This fast-developing town of Malappuram district, which is more used to the breath-taking pace of seven-a-side football matches, is looking forward to a different sporting experience as it gears up to host the 25th National Junior Volleyball Championship at the Govt Higher Secondary School ground here from tomorrow.

The brand of volleyball which will be on display here for the next six days promises to be faster and more exciting, for the simple reason that a new set of rules aimed at bringing back the crowds to the courts, will come into force with this tournament. The new rules introduced by the International Volleyball Federation on the New Year's Day, are expected to add more thrills and frills to the game.

The `table tennis rule' of awarding point for every rally, which was hitherto used only in the tie-break set, would be applicable for the entire match, irrespective of whether a team was serving orreceiving service, according to the new rule.

The new method would replace the old system in which only the serving team won points. According to the new rule, each rally will win a point. When the team receiving the service wins a rally, it gains a point and the right to serve.

The system of awarding a set to the team winning the first 15 points has also been done away with. Instead a team first scoring 25 points with a maximum lead of two points will win the set. In case of a 24-24 tie, play will continue till a team achieved a two-point lead.

In the event of 2-2 tie, the deciding fifth set will be played to 15 points with a maximum lead of two points.

THE LIBERO: Though the libero system has already been introduced in the national tournaments, it has to be seen how many of the teams would be fielding specialised defensive players in this tournament, as even the senior sides are struggling to find suitable players to fill the crucial slot.

Each team has the option to register among thefinal list of 12 players, one specialised defensive player. The libero is restricted to perform as a back row player and is not allowed to complete an attack hit from anywhere (including playing court and free zone) if at the moment of contact, the ball is entirely above the height of the top of the net. The law also restricts the libero from serving, blocking and attempting to block.

Karnataka, the reigning champions in the boys section are likely to face stiff challenge from the last year's losing finalists Andhra Pradesh, Services and Punjab. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are the teams likely to pose threat to the title aspirations of Kerala girls who had emerged champions in the last edition at Warangal, beating West Bengal in the final.

At least a few of the State sides would be missing the services of some of their prominent players, owing to the clash of dates with the National Schools Championship which is being held now in West Bengal.

Twenty-two boys and sixteen girls' teams are expected tovie for honours in the tournament which will be held on a league-cum-knock out basis. The matches will be held simultaneously on four courts under the lights. The finals are scheduled for January 26.