When is a player called for a lift in volleyball?

A lift (also called a carry) is called when the ball visibly comes to rest or is caught and thrown rather than cleanly rebounded. Per FIVB Rule 9.2.2, the contact must be clean and the ball must not be held.

Full Explanation

Per FIVB Rule 9.2.2, it is a fault to catch and/or throw the ball. A lift is called when the referee judges that the ball has been held -- that is, it visibly rests in or on the player's hands or arms and is propelled (thrown) rather than struck. Open-hand setting (overhand finger action) is legal as long as the ball rebounds quickly from the setter's fingers. The judgment of "prolonged contact" is subjective and at the referee's discretion. A similar standard applies under NFHS Rule 9-6 and NCAA rules. Common lift situations include setter contacts that are too slow, emergency underhand scoops, and overhand "push" contacts by back-row players.

Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 9.2.2; NFHS Rule 9-6