Is a push over the net a carry? What IS a carry?

Question
Is it legal to push the ball over the net open handed? If so what is considered a throw or carry?

Answer
Good evening and welcome to www.allexperts.com.

First, I assume that you're talking about playing 6's.  If you're talking about doubles, then no, I believe it illegal.

The rule book calls a lift/carry a "prolonged contact".  So that's it.  When you push the ball over, do you keep it in your hand a prolonged time?  If you do, then it's illegal.  The ref shouldn't make the call by the sound, or by how the hands are shaped, but just by "was the ball held?  was it thrown? did it stick to the player's hand?"

This is a judgement call, just like balls and strikes in baseball, fouls in basketball, holding in football, etc.  So referees are different!  Some are strict, some call no lifts.  I just got home from a match tonight and the referee called about 6 lifts, and from the bleachers, I wouldn't have called by one. Maybe on the stand, I would have called more!  haha

I hope that answered your question.  I wish I could be more definite.  But, the lift/carry call is a gray area.  Not black and white like foot faults, overlaps, etc.  '

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