The Ultimate Glossary of Volleyball Terms

Whether you're a new volleyball player or a seasoned veteran, this guide to volleyball terms is for you. We've put together a comprehensive list of terms that cover everything from the rules of the game to the types of hits you should know. We'll also be diving into some of the slang and statistical terms you might hear in the world of volleyball.

Volleyball is a dynamic and exciting sport that requires skill, teamwork, and strategy. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, understanding the various volleyball terms and concepts is essential for success on the court. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can better communicate with your teammates, understand the rules of the game, and develop a deeper appreciation for the sport. Whether you're just starting or you're a dedicated player looking to expand your knowledge, we've got you covered.

The Volleyball Court

A volleyball court is 59 feet long and 29.5 feet wide. The court is divided into two halves by a net that's positioned at the center of the court. The height of the net is different for men's and women's volleyball, with the men's net being just under 8 feet high and the women's net being slightly below 7.5 feet high. Each team has six players on the court: three front-row players (close to the net) and three back-row players (farther from the net).

In the front row, the outside hitter typically occupies the left-front position, the middle blocker typically occupies the middle-front position, and the opposite hitter usually occupies the right-front position.

In the back row, the outside hitter generally occupies the left-back position, the libero or defensive specialist typically occupies the middle-back position, and the opposite hitter typically occupies the right-back position.

During a rally, the players circulate positions in a clockwise direction around the court, with each player progressing to the following position as their team obtains the serve. This rotation guarantees that each player can participate in serving the ball. However, as mentioned above, the rotation doesn’t dictate where players must stay while the ball is in play, and they’re able to swap positions once the ball is served.

Volleyball Positions

A volleyball team is made up of six players on their side of the court at a time, with each player occupying a specific position.

The outside hitter is one of the most important positions on the court. They’re responsible for attacking the ball from the left side of the court and often lead the team in kills. They need to be quick and agile, with strong hitting abilities.

The opposite hitter is responsible for attacking the ball from the right side of the court. They’re often the second-best hitter on the team and are crucial in offensive strategies. They also need to be able to block effectively.

The middle blocker is responsible for blocking the opponent's attacks and attacking the ball from the middle of the court. They need to be tall, strong, and quick, with excellent jumping abilities.

The setter is responsible for setting up the ball for the hitters to attack. They direct the offense and coordinate the plays. They need to have great hand-eye coordination, a good understanding of the game, and the ability to read the defense.

The libero is a defensive specialist responsible for receiving serves, digging balls, and passing the ball to the setter. They can substitute in and out of the game without counting toward the team's substitutions. They need to have excellent passing and defensive skills.

The defensive specialist is responsible for digging and passing the ball. They often substitute for the outside hitter or play alongside the libero. They need to have excellent defensive skills and the ability to read the opponent's attacks.

Each position in a volleyball team is vital and contributes to the group's success. Effective communication, teamwork, and a comprehensive understanding of each member's duties are key to winning games. A cohesive team can be an insurmountable force on the court.

Volleyball Terms to Know: A-E

10-ft. line: The line that marks the back of the front zone of the court, which is 10 feet away from the net. Also known as the attack line.

Ace: A serve that lands in the opponent's court untouched, resulting in a point for the serving team.

Antenna: Vertical rods attached to the top of the net at either side, used to determine if the ball has crossed over the net within the boundaries of the court.

Approach: A player's movement toward the ball before hitting it. Used to build momentum and generate power for an attack.

Assist: A pass or set that leads to a successful attack by a teammate. An assist is credited to the player who makes the pass or set.

Attack Block: When a defender jumps in front of an attacker to block a spike. The goal is to prevent the ball from crossing the net and to score a point for the defending team.

Attack Error: An unsuccessful attack attempt that results in a point for the opposing team. This can happen when attackers hit the ball out of bounds or into the net, or when they make contact with the ball while it's on the opponent's side of the net.

Attack Line: Another term for the 10-ft. line.

Attacker: A player who attempts to hit the ball over the net to score a point for their team. Also known as a hitter or spiker.

Backcourt: The area of the court that includes the back row. The backcourt players are typically defensive specialists and setters.

Back Row: The three players on a team who stand further away from the net. The back-row players are typically defensive specialists and setters.

Ball Handling Error: An error that occurs when a player makes illegal contact with the ball during play, such as carrying, holding, lifting, or throwing the ball. This results in the loss of the point, as well as loss of possession of the ball if the error happened on the serving team.

Block: When a player jumps in front of an attacker to prevent the ball from crossing the net, either by deflecting it back to the opponent’s court or spiking it downward for a point.

Blocker: A player whose primary role is to defend the net and prevent the opposing team from executing successful attacks. Effective blocking requires good timing, positioning, and technique, as well as the ability to read the opponent's offensive plays. Blockers are often tall players with good jumping ability, but players of any size can excel at blocking with the right skills and training.

Bump: A basic hit where a player uses their forearms to pass the ball to a teammate. Also known as a forearm pass.

Call the Ball: A verbal cue used by players to indicate who will make a play on the ball. This helps to prevent collisions and confusion.

