Learn about Volleyball 

Volleyball Terms

Scoring & Match Terms

• Rally Scoring – A point is scored on every rally, regardless of who served.

• Set/ Game – A game played to 25 points (win by 2); final set often to 15 if needed as a tie breaker. 

• Match – Usually best of three or five sets/ games against one team.

• Timeout – A brief break called by the coach.

• In club volleyball, we will play a match against one opponent. The goal is to win two sets/ games in the match. The first two games are to 25, the third is a tiebreaker to 15. Must win games by two points.

Basic Skills & Contacts

• Serve – The hit that starts a rally. Can be underhand, overhand, or a jump serve.

• Pass (Formerly called "Bump") – The first contact after a serve, usually with forearms, to control the ball.

• Set – A soft, controlled touch (usually overhead) to put the ball in position for a hitter.

• Hit / Attack / Spike – An aggressive hit to send the ball over the net and score.

• Free Ball – An easy ball sent over the net with little or no attack.

Positions

• Setter – The playmaker who sets up hitters. Goal: Setters should get the second ball.

• Outside Hitter (Left Side) – Attacks from the left front; often a main scorer.

• Middle Blocker / Middle Hitter – Plays near the net, focuses on blocking and quick hits.

• Right Side (Opposite) – Attacks from the right front and helps block the other team’s outside hitter.

• Libero – Defensive specialist wearing a different-colored jersey; cannot attack above the net or serve in some leagues. Do not have to sub in and out with the refs, can run on and off the court.

• Defensive Specialist (DS) – Substitutes in for back-row defense.

Game Play Terms

• Rally – The sequence of play until a point is scored.

• Rotation – Players move clockwise after winning the serve. Must be in this order when the ball is served but can move after.

• Side Out – When the receiving team wins the rally and earns the serve back.  Common to hear someone yell "side out" at their team encouraging them to earn the serve back.

• Back Row / Front Row – Back row players cannot attack above the net.

• Three-Hit Rule – Each team can contact the ball up to three times before sending it over.

Net & Attack Terms

• Block – Jumping at the net to stop or deflect an attack.

• Tip / Dump – A soft touch over the block instead of a hard hit.

Errors & Violations

• Double Hit – Illegal multiple contacts on one attempt (often called on sets).

• Lift / Carry – Holding the ball too long instead of a clean hit.

• Net Violation – Touching the net during play.

• Foot Fault – Stepping on or over the service line while serving.

• Out – Ball lands outside the boundary lines.

Offensive Systems 

(How Teams Set Up Their Hitters)

4–2 Offense

• What it means: 4 hitters, 2 setters

• How it works:
  The setter is always in the front row. Whoever is in the front sets the ball.

• Why teams use it:
  Simple and easy to learn; common in middle school and beginner levels.

• Trade-off:
  Only two hitters available in the front row at a time.
  
  

5–1 Offense

• What it means: 5 hitters, 1 setter

• How it works:
  One player sets all the time, even from the back row.

• Why teams use it:
  Consistency—hitters always know who is setting; common in advanced middle school, high school, and club.

• Trade-off:
  When the setter is in the front row, there are only two hitters; when in the back row, there are three hitters.
  
  

6–2 Offense

• What it means: 6 hitters, 2 setters

• How it works:
  The setter sets only when they are in the back row. When they rotate to the front, they become a hitter and the other setter takes over.

• Why teams use it:
  Always keeps three hitters in the front row.

• Trade-off:
  Requires two strong setters who can also hit—more complex.

*There are other systems, but these are the most common that you will likely hear.