Changes to Volleyball Rules from 2025 to 2028
Pay attention to the changes in volleyball rules starting in 2025 and lasting until 2028!
If you thought you knew everything about the sport, get ready for a surprise. Starting in 2025, six new official rules are already in effect, ranging from relaxing plays previously considered faults to prohibiting common serving tactics.
Is this the end of the “double contact”? How will the freedom of movement for the serving team impact game strategy? Don’t be left out! Discover all the changes now and understand how the sport will evolve in the coming years
Key Changes to Volleyball Rules (starting in 2025):
1. Double Contact on the First Touch in Volleyball
One of the most discussed changes is the relaxation of the “double contact” rule on the first touch of the ball.
How it was: Any double contact (when the ball touches different parts of the player’s body in quick succession) on the team’s first touch was considered a fault, unless it was a defensive action against a hard-driven attack.
How it will be: The new rule allows a double contact on the first touch, as long as it is in a single playing action. This primarily benefits setters in defense and reception situations, allowing for greater ball control without the concern of committing a technical fault for an imperfect touch.
2. Positioning of the Serving Team in Volleyball
How it was: All players on the serving team had to respect their rotational position at the moment of the serve.
How it will be: The players on the serving team will be able to move freely around the court, no longer needing to follow the rotation order at the moment the serve is executed. However, the receiving team must still maintain their correct rotational position.
3. Screening on the Serve in Volleyball
How it was: Players on the serving team could raise their arms to try to obstruct the opponent’s view.
How it will be: Players on the serving team are now prohibited from raising their arms to create a “curtain” or screen during the opponent’s serve execution. Referees can caution the team if they perceive the intent to hinder the opposing team’s vision.
4. Ball Outside the Antenna in Volleyball
How it was: When the ball passed over or outside the antenna on the second or third touch, the play continued until its conclusion before the fault was called.
How it will be: The play will be stopped immediately once the ball crosses the vertical plane of the net outside the antenna on the team’s second or third touch. This speeds up the call and prevents irregular plays from continuing.
5. Challenge Requests in Volleyball
To optimize game time and reduce interruptions, there will be tests for a new rule where challenge requests can only be made after the rally has concluded (when the ball touches the floor).
6. Gender Equality on the Coaching Staff
Female teams participating in official FIVB competitions, such as the Nations League, must have at least one woman on their coaching staff.
MORE VOLLEYBALL CONTENT
- Basic Volleyball Skills
- All Volleyball Rules
- Video Class Volleyball Basics
- Volleyball Tactics
- Volleyball Positions
- Volleyball Rotations