When is a live ball considered dead?

A live ball in volleyball is considered dead when it touches the floor. This is a fundamental rule of the game, as any ball that lands in or out of the playing area has definitive implications on play.

When the ball hits the floor, the rally concludes, and the point is awarded to the opposing team if the ball fell into their court. The moment the ball touches the ground, it signifies that play has stopped due to the completion of that rally. This rule helps to create clear boundaries in the game, as it establishes that the floor serves as a definite endpoint for the ball's trajectory during active play.

While hitting the net and going out of bounds can affect the play, they do not automatically indicate that the ball is dead. Similarly, the referee's whistle signals the end of play, but it is not the physical contact of the ball with the ground that causes the rally to end. Understanding this helps players and coaches focus on the importance of ball control and placement, as well as strategic positioning to avoid allowing the ball to touch the ground in their own area.