For most levels, rally scoring has become the standard in volleyball. It was implemented in order to provide for a more efficient way to predict the length of games. In the traditional scoring system, Sideout Scoring, matches could remain stagnant, in terms of points being scored, for quite a long time. The rally scoring system allows the game to progress much more fluidly.
In essence, a point and the serve are awarded to the team which wins the rally, whether they served the ball or not. Matches may be played to a best of three games or a best of five games, with each game played to 25 points. The deciding game (game three or game five depending on the setup) is played to 15 points.
Also, a team must win by a minimum of two points and there is no scoring cap. In theory, this could make a game using rally score last just as long as those using the traditional scoring system. But, I have rarely seen a team score higher than 28 or 29 points in a single game. Most games end at the standard 25 points.
Essential Information
- Games are played to 25 points
- The team that wins the rally scores the point and the serve
- Each game must be won with a minimum two-point advantage
- There is no scoring cap
- The final, deciding game is played to 15, rather than 25
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