Volleyball Rules: Can You Kick the Ball Over the Net?

Question
i realise that you can kick the ball in volleyball, but is the kick of the ball permitted to go straight over the net, or does it have to be a hand/arm shot that actually puts the ball over the net? Thanks. Rich

Answer
Good afternoon and welcome to allexperts.com!

The ball MAY go over the net on the kick.  There's no problem with this.  

If you're accustomed to the National Federation rule book which governs a lot of high school matches, a kick has just been legal for only a few months.  In the 2008 season and earlier, any contact below the waste was illegal.  Period.  But starting this past August, it has been legal.

If you're accustomed to the FIVB, NCAA or USAV rule book, contacts below the waste have been legal for quite some time.  In fact, I don't remember when they were illegal.

What else can I do for you?  When you have some time, please visit my staff and me at www.coachhouser.com.  The countdown to our first summer site camp is on!  I can't wait!!

Tom Houser
Roanoke, VA