How is a "serve" defined in volleyball?

In volleyball, a "serve" is defined as the act of putting the ball into play. This is the first action that occurs after a rally begins and it is executed by one player from behind the end line. The server must strike the ball so that it crosses the net and lands in the opponent's court, initiating the rally. This action sets the tone for the play, as it gives the receiving team a chance to develop their strategy for returning the ball.

The other options, while related to aspects of the game, do not encapsulate the definition of a serve. The first hit in a rally is not specifically attributed to the serve, as that could be any player's first touch following the serve. A pass made to a teammate refers specifically to a skill used in gameplay, typically after a serve has occurred. Scoring a point relates to the outcome of rally play, where successful serves and subsequent actions contribute to points but do not define what a serve is. Understanding that the serve is the initial action to start play is crucial for grasping the flow of the game.