Attacking and back-row restrictions
FIVB · 2025–2028Spikes, tips, back-row take-offs and special restrictions involving the serve and Libero.
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What counts as an attackBack-row take-off and ball heightService reception and Libero-related attacksWhat counts as an attack
Any action directing the ball towards the opponent is an attack hit except a serve or block. A tip is legal only if the contact is clean and the ball is not caught or thrown. The attack becomes complete when the ball fully crosses the net plane or an opponent touches it. A front-row player can normally attack at any height, but contact must begin in the player’s own space and the special service and Libero restrictions still apply.
Back-row take-off and ball height
A back-row player may attack at any height when taking off behind the front zone. The feet must not touch or cross the attack line at take-off; landing in the front zone afterward is allowed. From the front zone, a back-row player may complete an attack only if some part of the ball is below the top of the net at contact. Completing that attack when the entire ball is above the net is a fault.
Service reception and Libero-related attacks
No player may complete an attack on an opponent’s serve when the ball is in the front zone and entirely above the net. A Libero cannot complete an attack with the whole ball above the net, wherever the contact occurs. A teammate also cannot complete an attack above the net from an overhand finger pass made by a Libero in the front zone. Attacking in the opponent’s playing space or sending the ball out is a fault as well.
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