What is a foot fault in volleyball?
A foot fault occurs when the server touches the court (end line included) or the floor outside the service zone at the moment of the service hit. The same applies at take-off for a jump serve. It is a service fault and the opponent scores a point.
Full Explanation
Per FIVB Rule 12.4.3, at the moment of the service hit or take-off for a jump service, the server must not touch the court (the end line included) or the floor outside the service zone. A foot fault is called if this happens at the moment of the hit or the take-off, not before or after. After the hit, the server may step or land outside the service zone or inside the court. The service zone is 9 meters wide behind the end line (FIVB Rule 1.4.2). The fault results in a point and serve for the opponent. NFHS Rule 8-1-2 and NCAA Rule 13.1.3.6 follow the same standard.
Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA | Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 12.4.3; FIVB Rule 1.4.2; NFHS Rule 8-1-2; NCAA Rule 13.1.3.6
Primary sources:
- Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028 (FIVB)
- 2025-27 USAV Indoor Rulebook (USA Volleyball)
- NFHS Volleyball Rules (National Federation of State High School Associations)
- NCAA Women's Volleyball Rules Book (NCAA Publications)
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