What is Nukem?
Nukem (also known as Newcomb) is a fast-paced, high-energy volleyball variation where players catch and throw the ball over the net instead of using traditional volleyball contacts like serving, passing, setting, or hitting. It captures all the movement and excitement of volleyball while keeping the game accessible and continuous for players of all skill levels.
Why Nukem is Great for Player Development
While Nukem is easy to learn and fun to play, it directly builds the foundational physical and mental skills needed for competitive volleyball:
Ball Tracking
Trains players to read ball trajectories early, move their feet, and get into position under the ball.
Court Awareness
Teaches athletes how to scan the opposing side, find open space, and communicate with partners.
Defensive Rotations
Helps players master court coverage, lateral movement, and seamless transition defense in a doubles setting.
Tournament Format
Team Setup
2v2 (Doubles)
Team Uniform/Color
Teams are encouraged to choose their own team colors and make their own team shirts.
Court Layout
Played on a modified, scaled-down court designed specifically to create optimal coverage and fast play for two players.
Guaranteed Games
Every team is guaranteed a minimum of 4 games.
Timed Matches
All games will be timed between 8-12 minutes based on the number of total participating teams in the tournament. If the score is tied at the end of the time limit, one (1 minute) extra point will be played to determine the winner. If there is no winner after one minute of play, one player from each team will play rock, paper, scissors to determine the winning team.
Schedule Breakdown
Pool Play: 3 round-robin games to determine bracket seeding. Seeding will be based on record, points against, and points for. (in that order)
Playoff Bracket: A single-elimination tournament following pool play to determine the champions.
Tournament House Rules
Because Nukem has many regional variations, our tournament uses a specific set of “house rules” to ensure fair and competitive play:
1 Serving Rules
- Two-Handed Delivery: Serves may be thrown overhand or underhand, but must be executed with two hands.
- Serves must be taken behind the serving line.
2 Catching & Handling
- Clean Control: The ball must be caught cleanly without bobbling or juggling against the body.
- Holding Limit: Players may hold the ball for up to 3 seconds before making a throw or pass.
- Footwork: Players may take up to 2 steps after catching the ball to absorb momentum before coming to a stop or throwing.
3 Teamwork & Touches
- Maximum Touches: Teams have up to 3 catches/passes to return the ball over the net.
- No Self-Passes: A player cannot toss the ball to themselves or make consecutive catches without a teammate touching the ball in between.
4 Scoring & Boundaries
- Rally Scoring: A point is scored on every single serve, regardless of which team served.
- Boundaries: Standard volleyball boundary rules apply (lines are considered in bounds).
- Net Violations: Players may not contact the net at any time during play.