A. Number of Players and Court Dimensions
- The Mini-v game can be played by singles (1 on 1) or doubles (2 on 2).
- The playing court is 26’-0” (long) x 11’-0” (wide).
- The length of the court is sectioned into 2 equal parts by a net that is 6’-0” in height so that the player(s) participate on a 13’-0” (l) x 11’-0” (w) playing surface.
- If playing singles (1 on 1), each player is limited to one ball strike to get the ball over the net.
- If playing doubles (2 on 2), each player on a team may strike the ball one time to get the ball over the net (i.e. 2 ball strikes total)
B. The “Dead Zone”
- The “Dead Zone” is the court area within 3’-0” on both sides of the net for the full width of the court.
- Play is prohibited from within the Dead Zone. This rule prevents players from spiking from a position within the Dead Zone.
- A player may only enter the Dead Zone to strike a ball hit into the Dead Zone by the opposing player/team (other than on a serve). This is known as a “Pass”.
- To warrant a Pass, the player entering the Dead Zone may only strike the ball in an underhand manner (e.g. below his/her shoulders), and must thereafter immediately exit the Dead Zone to the field of play.
- A player shall not be entitled to consecutive Passes unless the player exits the Dead Zone to the field of play after each Pass.
- It is a fault if, when volleying, a player steps into the Dead Zone, including on the line, other than as part of a Pass.
C. The Serve
- The serve must be made underhand.
- The serve is initiated with both feet of the serving player behind the baseline. Neither foot may contact the baseline or court until after the ball is struck.
- The ball must be served over the net and into the opposite side playing area. Service that lands in the Dead Zone is a fault.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event the ball touches the net on the serve and lands in the playing area of the opponent (not the Dead Zone). This is known as a “Let”.
- Let serves are replayed, but the server is only permitted one Let serve per service attempt.
- A player continues to serve until he/she loses the point. This is known as a “Side-Out”.
- After a Side-Out, the opposing player/team serves the ball in accordance with the same procedures.
- If playing in teams (2 on 2), the players must alternate service.
D. Scoring
- A point is scored on every serve (i.e. “rally” scoring).
- Games are normally played to 15 or 21 points, win by 2.
- Tournament games may also be played to 15 or 21 points, win by 2.
E. In-Play, Out-of-Play Calls
- A ball contacting any line, except the Dead Zone line on a serve, is considered In-Play.
- A serve contacting the Dead Zone line is Out-of-Play.
- A ball returned to the opposite side of the court outside of the vertical side poles holding the net is considered Out-of-Play.
F. Faults
- A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation.
- A fault by the receiving player results in a point for the serving player.
- A fault by the serving player results a Side-Out and a point for the receiving player.
- A fault occurs when:
- A serve does not land In-Play;
- The ball is not hit over the net on the serve or any return;
- The ball is hit Out-of-Play;
- A player enters the Dead Zone, including the line, unless during a valid Pass;
- A ball is volleyed from the Dead Zone other than in accordance with a valid Pass;
- There is a violation of a service rule; or
- A ball in play strikes any object (other than the net) before bouncing on the court.