In the sport of volleyball, a fault occurs when a player contacts the ball illegally with consecutive touches. This infraction happens when the ball rebounds off one part of the player’s body onto another part in quick succession, or when the player uses a prolonged motion to redirect the ball. For example, if a player attempts to set the ball but the ball hits their fingers unevenly, causing it to spin erratically, this is typically penalized.
Enforcing this rule maintains fairness and the flow of the game. Consistent application of the fault promotes precise ball control and strategic play, as it prevents players from manipulating the ball improperly. The rule’s origin stems from a desire to ensure that volleyball remains a game of skill, technique, and team coordination, rather than allowing for haphazard or uncontrolled ball handling.