What constitutes a double contact in volleyball?

A double contact is when a player contacts the ball twice in succession or the ball contacts two different body parts sequentially during a single action. It is a fault except on the team's first contact (serve-receive or block rebound).

Full Explanation

Per FIVB Rule 9.2.1, a player may not contact the ball two times consecutively. However, an exception exists: on the team's first contact (including a dig or serve-receive, but excluding a set on the first contact), the ball may contact multiple parts of the body simultaneously in a single action, provided it is one continuous movement. For example, a ball that hits a player's forearm and chest simultaneously on a hard-driven attack dig is not a double. But if the ball bounces off the forearm and then the hands sequentially, it is a double. A setter who contacts the ball with both hands at different times in the same action also commits a double. NFHS Rule 9-4 and NCAA rules follow the same standard.

Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 9.2.1; NFHS Rule 9-4