What does "double contact" mean in a receive?

"Double contact" in volleyball refers to a situation where a single player touches the ball consecutively two times during one attempt to play the ball. This often occurs when a player is trying to receive a serve or dig a ball, and it can happen due to the technique used to play the ball, such as a poor passing technique or when the ball has a particularly spin. According to the rules, this infraction is typically called on a player when they make two distinct contacts with the ball, which results in a fault and the loss of the rally.

In this context, the other scenarios do not constitute a "double contact". Receiving while in the air does not imply a double contact; touching the net is a separate violation; and simultaneous contact by two players on a serve involves a completely different infraction known as a "double hit" or "player contact" rather than a "double contact" by one player. Understanding the rules surrounding double contact is crucial for players as it affects their skill development and game performance.