Volleyball is a dynamic sport that involves a range of skills, including serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking, and digging. While the game is traditionally played using the hands and arms, an interesting question often arises: Can you kick the ball in volleyball? This article delves into the history of this rule, different game styles that primarily use feet, and the current rules across various levels of play.

Can You Use Your Feet in Volleyball?

Yes, you can use your feet in volleyball. According to the official rules set by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), any part of the body can be used to contact the ball, including the feet. This flexibility allows players to make spectacular saves and adds an element of creativity to the game.

History of the Rule

Historically, volleyball was played strictly with the upper body. The original rules, established by William G. Morgan in 1895, did not allow for the use of feet. However, as the game evolved, so did the rules. In 1993, the FIVB officially amended the rules to permit contact with any part of the body, including the feet. This change aimed to enhance the game’s fluidity and excitement, allowing for more diverse defensive plays.

Game Styles Using Feet

While the traditional game of volleyball now allows the use of feet, there are specific game styles and variations where feet play a more central role:

1. Footvolley: Originating in Brazil, footvolley is a hybrid sport combining beach volleyball and soccer. Players use their feet, head, chest, and knees to hit the ball over the net. Footvolley follows similar rules to beach volleyball but prohibits the use of hands.
2. Sepak Takraw: Popular in Southeast Asia, Sepak Takraw is a sport where players use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit a rattan ball over a net. The game is fast-paced and requires significant agility and skill.

Current Rules Across Different Levels

Indoor Volleyball

• International and Professional Levels: Under FIVB rules, any part of the body can be used to play the ball. This includes using the feet, which is often seen in professional leagues and international competitions.
• College and University Levels: NCAA rules for college volleyball in the United States also allow the use of feet. Players often use their feet for emergency saves or to keep the ball in play.
• High School and Middle School Levels: The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in the U.S. permits the use of feet in high school volleyball. Middle school rules generally align with high school regulations, allowing younger players to use their feet.

Beach Volleyball

• Professional and International Levels: Similar to indoor volleyball, FIVB rules for beach volleyball allow the use of feet. This adds an extra layer of excitement to beach volleyball matches.
• Amateur and Recreational Levels: Recreational beach volleyball typically follows the same rules, permitting players to use their feet. This is especially useful on the sand, where players may need to use their feet to dig difficult shots.

Club Volleyball

• Junior and Adult Club Levels: Club volleyball organizations, such as USA Volleyball (USAV), adhere to FIVB rules, allowing the use of feet in both junior and adult competitions. This rule is consistent across various age groups and skill levels.

Conclusion

The evolution of volleyball rules to include the use of feet has added a new dimension to the game, enhancing its excitement and versatility. From the professional courts of indoor volleyball to the sandy beaches where footvolley is played, the use of feet is now an integral part of the sport. Whether you’re a high school player making a last-ditch save or a beach volleyball enthusiast showcasing your soccer skills, knowing that you can use your feet can make a significant difference in your game.

Understanding these rules and their application across different levels of play ensures that players can fully utilize their skills and creativity, making volleyball a truly inclusive and dynamic sport.