Attack and blocking restrictions
Volleyball attack, block and back-row restrictions
How attack hits, the attack line, blocking eligibility, service-attack limits and Libero restrictions work under current FIVB rules.
What counts as an attack hit
Any action that directs the ball toward the opponent, except a service or a block, is considered an attack hit. A front-row player may complete an attack hit at any height as long as the ball is contacted within that player’s own playing space, subject to the specific service and Libero-pass restrictions.
Back-row attacks and the attack line
A back-row player may complete an attack hit at any height when taking off from behind the front zone. At take-off, the player’s foot or feet must neither touch nor cross the attack line; after the hit, the player may land in the front zone. A back-row player may attack from the front zone only when the ball is not entirely higher than the top of the net at contact. Completing such an attack with the ball entirely above the net is a fault.
Who may block and where
Only front-row players may complete a block. A blocker may reach hands and arms beyond the net if this does not interfere with the opponent, but may not touch the ball beyond the net before the opponent has executed an attack hit. Blocking the opponent’s service is forbidden. A back-row player or a Libero who completes a block or participates in a completed block commits a fault, and a Libero may not attempt to block.
Libero and service-attack restrictions
A Libero may not complete an attack hit when the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net. If a Libero makes an overhand finger pass from the front zone, another player may not complete an attack hit above the top of the net from that pass; the same action from outside the front zone may be freely attacked, subject to the other rules. No player may complete an attack hit on the opponent’s service when the ball is in the front zone and entirely higher than the top of the net.