FABLE, BRITISH COLUMBIA – A 72-3 vote this morning at the Global Volleyball Conference resulted in a rule change in the acceptable ball shape for 2015 matches worldwide. Yesterday, a representative from the global committee introduced a motion to alter the shape of the volleyball from round to slightly oval to help offset the improvements in defensive play after the introduction of the libero position. The motion passed easily resulting in the rule change taking effect January 1, 2015.

“We were seeing too many easy passes during serves and spikes, and the play style just got too defensive. During trials the new ball shape really promoted adversity on the court and made players earn the pass”, explained chairman Eligal Tipper.

The alterations will shave ¾ of an inch off of each side of the round ball resulting in the oval shape. The reduction in material is expected to benefit the environment while the oval shape will produce more unpredictable passing and more service points.

Professional tester Hecant Pley had this to say about the oval ball, “I played three games with the new ball and I maybe had one good pass, the rest just hit my arms and went to either side. It’s really unpredictable and even wobbles in the air during serves. I don’t know how most players will react, but for someone like me who shanks most of my passes anyway it really levels the field.”

The new ball will be hitting shelves in October so players can begin practicing ahead of the rule change. In the meantime it’s suggested that teams can try practicing with rugby balls to give them an idea of how the oval shape will react on the court.

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