Introduction — Can you kick in volleyball?
Can you kick in volleyball? That simple question leads to a lot of confusion on courts from school gyms to beach matches. Whether you’re new to the sport or transitioning from recreational play to competitive rules, understanding when using your foot is legal matters for both skill development and avoiding penalties like a foot fault. In this article we’ll explain the official volleyball rules, the difference between intentional and incidental contact, how national and international guidelines (including FIVB rules) treat kicks, and practical tips for players including liberos and beginners in high school volleyball.
Understanding the basic volleyball rules about foot contact
Most rulebooks do not forbid contact with the ball using feet or legs. The key phrase in modern volleyball rules is “legal contact” — the ball can touch any part of a player’s body provided it is played cleanly. That means the ball must not be caught, thrown, or held. A kick is legal when the contact is instantaneous and does not result in prolonged touching or a “carry.”
Important distinctions:
- Legal contact: Quick, clean touches with the foot or lower leg that redirect the ball.
- Illegal contact: Holding, carrying, or any prolonged contact that alters the ball’s natural trajectory.
- Double contact: When one player contacts the ball twice in succession (unless during a single block).
Example: A libero diving to dig a hard-driven spike uses the shin to pop the ball up. If the ball rebounds cleanly and the player didn’t cradle it, referees will usually allow the play.
Official guidance: FIVB and sanctioning bodies
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and national organizations like USA Volleyball provide clear guidance. Their rulebooks emphasize that the ball may contact any part of a player’s body. Therefore, is kicking allowed? — yes, as long as the contact is legal.
However, referees still enforce other rules around kicks:
- Foot fault on serve: During a serve, the server must not step on or over the end line before contacting the ball. That is a foot fault and results in a side out.
- Center line violations: Touching the opponent’s court with the foot can be a fault depending on the extent of the contact.
- Libero restrictions: The libero must follow substitution and attack rules. The libero can use feet, but still must adhere to attack/contact limitations.
Understanding these rules helps players avoid illegal plays caused by using feet improperly.
When a kick is allowed: examples from real play
Here are common scenarios where using your foot is legal and effective:
- Emergency save: A back-row player lunges and gets the ball with their foot or shin to prevent it from landing. If the contact is one quick touch, it’s legal.
- Controlled redirection: A setter or passer uses the top of the foot to nudge the ball to a teammate during chaotic serve receive. If the ball isn’t carried, it’s allowed.
- Block follow-up: After a block, the ball may rebound awkwardly and a teammate uses a foot to keep it in play. Quick redirection is permitted.
Tips for legal kicks:
- Keep contact as quick as possible — avoid cupping the foot under the ball.
- Use the top of the foot or shin to create a clean rebound.
- Practice controlled touches to pass rather than just stop the ball.
When kicking becomes a foul: foot faults and illegal play
Even though the ball can touch the foot, certain actions will result in penalties:
- Carrying or lifting: If the ball settles on the foot or is scooped, referees treat it as a carry or throw.
- Double contact: If a single player contacts the ball twice with separate touches (for example, foot then knee in two moments), it may be ruled a double contact unless part of a single action such as blocking.
- Serving foot fault: Stepping on or across the end line before contact is a fault.
Example of illegal play: A player intentionally traps the ball between foot and ground to hold it and place it near a setter. That will be whistled as a carry.
Practical drills to practice foot contact and avoid violations
If you’re wondering how to train your feet to be part of your volleyball skill set without committing a foul, try these drills. They help with timing, control, and legal contact:
- Shin pass drill: Partner tosses short, low balls that you must redirect upward using the shin. Focus on a single, brief contact.
- Controlled toe-tap passing: From a kneeling or low position, practice tapping the ball upward with the top of your foot to a target.
- Reaction saves: Coach or partner spikes the ball lightly while you attempt emergency saves using any part of the leg. Judge legality after each play.
Tips:
- Wear appropriate shoes; court shoes give better traction and control than running shoes.
- Video your drills to study whether contacts are clean or look like holds.
- Practice with referees in scrimmages to get comfortable with in-game calls.
Differences in levels: recreational, high school, and competitive play
How strict referees are about a kick can vary by level of play:
- Recreational play: Players and casual referees are often more lenient. If the intent is clearly a play and not a carry, many casual leagues will let it stand.
- High school volleyball: Coaches and officials teach and coach by the rulebook. Players should avoid borderline kicks that look like carries because referees will enforce rules more strictly.
- Competitive and FIVB matches: Elite referees apply consistent interpretation of “legal contact.” Kicks are allowed only when clean and instantaneous.
Common advice for advancing players: As you move up, train to avoid borderline plays. What works in recreational play may get penalized in college or national competitions.
How to communicate with referees and teammates about foot contacts
Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and reduces argument risk:
- If you’re unsure a play was legal, ask your coach to review video from practice and make a team rule about risky kicks.
- During matches, if a close call goes against you, use calm language and focus on the next rally instead of arguing.
- Train setters and passers to be ready for unusual trajectories caused by feet; predictable positioning reduces forced risky plays.
Common myths and misconceptions
There are several myths about kicking in volleyball that persist. Let’s debunk the most common:
- Myth: “Any foot contact is illegal.” Fact: Foot contact is legal if clean.
- Myth: “Libero can’t use feet.” Fact: The libero can use feet but must follow substitution and attack rules.
- Myth: “Kicking is only allowed in beach volleyball.” Fact: Indoor and beach rules allow clean foot contact; interpretation varies by referee.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about kicks and volleyball rules
1. Can you intentionally kick the ball in volleyball?
Yes, you can intentionally kick the ball as long as the contact is clean and not a carry. An intentional kick that immediately redirects the ball is legal. However, be cautious: intentional kicks that look like a controlled hold may be judged as illegal.
2. Is using your foot in serve receive allowed?
Yes. A player may use the foot during serve receive if the contact is quick and clean. Keep in mind that using feet to receive a serve can produce unpredictable trajectories, so practice these plays to maintain control.
3. What is a foot fault in volleyball?
A foot fault usually refers to a server stepping on or across the end line before contact, but it can also mean illegal contact with the opponent’s court with the foot or a related rule violation. It differs from a carried ball or double contact call, which address how the ball is touched.
4. Can a libero kick the ball over the net?
The libero has restrictions on overhand attack plays and sets taken from front zone, but using a foot to redirect or save a ball that then goes over the net is not inherently illegal. The play will be judged for legality by standard contact rules and attack restrictions for the libero.
5. Will referees call a kick differently in recreational versus competitive matches?
Yes. Recreational referees are often more lenient with borderline kicks, whereas competitive matches, especially under FIVB or collegiate rules, will see stricter enforcement. It’s best to play conservatively and train for clean contacts when moving to higher-level competitions.
Conclusion
So, can you kick in volleyball? In short: yes — the ball may touch any part of the body, including feet and legs, provided contact is legal, instantaneous, and not a carry. Understanding the distinction between a clean kick and a carry, complying with serve and center-line rules, and practicing controlled foot touches will help you use your feet effectively without giving up points. Whether you’re playing recreationally or aiming for high school and competitive play, train smart, practice targeted drills, and always respect the official rules and referees’ interpretations.
Quick takeaways:
- Foot contact is permitted if it’s clean and not prolonged.
- Serve foot faults and carrying are separate infractions to watch out for.
- Practice drills to improve legal foot touches and reduce risky plays.
Play safe, communicate with your team, and use your feet when it truly helps keep the ball alive.