When is the lift signal used in a volleyball match?

The lift signal is specifically used to indicate that a player has caught or thrown the ball rather than cleanly hitting it. This is an important aspect of the game because volleyball rules state that players must strike the ball; catching or throwing the ball constitutes a violation, as it prevents the ball from being played in the proper manner.

When the referee observes a player who has failed to perform a legal hit, which includes lifting the ball or holding it, they will use the lift signal to communicate the infraction. This helps maintain the integrity of the game by ensuring players adhere to the fundamental rules of play.

In this context, the other options do not directly correlate to the use of the lift signal. Hitting the ball, having four contacts, or stepping on the line each denotes different rule violations or actions within the game that would be signaled differently by referees. Thus, the lift signal is solely concerned with the improper handling of the ball via catching or throwing.