There's so much buzz--and so much to talk about--regarding this
summer's Olympic Games. Michael was awesome. Gabby was golden. But,
Brazil's women's volleyball team, despite losing, made a move that will
not be forgotten for years to come. Kicking it? In Volleyball? Isn't
that supposed to be hands/fists only?
Not
so fast. Fans and players generally assume that when a ball makes
contact with a player's foot, the play is automatically illegal. While
it's true that rule books vary based on the level of volleyball being
played, the simple truth is: there is no existing rule books that bans
the foot-ball contact.
It is awesomely legal-legit-OK to deflect the ball with your foot, block the ball with your foot or even kick to a teammate or over the net. After kicking the ball, the usual rules apply. You are not permitted to make contact with the ball until someone else has touched it; you can't hit the ball twice in a row with your hands. Nothing new there.
But the kick--the Brazilian kick was heard loudly all over the V-ball world. Many think this will be a game changer from world class volleyball games down to high school sports. The kick by Brazil was so skillful, so outrageously spectacular that it is making everyone interested in this sport, sit up and pay attention. One commentator called it, " a transcendent moment." That comment speaks volumes.
At the very minimum, the overwhelming confusion about what would seem to be a simple Volleyball rule has now been clarified forever. Some of the confusion is due to frequent changes in the rule books across the board for a considerable time. However, over the past few years, there is no longer any rule barring contact with the foot at any level. Bottom line: use your head--use your foot-it's all OK in volleyball play.
What are the implications of this change or, at least, the improved understanding of the 'foot' rule? It should, most definitely, open numerous doors to a multitude of new and exciting strategies during v-ball matches.
Even soccer players might now be more enthusiastic, or at least, less disparaging, about volleyball. More exciting plays are sure to be in the works as coaches rethink traditional volleyball moves. It's as exciting as when they introduced the double axel in skating.
Volleys could be longer since the kick can now save a ball from hitting the ground by keeping it airborne longer.
Brazil may not have repeated their Beijing success in London but they definitely made history. In doing so, made a huge contribution to the sport. Isn't that what the Olympics and true sportsmanship is really about? Kick it! Kick it good--in volleyball!
It is awesomely legal-legit-OK to deflect the ball with your foot, block the ball with your foot or even kick to a teammate or over the net. After kicking the ball, the usual rules apply. You are not permitted to make contact with the ball until someone else has touched it; you can't hit the ball twice in a row with your hands. Nothing new there.
But the kick--the Brazilian kick was heard loudly all over the V-ball world. Many think this will be a game changer from world class volleyball games down to high school sports. The kick by Brazil was so skillful, so outrageously spectacular that it is making everyone interested in this sport, sit up and pay attention. One commentator called it, " a transcendent moment." That comment speaks volumes.
At the very minimum, the overwhelming confusion about what would seem to be a simple Volleyball rule has now been clarified forever. Some of the confusion is due to frequent changes in the rule books across the board for a considerable time. However, over the past few years, there is no longer any rule barring contact with the foot at any level. Bottom line: use your head--use your foot-it's all OK in volleyball play.
What are the implications of this change or, at least, the improved understanding of the 'foot' rule? It should, most definitely, open numerous doors to a multitude of new and exciting strategies during v-ball matches.
Even soccer players might now be more enthusiastic, or at least, less disparaging, about volleyball. More exciting plays are sure to be in the works as coaches rethink traditional volleyball moves. It's as exciting as when they introduced the double axel in skating.
Volleys could be longer since the kick can now save a ball from hitting the ground by keeping it airborne longer.
Brazil may not have repeated their Beijing success in London but they definitely made history. In doing so, made a huge contribution to the sport. Isn't that what the Olympics and true sportsmanship is really about? Kick it! Kick it good--in volleyball!
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