Carry: A ball handling error where a player holds the ball for too long, resulting in a point for the opposing team.

Centerline: The line beneath the net that divides the court into two halves. Players are allowed to cross their hands over the centerline, but they’re not allowed to cross over this line with their feet during play. If their feet do cross it, they lose possession of the ball if they’re serving and lose the rally point.

Closing the Block: A defensive move where the blocker(s) jump to close the gap between themselves and the hitter, reducing the attacker's options for hitting the ball.

Cover: A defensive strategy where players position themselves to protect their teammates and prepare to play the ball if it's returned by the opposing team.

Cross-Court Shot: An attacking shot hit diagonally across the court, from one corner to the other.

Crosscourt: The diagonal direction across the court.

Cut: A quick and sharp attacking hit, typically hit at an angle to make it go almost parallel along the net. The cut shot, also sometimes called a cutty, is usually very hard to return by the receiving team. It’s similar to a cross-court hit.

Decoy: A tactic where a player fakes an attacking move to draw the attention of the blockers and defenders, giving a teammate a clearer shot at the ball.

Deep: A ball hit toward the back of the court.

Deep-Set: A set positioned far from the net, allowing the hitter more time to approach and make an attacking play.

Defensive Specialist: A player whose primary role is to play defense and receive serves, typically playing in the back row.

Dig: A defensive move where a player passes a spiked or hit ball, usually with their forearms, to keep it in play. A dig is awarded if the defensive player successfully passes a ball that is confirmed to be an attack attempt by the opposing team.

Double: A ball handling error where a player touches the ball twice in succession without it being touched by another player. This often happens when a player tries to make a regular pass and accidentally hits the ball again with another part of their body. Also known as a double hit.

Double Block: When two players jump together to block an attacking shot.

Double Hit: Another term for a double.

Down Ball: An attacking shot hit over the net without a strong spike where the attacker doesn’t make the full spike approach, or where their feet don’t leave the ground. This often happens when the returning team can’t execute a full offensive play and settles for a weaker hit.

Volleyball Terminology: F-J

Five-One: A formation that consists of five hitters and one setter.

Five Set: The final and deciding set of a five-set volleyball match, played to 15 points.

Flare: A powerful, fast attacking shot that often bounces off a blocker and goes out of bounds.

Float Serve: A serve hit with minimal spin. This causes the ball to move unpredictably in the air, making it difficult to receive. Also called a floater.

Foot Fault: A penalty in which a player steps over the line or fails to keep both feet planted on the ground during a serve. The result is a single foul, which means the serving team loses possession of the ball and the opposing team is awarded a point.

Forearm Pass: Another term for a bump.

Foul: An infraction of the rules that results in a point or side-out for the opposing team.

Four Set: The fourth set of a five-set volleyball match, played to 25 points.

Free Ball: A ball passed over the net with little force, allowing the receiving team to set up an easy offensive play.

Held Ball: A ball handling error where a player holds the ball for too long during contact, resulting in a point for the opposing team.

Hit: An attacking shot.

Hitting Percentage: A statistic that measures a player's success in attacking, calculated as the number of kills minus the number of errors, divided by the total number of attempts.

Joust: A situation where two players from opposing teams simultaneously touch the ball above the net.

Jump Serve: When the server jumps and hits the ball with an overhead spike.

Volleyball Words: K-O

Key: The area on the court where the setter is positioned, typically marked by tape or a differently-colored floor.

Kill: An attacking shot that results in a point for the attacking team.

Left-Back: The defensive position on the court in the back left corner.

Left-Front: The offensive position on the court in the front left corner.

Let Serve: A serve that grazes the net but continues over to the other side. This is a playable serve.

Libero: A specialized defensive player who can replace any back-row player without counting as a substitution.

Lifted Ball: A ball handling error in which a player lifts the ball and throws it upward instead of striking it.

Line: The boundary lines that mark the edges of the court.

Line-Up Sheet: A document that lists the players' positions and rotations for a match.

Match: A series of volleyball games (or sets), typically played in three or five games. The team that wins the majority of sets in each match wins the game.

Match Point: The final point that a team needs to win the match.

Middle-Back: The defensive position on the court in the middle of the back row.

Middle Blocker: The player who specializes in blocking and hitting from the middle position on the court.

Middle-Front: The offensive position on the court in the front middle.

Middle-Middle Defense: A defensive strategy where the best defender on the team covers the middle of the court. The other members of the back row position themselves slightly behind the middle player. The setter remains near the net, while the other two front-row players drop behind the ten-foot line. Since most hits end up in the middle, this enables the best defender to get digs and set up scoring opportunities.

Middle-Up Defense: A defensive strategy where the middle-back or setter plays defense at the ten-foot line behind two players who block at the net. The other two back-row players and left-front players position themselves near the perimeter of the court. This strategy is built to defend against middle hits, but it’s also good against perimeter hits and tips. It’s also known as the player up-defense, the man-up defense, or the red defense.

Mintonette: The original name for volleyball, coined by its inventor, William G. Morgan.

Off Blockers: The two front-row players who block the opposing team's attackers.

