Mastering The Double Hit In Volleyball: What Every Player Needs To Know For Better Play

Dr. Aglae Morar PhD 17 Jul 2025

Have you ever watched a volleyball game and heard the referee's whistle, followed by a call for a "double hit"? It's a moment that can sometimes confuse players and fans alike, especially when the action happens so fast. This particular rule, the double hit in volleyball, is a pretty important one that shapes how the game flows and how points are won or lost. Understanding it well, you know, makes a big difference in your play and your appreciation of the sport.

For newcomers to volleyball, or even seasoned players looking to polish their skills, the idea of a double hit can seem a little tricky. It's not just about touching the ball twice, as some might think. There are specific situations where it's called, and others where it's perfectly fine, which is that part that sometimes trips people up. Getting a clear picture of this rule is key to playing well and avoiding those frustrating errors.

This article will break down what a double hit truly means in volleyball. We'll look at the rules, how officials spot it, and, more importantly, how you can work on your technique to steer clear of this common mistake. It's about getting to grips with the finer points of the game, so, you can play with more confidence and precision every time you step onto the court. Just like how some terms have very precise meanings in other fields, the 'double hit' here has its own exact definition.

What Exactly is a Double Hit in Volleyball?
- The Core Idea
- When Does It Happen?
The Rules: What the Rulebook Says
- Official Definitions
- Referee's Viewpoint
Common Scenarios for a Double Hit
Why Does It Matter? The Impact on Play
- Loss of Point and Possession
- Momentum Shifts
Tips to Avoid the Double Hit
Drills to Improve Your Touch
FAQs About the Double Hit

What Exactly is a Double Hit in Volleyball?

The Core Idea

A double hit, also sometimes called a "double contact," happens when a player touches the ball twice in a row during a single play action. This isn't just any two touches. It specifically means the ball rests in a player's hands or arms for too long, or it makes contact with different parts of the body in a way that isn't clean. It's a fundamental rule that keeps the game moving fairly, you know, and makes sure players use proper technique.

The key here is that the touches must be consecutive and distinct. For instance, if the ball hits your forearm, then your hand, that could be a double hit. Or if you're setting, and the ball clearly makes two separate sounds or motions in your hands, that's a call. It's really about the quality of the contact, and whether it's one smooth action or two separate ones, that's what the officials are watching for.

When Does It Happen?

This rule typically applies to a player's first contact with the ball, or when setting. When a player receives a serve or an attack, they get a little more leniency. The ball can hit different parts of their body, like their arms and then their chest, as long as it's all part of one continuous motion. However, during a set, the rules are much stricter. The setter must contact the ball cleanly, almost like catching and releasing it in one fluid movement. Any distinct second touch, well, that's usually a double hit.

It's also important to remember that a double hit is different from a "four-hit" violation, where a team touches the ball more than three times before sending it over the net. A double hit is about one player's action. So, you might see a double hit called even if the team has only touched the ball once or twice in total. It's all about that single player's interaction with the ball, that's the key.

The Rules: What the Rulebook Says

Official Definitions

Volleyball rules, as set by organizations like the FIVB or USA Volleyball, describe a double hit as an illegal contact. The rule states that a player cannot hit the ball twice in succession. This includes situations where the ball clearly comes to rest or is caught, even for a moment. It's about maintaining a continuous motion of the ball, you see, without any pause or re-direction from a single player's multiple touches.

For setting, the rule is particularly strict. The ball must be contacted by both hands at the same instant. If one hand contacts the ball before the other, even by a tiny fraction of a second, it's often considered a double hit. This requires setters to have very precise hand-eye coordination and strength. It's a subtle distinction, but a very important one for officials to spot, that's for sure.

Referee's Viewpoint

Referees have a tough job spotting double hits. They watch the player's hands and the ball's movement very closely. They are looking for any "spin" on the ball that suggests two distinct contacts, or if the ball visibly stops or changes direction unnaturally in the player's hands. Sometimes, it's a judgment call, and that can be frustrating for players and fans, you know, but officials are trained to look for these specific signs.

The speed of the game means referees must make split-second decisions. They are trained to observe the ball's rotation and the sound of the contact. A clean set usually has little to no spin and a soft sound. A double hit, on the other hand, might have a lot of spin or a more distinct "slap" sound. It's a skill for the referee to develop, just like it's a skill for players to avoid the double hit.

Common Scenarios for a Double Hit

Setting the Ball

Setting is, by far, the most common time you'll see a double hit called. When a setter pushes the ball up for an attacker, they need to use both hands at the exact same moment. If one hand pushes before the other, or if the ball rolls from one hand to the other, it's a double hit. This often happens when a setter is off balance, or when they are trying to set a very fast or difficult pass. It's a delicate art, setting the ball, and it requires incredible precision, that's the truth.

Younger players or those new to setting often struggle with this. Their hands might not be strong enough to push the ball evenly, or their technique isn't quite refined yet. The ball might spin wildly after their set, which is a clear sign to the referee that it wasn't a clean contact. So, practicing proper hand placement and strength is super important for setters to avoid this error.

