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How many hits does a volleyball team get to send the ball back over the net?

Three hits, not counting a block.

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  1. Two
  2. Four
  3. Three ✔

Why: A team may use up to three hits to return the ball. A fourth hit is a fault called four hits, and the other team scores.

Huh, didn't know that: Bump, set, spike is popular because it uses all three hits.

The dad joke
Why did the volleyball team stop at three? Because four would be a hit too far.
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References

Answer: Three. A team may use up to three hits to return the ball. A fourth hit is a fault called four hits, and the other team scores.

  1. FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rule 9.1 www.fivb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FIVB-Volleyball_Rules2025_2028-EN-v05.pdf
    The team is entitled to a maximum of three hits (in addition to blocking), for returning the ball.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessCan one volleyball player hit the ball two times in a row?Sports & FitnessHow many players does each indoor volleyball team have on the court during play?Sports & FitnessYour blocker touches the spike. How many hits does your team still get?

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