Offside Block: A block executed by a player that's not directly in front of the attacker.

Outside Hitter: The player who specializes in hitting from the left or right side of the court.

Overhand Pass: A pass made with both hands to set up an attack, also known as setting the ball.

Overhand Serve: A serve made with an overhand motion. It’s harder to execute than an underhand serve but offers more velocity and precision when successful.

Overlap: When a player moves into the adjacent player's position on the court during a rotation defense.

Pass: When a player receives and directs the ball to a teammate using their forearms or hands.

Penetration: When a blocker reaches over the net without touching it and penetrates into the opponent's space to block the ball.

Power Alley: The area of the court between the sideline and the attack line where hitters often aim powerful attacks.

Power Tip: A soft, deceptive hit where the player forcefully flicks the ball with their fingertips, intended to pass just over the blockers' hands. This usually confuses defenders as the player will make it look as though they’re approaching the net to hit the ball or simply set it. This technique is more powerful than a regular tip but weaker than a typical hit.

Volleyball Terms: P-T

Rally: The sequence of plays starting with a serve and ending when one team earns a point.

Red Card: A penalty card given to a player or coach for a serious violation, resulting in a point for the other team.

Receiving: When a defender prevents the ball from falling and keeps it in play. Receiving also refers to the team being served to by the opposing team.

Received Ball: A ball that's passed to the setter in preparation for an attack.

Right-Front: The offensive position on the court in the front right corner.

Roll Shot: A soft attacking shot with topspin, intended to pass just over the blockers' hands. This hit is executed by snapping the wrist as the attacker brings their hand down on the ball.

Rotation Defense: A defensive strategy where players move in a rotational pattern to cover different areas of the court.

Serve: The act of putting the ball into play by hitting it over the net.

Server: The player who puts the ball into play with a serve.

Service: The act of making a serve.

Service Error: A violation made by the server, resulting in a point for the opposing team.

Service Winner: A serve that defenders aren’t able to receive, resulting in an immediate point for the serving team.

Serving Specialist: A player who specializes in serving and is often brought in as a substitute for their strong serving abilities.

Set: A tactical pass that positions the ball for an attacking hit. This can also refer to one of the games in a match.

Setter: The player who usually plays in the backcourt and is responsible for setting up the team's offensive attack.

Short: A low, quick set aimed at surprising the defense.

Shot: Any off-speed attack. This can also refer to any kind of interaction with the ball i.e., a serve, set, bump, or spike in volleyball.

Side Out: When the serving team fails to score a point and the opposing team takes over the serve.

Six Two: A formation where there are six players on the court, with two players sharing the setting responsibilities.

Spike: A downward attacking hit meant to get the ball past blockers.

Spiker: A player responsible for executing powerful attacking hits.

Strong Side: The left side of the court, so called because it’s easier for right-handed players to attack from.

Time Out: A brief pause in play called by a coach to discuss tactics or to give players a rest.

Tip: A soft attacking hit executed with the fingertips, designed to pass just over the blockers' hands.

Transition: When a team moves from defense to offense or vice versa.

Trickle Serve: A serve that barely clears the net and lands close to it, making it difficult to return.

Volleyball Definitions: U-Z

Underhand Serve: A serve that's executed with an underhand motion. This is easier than an overhand serve but offers less power and control.

Weak Side: The right side of the court. Named because it’s relatively easy for right-handed players to attack from the left.

Wing Blocker: The player responsible for blocking on the sides of the net.

Wing Defender: The player responsible for defending on the sides of the court.

Wipe: A hit intended to bounce off the blocker's hands and out of bounds.

Yellow Card: A penalty card given as a warning to a player or coach for a minor violation, usually after a previous verbal warning.

Volleyball Slang

Beach Dig: When a player dives for a ball in beach volleyball to prevent it from hitting the ground, causing them to look like they’re digging in the sand.

Campfire: When a ball lands in the middle of the court between several players without any of them trying to play it. Its name comes from the fact that it results in a ring of players looking down as though at a campfire, and with the same level of activity.

Dink: A soft attacking shot hit over the blockers' hands, which drops quickly over the net.

Floater: A float serve.

In System: A term used to describe a team that’s executing their offensive plays efficiently and effectively.

Jedi Defense: When a defender makes a perfect block or pass by simply thrusting an arm out without any other movement.

Lollipop: A soft, easy-to-read serve that moves in a high arc over the net to the receiving team.

Married: A perfectly-executed double block where both blockers jump and close the block together.

Monument Valley: A vulnerable area of the court between two weak defenders.

Out of System: A term describing a team that can’t execute their offensive plays effectively due to a poor pass or set.

Paintbrush: A soft, one-handed block that brushes the ball upwards.

Pancake: When a player extends their hand and slides it along the floor to keep the ball from touching the ground.

Shank: A poorly-executed pass that flies off in an unintended direction.

Six-Pack: When a blocking player is hit in the face by a spike, resulting in a point for the opposing team.

Sizzle the Pits: Slang for a powerful, high-speed spike that lands deep in the opponent's court.

Stuffed: When a shot is blocked.