Basketball and volleyball are team-oriented sports that involve getting the ball to the opponent’s half to score points. However, there are considerable differences between the two in terms of how the game is played, the scoring system, and more. So how are basketball and volleyball different, and what should you know about each sport?
In basketball, a team gets points when the ball goes into the opposition’s hoop. In volleyball, a point is scored when the ball touches the floor in the opponent’s court. The winning team in basketball has the most points. In volleyball, the team that wins the most sets out of five is the victor.
Continue reading to learn more about these two sports. This article will highlight the similarities and differences between these two sports.
How Does Basketball Differ From Volleyball?
You must look at the rules and how the game is played to understand the difference between the two sports. Once you know the nuances of each sport, it’s easy to make sense of what’s going on during a match.
Here’s a simple table comparing the two sports to help explain these differences:
| Category | Basketball | Volleyball |
| Court Size | 28 m x 15 m (91.86 ft x 49.21 ft) | 18 m x 9 m (59.1 ft x 29.5 ft) |
| Team Size | 5 players per team. The total team size, minus the head coach and delegation staff, is 12 players. | 6 players per team. The total team size, excluding coaching and medical members, is 12 players. |
| Positions | – Center – Power – Forward – Small Forward – Shooting Guard – Point Guard | – Libero – Middle Blocker – Outside Hitter – Right Side Hitter – Setter |
| Substitutions | Unlimited substitutions are allowed throughout the game. | 6 substitutions are allowed in every set. |
| Scoring | – All successful shots count as 2 points. – If the shot is taken beyond the 3-point line, it is counted as 3 points. – Every successful free throw is 1 point. – After one team scores, the opposing team starts the game. | – If the ball touches the ground on the opposition’s side of the court, the volleyball goes out of bounds, or a foul committed, the team gets 1 point. – The scoring team gets to serve after winning the rally. |
| Skills | – Attack – Block – Dig – Pass – Serve – Set | – Block – Dribble – Pass – Rebound – Shoot |
| Timeout | – In the first half, only 2 timeouts are allowed. – During the second half, every team can make 3 timeouts. – During each quarter of overtime, each team is allowed 1 timeout. – The duration of the timeout is 1 min (60 seconds). | – Only 2 timeouts are allowed in a set. – Each team gets 30 seconds during a timeout. |
How Do Substitutions in Basketball and Volleyball Differ?
Substitutions in Basketball
Per the official rulebook, basketball allows teams to make unlimited substitutions throughout the game. However, there is a rule regarding substitutions during the game’s last quarter.
If a team scores and there are less than 2 minutes of game time remaining, the scoring team cannot make a substitution. They can only do so if the referee stops the game.
Substitutions in Volleyball
The substitution rules for volleyball are specific. If the coach wants to substitute for a position, they must swap out the starting player for one from the bench.
Should the coach want to make another change in the same position, they can only bring on the starting player for the one they subbed initially.
In other words, you can only swap the same two players for a single position.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of differences when it comes to basketball and volleyball. The best way to know how they differ is to look at the official rulebook. Some areas where you’ll notice the contrast are court size, team size, skills required, and substitution and timeout rules.