Is kicking the ball legal in volleyball?

Question
is it legal to intentionally kick the ball in volleyball to save it or for any other
reason? Will the official/referee call a foul?

Answer
Good morning!

Thank you for visiting www.allexpert.com!

The answer to your question depends on the rule book.

For most high school players in the USA, they use the National Federation rule book.  In that book, the ball may not touch a player below the waist.  If a touch is made below the waste, it's an illegal contact.

However, in NCAA, USAV, and international ball, any contact is legal unless it's (a) a double on the 2nd or 3rd hit, or (b) a prolonged contact on any hit.  

I coach in both NF and USAV.  I tell my players during USAV season that a ball below the waste is a legal hit, but I only tell them that so they won't be celebrating when their spike hits an opponent's shoe.  I don't want my teens to even consider doing anything with their foot!  

I've seen many lazy USAV players and outdoor doubles players who will stick a foot out, and 95% of the time they do it, it's laziness.  Don't even tell me that a short serve can't be passed better with two arms than with a foot.  But everyone laughs.  And when a ball miraculously comes up, everyone cheers, "Oh my gosh, what a great play."  I'm muttering, "What a lucky play.  What a lazy butt!"  

Before I stop, yes, I did see the play on TV in the Olympic beach game where a ball was going down a blocker's body, so he popped it up with his foot.  Never seen it before, probably will never see it again.  But that's why I said above "95%".  Some foot digs are indeed the only way to get to the ball.  

I hope I've answered your question.  If not, please ask again!  Have a great day, and please visit www.coachhouser.com!  I think you'll like the smiling faces!