.
Why the rule exists
Both rules protect players at the place where two teams jump and land within centimetres of each other, and stop the net being used as a tool.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB rules | As above | V 11.2; V 11.3; V 11.4 |
| Beach volleyball | No centre line; a player may enter the opponents' side if they do not interfere | BV 1.3.2; BV 11.2.1 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 11.2, 11.3 and 11.4. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules (PDF).