Passing and Digging

While less common, a double hit can happen during passing or digging, especially on a very hard-driven ball. If a player tries to pass the ball with their forearms, but it then bounces off their wrist or upper arm in a separate motion, that could be a double hit. Similarly, if they try to dig a ball, and it hits one arm, then the other, but not as part of one continuous, controlled movement, it might get called. This usually happens when players are caught off guard or are reaching awkwardly for the ball. It's less about the spin and more about distinct, separate contacts, that's how it usually goes.

The rules are a little more forgiving on the first contact, meaning a player has a bit more leeway for how the ball touches them on a serve receive or a hard attack. However, it still needs to be one continuous action. If there's a clear separation in the contacts, even on a pass, it can be a violation. So, keeping your platform solid and consistent is key, you know, even when the ball is coming at you very fast.

Attacking and Blocking

It's very rare to see a double hit called on an attack or a block. When attacking, a player is typically hitting the ball with one hand, so a double contact is almost impossible. The same goes for blocking; a player can contact the ball multiple times during a block, as long as it's all part of the same play at the net. The rules specifically allow for multiple contacts by a blocker, as long as they are at the net and part of the blocking action. So, this isn't usually where players get into trouble with this particular rule.

However, if a player attempts to attack the ball with two hands, and it's not a clean hit, it could technically be a double hit. But this is not a common way to attack the ball in volleyball. Similarly, if a player is blocking and then attempts to play the ball again after the block, that would be their first contact for the team, and they would be subject to the usual double hit rules for that subsequent contact. Basically, the rule applies most strictly to setting, then somewhat to passing, and very rarely to attacking or blocking.

Why Does It Matter? The Impact on Play

Loss of Point and Possession

The most immediate consequence of a double hit is that your team loses the point. If you are serving, the other team gets the point and the serve. If the other team is serving, they keep the point and the serve. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially in a close game, you know, when every point counts. It's a direct penalty for a technical error, and it can really sting.

Losing a point this way can also break your team's rhythm. You might have had a great rally going, or you were building momentum, and then a double hit just stops everything. It's a quick way for the other team to get an easy point without having to work for it, which is, well, pretty tough to swallow for the team that committed the error.

Momentum Shifts

Beyond just the point, a double hit can cause a significant shift in momentum. In volleyball, momentum is a huge part of the game. When a team is playing well and feeling confident, a sudden error like a double hit can deflate their energy. On the other hand, it can give the opposing team a big boost, making them feel like they've caught a break. It's almost like a little gift to the other side, you see, especially at crucial moments.

Coaches often talk about minimizing unforced errors, and the double hit is a prime example of one. It's a mistake that is within the player's control. By reducing these types of errors, a team can maintain its focus and keep the pressure on the opponent. So, avoiding the double hit isn't just about following rules; it's about smart, consistent play that helps your team win, that's the bottom line.

Tips to Avoid the Double Hit

Focus on Hand Contact

For setters, the most important thing is to focus on making contact with the ball using both hands at the exact same time. Imagine your hands as one solid unit. Your thumbs and index fingers should form a triangle, and you should contact the ball with the pads of your fingers, not your palms. This helps create a clean, even push. It's about being very precise with your touch, you know, almost like a surgeon.

Practice holding your hands in the correct setting shape. Get a feel for how the ball should leave your fingertips. You want it to come off smoothly, with very little spin. A good way to check your contact is to watch the ball after you set it. If it's spinning like a top, chances are you've had a double hit. A clean set will have minimal spin, which is a good sign.

Practice Makes Perfect

The only way to truly master the clean contact and avoid the double hit is through consistent practice. Repetition builds muscle memory. The more you practice setting, passing, and digging with proper technique, the more natural it will feel. Don't just practice hitting the ball; practice hitting it cleanly. It's about quality over quantity, really, when it comes to refining your touch.

Work on drills that isolate your hand contact. Use a lighter ball, or even a balloon, to get a better feel for the touch without the pressure of a heavy ball. This helps you focus purely on the sensation of the ball leaving your hands. It’s a bit like learning to play a musical instrument; you need to feel the nuances of each touch, that's how you get better.

Footwork and Body Position

Good footwork and getting your body in the right position before contacting the ball are crucial. If you're off balance or reaching for the ball, you're much more likely to have an unclean contact. Try to get your feet to the ball, so your body is underneath it, allowing you to use your legs and core to push the ball, rather than just your arms. This makes for a much more stable and controlled contact, you know, every single time.

For setters, this means moving quickly to get to the pass, squaring up to your target, and then setting. For passers, it means shuffling your feet to get behind the ball and forming a solid platform. When you are in a good athletic stance, your body can absorb the ball better and direct it cleanly. It's about being prepared for the ball, that's what makes the difference.

What Is a Double Hit In Volleyball | AthleticLift

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