Can You Use Your Feet in Volleyball? [Rules & Exceptions]

It might seem like an odd question at first, but it comes up more often than you'd think—especially in casual or pickup games: Can you legally use your feet in volleyball?

The short answer is yes, but with a few important clarifications. Here’s what the official rules say, how foot contacts are treated in different levels of play, and when it actually makes sense to use your feet on the court.

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What the Rules Say About Using Feet in Volleyball

According to the official rules set by both FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) and USA Volleyball, the ball can legally touch any part of the body—including the feet.

That means kicking the ball, intentionally or not, is not considered a fault as long as:

• The contact is legal (i.e., not a lift or prolonged contact)
• It’s within the allowed number of team touches (typically three)
• The ball stays in play and inside the boundaries

So, yes, a foot can be used to save a ball, pass it, or even attack it under certain circumstances.

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When Foot Contact Happens Most Often

While it’s legal, using your feet isn’t a common technique in structured games. It tends to happen more in the following scenarios:

• Emergency saves: A last-ditch toe flick or foot dig to keep the ball off the ground.
• Scrappy plays: During intense rallies where players are out of position.
• Beach volleyball: Players may use their feet more often due to looser formations and unpredictable bounces.

In high-level indoor play, though, you rarely see deliberate foot contact—most players prefer using arms and hands for better control and accuracy.

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Are You Allowed to Kick the Ball Over the Net?

Technically, yes. If the contact is clean and within the rules, you can send the ball over the net with your foot. That said, it’s incredibly rare to see this happen in organized games. It’s difficult to generate power or precision with a foot shot, and most players opt for safer, more controlled methods.

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Youth and Recreational League Rules

Not all leagues adopt international or USA Volleyball rules verbatim. In some youth programs or recreational formats, using the feet may be discouraged—or even considered a fault—to simplify play or reduce risk of injury.

If you're playing in a local league, it’s always a good idea to check the specific rulebook or ask the ref before the game starts.

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Is It a Smart Strategy?

Using your feet in volleyball is more of a reflex move than a strategy. It’s great for desperation plays, but not reliable for ball control. In most cases, it’s a backup option—when diving isn’t possible or when the ball is just out of arm’s reach.

Coaches usually won’t teach or encourage foot use unless it’s part of a hustle drill or training for out-of-system plays.

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Final Thoughts

Yes, you can use your feet in volleyball—it's completely legal under official rules. But it's rarely part of intentional strategy, especially in competitive environments. If you’re playing in a rec league, youth match, or pickup game, make sure to clarify the house rules ahead of time.

Still, if the ball’s going down and a toe-poke is your only option, go for it. You might just keep the rally alive.