What are the serving and screening rules?

Service

• The server has 5 seconds after the first referee's whistle to contact the ball.
• The ball doesn't have to be tossed or released before contact.
• After releasing the ball for service, the server may catch it or let it drop to the floor for a re-serve. Only one re-serve per player per term of service.

Screening (Rule 6-5-1, new for 2026-27)

• Players on the serving team may not raise their hands above their heads during service until the ball has passed beyond the net.
• Serving-team players also may not take any action to prevent receivers from seeing the server's contact or the path of the ball.

Attacking the serve
A player may not attack a served ball that is entirely above the top of the net, from in front of or behind the attack line.

Libero serving
The libero may serve in one position in a set. With two liberos designated, either may serve, but only in that same position.