There was one match I’ll never forget. We were playing in a local tournament, and the game was getting hard. Every point mattered. One of our players made a rough pass, and the ball started flying toward my foot.
Without thinking, I kicked it. It was pure instinct. The ball popped into the air just enough for one of our hitters to swing at it. We won that point.
Everyone was cheering, but then the ref blew the whistle. One player from the other team said, “You can’t use your foot! That’s against the rules.”
I was stuck. I didn’t know if kicking was okay or not. That moment stayed in my head long after the game ended. So I started digging into the rules and asking around. What I found was really interesting, and I want to share it with you here.
So, can you kick the ball in volleyball? Let’s break it down.
What Do the Rules Say About Kicking in Volleyball?
So, can you kick the ball in volleyball? The simple answer is: Yes, you can. But there are conditions.
According to FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) and USA Volleyball, players are allowed to hit the ball with any part of their body. That includes your foot. But the contact has to be clean—you can’t hold, catch, or carry the ball. If the ball bounces off your foot like a regular hit, it’s perfectly fine.
Before 1993, kicking wasn’t allowed in international play. But then FIVB updated the rule. Now, feet are allowed to touch the ball if it’s a legal hit.
Kicking Rules in Different Volleyball Types
| Volleyball Type | Is Kicking Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor (FIVB / USA) | Yes | Foot hits are allowed if clean |
| Beach Volleyball (FIVB) | Yes | Feet can be used just like hands |
| College (NCAA) | Yes | Legal in matches |
| High School | Sometimes | Depends on the state or school rules |
| Backyard / Friendly Games | Depends | Usually decided by house rules |
Why Would You Ever Kick the Ball?
Most of the time, we’re taught to play volleyball using our hands and arms. Coaches focus on setting, passing, and spiking. But during fast games, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes, the ball shoots off in a weird direction, and you can’t reach it with your hands.
That’s when your foot can help. Kicking the ball is usually a last-second move. You don’t plan it. Your body just reacts. It might happen when you’re falling, diving, or trying to save the ball near the floor. It’s rare, but it can keep the rally going.
Still, kicking isn’t very accurate. Coaches don’t teach it as a skill because it’s hard to control. But in a tight spot, it can make all the difference.
Read: What Is a Utility Player in Volleyball
A Real Game Example: Foot Save That Went Viral
In 2015, during a PAN AM games match, a libero made an incredible foot save. A teammate blocked the ball, but it bounced in a strange direction. The libero couldn’t dive in time, so she swung her foot and tapped the ball back into the air. Her team stayed in the rally and ended up winning the point.
That video spread fast online. People were shocked and asked, “Is that even allowed?” The answer was yes. It was a legal play—and a great one.
It showed that even in serious games, using your foot can be a smart move. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it can be a big moment.
Volleyball and Other Sports: How Feet Are Treated
Volleyball is special. Unlike many sports, it allows you to use any part of your body. In soccer, you can’t use your hands. In basketball, you can’t use your feet. But in volleyball, both are okay—as long as the hit is clean.
Rules About Feet in Different Sports
| Sport | Can You Use Feet? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Volleyball | Yes | Any body part can be used if hit is legal |
| Soccer | Yes (main use) | Feet are the main part used |
| Basketball | No | Kicking is a violation |
| Tennis | No | Foot contact is not part of the game |
| Rugby | Yes | Kicking is part of gameplay |
Is Kicking a Good Idea in Volleyball?
Using your foot can be useful—but it’s not always the best move. First, there’s the risk of injury. Kicking a fast ball on a hard floor can hurt your ankle or knee. Second, feet are hard to control. The ball might go flying out of bounds.
Also, your teammates might not expect you to kick. That can mess up their timing and lead to confusion. That’s why most coaches tell players to only use their feet in emergency situations.
Read: What is The Average Volleyball Player Height?
Can You Use Your Feet in Beach Volleyball?
Beach volleyball follows the same rules as indoor. You’re allowed to use your foot if the contact is legal. In fact, the soft sand and slower pace make it easier to try a foot save.
Some beach players even practice it. It’s not common, but it’s good to have in your skill set. A surprise kick might throw off the other team and help win a point.
Also read: Beach Volleyball vs Indoor Volleyball: What’s the Difference?
Did You Know? There’s a Sport Called Foot Volleyball
There’s actually a sport called Sepak Takraw—often called foot volleyball. It’s big in Southeast Asia and played with a small ball made of rattan. In this game, you can’t use your hands at all.
Players jump and flip in the air to kick the ball over the net. It’s like a mix of soccer and volleyball, and it’s super fun to watch.
Times You Might Kick the Ball
Here are some moments in a match when kicking might happen:
- A ball flies toward the floor and your hands can’t reach it.
- The ball bounces off a teammate and is falling fast.
- You’re already lying on the court and the ball is near your feet.
In these moments, a quick kick might keep the ball alive. It’s not planned, but it might save the point.
What Legal Foot Contact Looks Like
Can You Serve or Spike Using Your Foot?
Technically, yes. You can serve or spike with your foot as long as the hit is legal. But in real matches, it doesn’t work well. Foot serves or spikes are too hard to control.
You might try it for fun in a friendly game, but in competitive play, it’s not useful. Still, it’s interesting that the rules don’t stop you from trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you score a point with a kick?
Yes. If the ball is hit legally with the foot, the point counts.
Do coaches teach players to kick?
No, not usually. It’s more of a reaction than a skill.
Do pro players ever kick the ball?
Yes. In rare cases, they use their feet to save a ball.
Is kicking seen as bad in volleyball?
No. If it follows the rules, it’s just part of the game.
Can you kick the ball more than once in a play?
Only if the team has hits left. You can’t kick the ball twice in a row yourself.
Are there any situations where kicking is not allowed?
Yes, if the contact is not clean or if it’s a safety concern (like high kicks near others).
Is it legal to block or set with your feet?
Technically yes, but it’s very hard to control. Players don’t do it by choice.
Can a libero kick the ball?
Yes. A libero can legally use any part of their body, including feet, to play the ball.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I’m glad the referee allowed that point. My kick helped us stay in the game, but it also helped me learn something new. Volleyball isn’t only about perfect moves. Sometimes, it’s about quick thinking.
So next time you see the ball dropping and your hands are too far away—don’t freeze. If it feels right, give it a kick. You never know—it might just save the point and become your most memorable moment on the court.