Ball Handling VOLLEYBALLS STRIKE ZONE 2 Ball Handling

Ball Handling VOLLEYBALL’S “STRIKE ZONE”

2 Ball Handling Truths Ugly is not illegal There is no body position or playing technique that cannot result in a LEGAL contact Spin is not a fault The sound of the contact has no bearing on legality Don’t follow the ball (with your eyes) – lead it by looking ahead

3 Ball Handling Philosophies & Concepts Tight vs Loose Over-control vs under-control Start where you want to finish Fewer whistles later in the match If not called at 24 -23, then don’t call at 0 -0 Encourage longer rallies Only call most egregious Let teams decide Call to the level of the more skilled team

4 The Rules Rule 9 -4 -5 Does not visibly come to rest No prolonged contact Requires a noticeable “stop” Rule 9 -4 -8: Multiple contacts/double contact Hits various parts of the body One attempt to play the ball Rule 9 -4 -7: Successive contacts More than one attempt to play the ball

5 Preparation Know the rules Observe warm-ups Watch other referees Get some court time

6 Forearm Pass Often first team hit Contact high on the arm (bicep) is probably LEGAL Ball may spin forward or backward Ball may appear to “roll”

7 Setting Action Second team hit Cannot be caught/thrown, carried, lifted No multiple/double contact One-handed set Spin is not an issue First team hit Cannot be caught/thrown, carried, lifted Multiple/double contact is LEGAL Spin is not an issue Ball may quickly roll off finger tips/pads

8 Tips & Attacks SEE each contact A thrown ball may result from a “power” tip Duration of contact – “width of the ball” Change of direction Mistimed hit

9 Blocking Action to deflect ball coming from opponent Player must reach higher than net Multiple/double contact permitted Cannot be caught/thrown Directional block

10 Other Plays Reactions Pancake “Dump” Joust Underhand hit/scoop Plays out of the net/block recovery Simultaneous contact

11 Second Referee’s Role Assistance only Discreet signal if R 1 did not see contact Avoid giving opinions Cannot whistle Show “two” or “illegal hit” Hold signal long enough to be seen Be supportive!

12 Ball Handling Goals Consistency Match to match – be predictable Set to set – from start to finish Team to team – “call it both ways” Player to player – setter, libero, blocker, attacker Skill to skill – passes, sets, attacks, blocks Avoid “automatic” calls Outside factors – minimize their influence No surprises!

13 Ball Handling Summary Consistency Keep up with trends and techniques Anticipate unusual plays Observe others Seek feedback