As you look through the history of volleyball, you can see that it was an evolving sport– the volleyball rules were changed and adjustments were made through the years to improve the sport. In the late 1990’s rules for international competitions were introduced, this article will touch on a few of those changes.

One of the main volleyball rules that changed was that the scoring became “rally scoring” meaning that any error that occurred meant that the opposite team received a point. Changing this volleyball rule meant that either team could score on any point, regardless of which team served the ball, so the games were faster.

Additionally, the volleyball rules were changed to adjust the number of points that needed to be scored. Previously, 15 points per set needed to be scored, but that number was increased to 25 points for the first four sets and 15 points for the final set. Each set needed to be won be a margin of at least two points, and the matches were based on the best of the five sets.

In 1998 the dress code was changed– baggy uniforms and long sleeved shirts were banned. The back of the shirts must contain the players last name and number, and the front of the shirts have the country flag and name. Also, the players number must be placed on the shorts front of the right leg.

The last change in volleyball rules that occurred in the 1990s was that a “libero” player was introduced. Each team was allowed to have one player available to substitute for any other play at any given time. This player is dressed in a different uniform and does not rotate with the team or serve the ball, they only substitute in for defensive help.Want to quickly improve your volleyball skills? Click here to access Athletes Vertical Resource (Vertical Leap Training) - Get an explosive vertical agility training all-in-one program.