6.1 Ball handling

For the evaluation of playing the ball, consider the actual touch of the ball, not the actions that take place before or after the hit. The ball may be played with any part of the body (exception: during service only with one hand and/or one arm) and rebound in any direction.


General

Balls that are caught are to be called a fault in any case. A caught ball consists of two actions: catching the ball and throwing it. In practice, a short resting position or prolonged contact with the ball is visible.

Balls that are touched with two body parts one after the other, with the exception of the first hit, should be called a double touch.

In the case of balls where the player is in a difficult position to play the ball, the referees shall be more lenient in the assessment of ball handling, according to the FIVB guidelines. This includes balls where a player has to play from a difficult position and balls that are deflected from the block or another player at close range.


First hit

The first hit includes the reception of a ball after the service of the opponent, any defense action of an attack as well as balls coming from the opponent's or own block. These balls may be touched twice in one action. However, they may under no circumstances be caught and thrown (catch).


Block

The blocking action is not bound to any technique. For the ball handling evaluation it is crucial that the ball is not caught and thrown. Further explanations can be found under Block.