What does a "double hit" refer to in volleyball?

A "double hit" in volleyball refers to a violation that occurs when a player contacts the ball twice in succession, usually during a single attempt to handle the ball. This rule is in place to promote fair play and consistency in the game. When a player touches the ball multiple times in one motion, it can give them an unfair advantage by allowing for better control or manipulation of the ball.

The rule addresses situations where, for instance, a player attempts to dig or pass a hard-driven ball and inadvertently makes contact with it twice, or when they try to set the ball but it inadvertently touches their hands or arms twice. This ensures that teams must work together to play the ball and prevents individual players from gaining undue advantage from their technique.

Understanding this violation is important because it helps players stay within the rules of the game while developing their skills. Players need to be mindful of how they handle the ball to avoid committing a double hit, which can result in a point being awarded to the opposing team.