The volleyball court is easier to read when you split it into zones. Each side is 9 meters by 9 meters, divided by the center line and net. The attack line sits 3 meters from the center line and separates front-row attacking space from the back court.
The Main Areas
The front zone is the space between the net and attack line. Middle blockers, setters, and front-row attackers do much of their fastest work here.
The back zone is where defenders, passers, and back-row attackers prepare the next contact. The service zone sits behind the end line, and the free zone around the court gives players room to chase the ball.
Net And Antennae
The ball must cross the net inside the antennae to be legal. The antennae are small, but they explain many referee calls: a ball that crosses outside them is out even if it lands inside the court.
What To Watch
When a back-row player attacks, watch where they jump. The attack line is the key reference point for whether a back-row attack is legal.