What Is A Carry In Volleyball?

In volleyball, a “carry” occurs when a player fails to properly hit the ball with their hands and instead holds or throws it, resulting in a prolonged or improper contact. This violation is considered illegal, and it often happens during setting or passing when a player attempts to control the ball but ends up carrying it momentarily. When a carry is detected by the referee, the opposing team is awarded a point or the serve. Players are allowed to briefly contact the ball with their fingers for setting or passing, but they must avoid holding or lifting it excessively, as this constitutes a carry.

Different Types Of Carries In Volleyball

1. Lift or Carry:

This violation occurs when a player catches or picks up the ball during contact instead of clearing it with their hands.

2. Throwing:

Throwing involves throwing or slinging the ball with one or both hands, rather than hitting it cleanly with an open palm or finger action.

3. Palming:

Palming occurs when a player contacts the ball with the open hand(s) in a way that resembles holding or pushing the ball rather than hitting it cleanly.

Each of these carries is considered an illegal action according to the rules of volleyball and may result in a point awarded to the opposing team or a loss of serve, depending on the specific rules of the competition.

4. Rotation Violation:

This occurs when players are not in the correct rotational order during serve receive. Each player must be in a specific position in the rotational order, and any deviation from this order results in a violation.

5.Net Violation:

This involves a player touching the net with any part of their body while the ball is in play. It can occur during blocking, attacking, or any other action near the net.

6. Foot Fault:

A foot fault happens when a player steps on or over the end line or center line while serving or during a play. This results in a violation and loss of serve or point for the opposing team.

7. Back Row Attack Violation:

In volleyball, back-row players are not allowed to jump and attack the ball if they take off from behind the ten-foot line. Doing so results in a back-row attack violation.

Each of these violations can result in penalties such as loss of point, loss of serve, or side-out, depending on the specific rules of the game or competition.

How Can You Tell If The Call Was “A Carry”?

In volleyball, determining if a call was a “carry” typically involves observing the contact between the player’s hands and the ball. Here are some indicators that a carry may have occurred:

1. Prolonged Contact: The player’s hands remain in contact with the ball for an extended period, indicating that they may have held or carried the ball rather than making a clean hit.
2. Change in Direction: The ball’s trajectory changes abruptly or appears to “float” rather than being hit cleanly, suggesting that the player may have pushed or lifted the ball.
3. Visible Spin: If the ball spins irregularly or in an unexpected manner after contact, it could indicate that the player’s hands manipulated the ball rather than making a clean hit.
4. Referee’s Signal: The referee may make a signal indicating a carry violation, such as a hand motion resembling lifting or carrying the ball.
5. Opponent’s Reaction: Sometimes, opposing players or coaches may react to a perceived carry violation by appealing to the referee or reacting visibly on the court.
6. Sound: In some cases, a distinct sound may accompany a carry violation, such as the ball making contact with the player’s hands for an extended period.

How To Avoid A Carry In Volleyball

1. Proper Hand Position: Maintain correct hand positioning, such as an open platform for setting and straight forearms for passing.

2. Soft Hands: Make gentle, controlled contact with the ball to prevent gripping or tensing of the hands.

3. Timing: Anticipate the ball’s trajectory and move into position early to execute skills effectively.

4. Limit Hand Movement: Minimize excessive hand movement or manipulation of the ball once it makes contact with the hands.

5. Practice Technique: Regularly practice proper hand positioning and technique to reinforce skills and avoid carries. Learn More

Conclusion

A convey in volleyball is the point at which a player connects with the ball and it appears to noticeably stop or wait on their fingers or hand prior to being hit or passed to a colleague. This is viewed as an infringement and results in a point for the rival group. Players must practice legitimate ball control and strategy to try not to commit a convey.