| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |

A

A: A back-row attack near the left sideline (A-B-C-D)

Ace: A serve that results directly in a point, usually when the ball hits the floor untouched on the receiving team’s side of the court.

Angle: Cross-court shot – diagonal.

Antenna: Thin vertical poles, attached to the net on the outside edge of the side-line, that physically (but the imaginary lines actually extends infinitely) and delineate where the ball has to cross the net to be regarded as “good”.

Approach: Fast run toward the net by a hitter before he jumps in the air.

Assist: Passing or setting the ball to a teammate who attacks the ball for a kill.

Attack Attempt: The attempt by a player to terminate a play by hitting the ball to the floor on the opponent’s side.

Attack Error: An unsuccessful attack which does one of the following: the ball lands out of bounds, the ball goes into the net and terminates play or goes into the net on the third hit, the attacker is called for a center line violation, or the attacker is called for illegal contact (lift, double hit, etc) on the attack.

Attack Line: A line approximately 10 feet  away from, and parallel to, the net. A back-row player cannot legally attack the ball above the net unless he takes off on his jump from behind this line. Also called 3 meter (metric) or 10 ft. line.

Attack: The offensive action of hitting the ball across the plane of the net. The attempt by one team to terminate the play by hitting the ball to the floor on the opponent’s side.

Attacker: Also “hitter” and “spiker.” A player who attempts to hit a ball offensively with the purpose of terminating play in his or her team’s favor. Most fans know these players as front row players, although back row players can attack as long as they jump before the attack line.

Audible: a play called in mid-rally.

Auxiliary setter: Also “backup.” The player assigned to set when the designated setter cannot; sometimes the right-front or middle front player.

B

B: A back row attack between the left sideline and the middle of the court. (A-B-C-D).

Back one: Sometimes an “8.” A low, quick set that is attacked directly behind the setter.

Backcourt: The area from the endline to the attack line.

Back row: The three players whose court position is near the baseline.

Back Row Attack: When a back row player takes off to jump behind the 10-foot/3-meter line and attacks the ball.

Back set: A set delivered behind the setter. A set made when the setter’s back is towards the hitter.

Back slide: A play run by the middle attacker where they run past the setter and hit the ball by the right antenna.

Ball handling Error: Any violation the official calls a double hit, a thrown ball or a lift (except on a serve reception or attack).

Baseline: Also “Endline.” The back boundary of the court.

Beach Dig: Also “Deep Dish”. An open hand receive of the ball.

Block: Defensive front row player(s) aggressive attempt to block a spiked ball before it crosses the net. The combination of one, two or three players jumping in front of the opposing spiker and contacting the  spiked ball with the hands.

Block Assist: A successful attempt by any two or more front row players to intercept the ball near the net that results in the termination of the rally. Any person involved in the block attempt that terminates the rally receives a block assist.

Block Solo: A successful attempt by any one front row player to intercept the ball near the net that results in the termination of the rally.

Blocking Error: A violation that consists of touching the net, crossing the center line, blocking a set or any other violation which occurs while making a block attempt.

Break: Abrupt change of direction in the attacker’s approach.

Break point: The spot where the attacker changes direction.

Broad jump: Forward jump in the attackers approach. Used by back-row attackers.

Bump: Descriptive slang for forearm passing. The use of joined forearms to pass or set a ball in an underhand manner.

C

C: A a back-row attack between the mid-line of the court and the right sideline. (A-B-C-D)

Campfire: Slang for a ball that falls to the floor in an area that’s surrounded by two, three, four or more players. At the instant after the ball hits the floor, it appears as if the players are encircling and staring at a campfire.

Carry: Also “lift”. Occurs when the ball is held and lifted up rather than hit.

Chester: To be hit in the chest with a spike (variation of six-pack).

Combination: Also “tandem.” A play that involves two attackers penetrating into a single blocker’s zone of the net.

Commit Block: Blocking scheme where one player, usually the middle, jumps with the opposing middle attacker.

Court Dimensions: 59 feet from end line to end line and 29 feet, 6 inches wide (18m x 9m).

Cross-Court Attack: Also “Angle.” An attack that is directed diagonally from the point of attack.

Cross-Court Serve: A serve landing near the opponent’s right sideline.

Center Line: The boundary line on the court that runs under and along the net and divides the court into two equal halves.

Closing the Block: The responsibility of the assisting blocker(s) to angle their body relative to the first blocker.

Counter-rotate: Backcourt defense in which the off-blocker moves near the block and the middle-back moves to the cross-court corner.

Cover: To prepare to retrieve rebounds from the opposing blockers. All players should cover their hitters and blockers.

Cross: A combination where the path of one attacker crosses the path of another attacker.

Cut Shot: A spike from the hitter’s strong side that travels at a sharp angle across the net.

D

D: A back-row attack near the right sideline (A-B-C-D)

Decoy: An offensive player meant to disguise the spiker who will receive the set.

Deep: Away from the net, toward the baseline.

Deep Dish: Also “beach dig”.An open hand receive of the ball.

Deep Set: A set to be hit away from the net to confuse the blockers.

Dig: Passing a spiked or rapidly hit ball. Slang for the art of retrieving an attacked ball close to the floor.

Dink: A one-handed, soft hit into the opponent’s court behind the blockers using the fingertips.

Double Block: Two players working in unison to intercept a ball at the net.

Double Hit: Successive hits by the same player.  (Illegal, unless the first contact was a block attempt)

Double-Quick: A play set which includes two quick sets. Two hitters usually approaching the setter in the middle of the court.

Doubles: A game with two players on a side.

Down Ball: Also “Drive.” “Down” refers to the blockers who neither jumps, nor raises their hands above the net. Blockers elect not to attempt to block because the ball has been set too far from the net, or the hitter is not under control (neither a hard spike, nor a free ball).  All five players try to cover the backcourt and receive the attack (similar to five-passer serve-receive).  If the front row players don’t have time to pull back, the back court adjusts to cover.

Dump: Usually performed by the setter, who delivers the ball into the opponent’s court on the second contact.

E

Extension Roll: A move to the floor which enables a player to dig the ball.

F

Five-One (5-1): An offensive system that uses five hitters and only one setter.

Flair: A play in which the front right player fake crosses the one-hitter and then attacks on the right sideline. Inside-out path of an outside spiker who hides behind a quick hitter.

Floater: A serve with no spin that follows an erratic path due to air current.  The ball is hit with only a momentary point of contact and very little follow-through.

Follow: To move with and block an attacker.  May change positions with another blocker in the process.

Forearm Pass: Sometimes referred to as the “bump” or “dig”. Join your arms from the elbows to the wrists and strike the ball with the fleshy part of your forearms in an underhand motion. Introduced in the late 1940′s as a desperation play, the forearm pass is now rated by many as the most important fundamentals in volleyball.

Foul: A violation of the rules.

Four Set: A low set for the outside hitter, set 1′ from the sideline, and 1-2′ above the net.  Sometimes called a “Shoot Set”.

Four-Two (4-2): An offensive system using four hitters and two setters.

Free Ball: Returning the ball to the opponent without the intent to get a kill (slow, arcing, pass rather than a spike).  Team’s free-ball formation may include five, four, three, two, or one receiver.  At advanced levels, the team uses no more than two (back-row)receivers.

Free Zone:  The space outside the boundaries of the court. The free zone is typically 6 feet wide and can be used to keep the ball in play.

Front: Blocker position in order to block the attacker.

Front-row: Three players whose court position is near the net.

Front slide: Quick slide in front of the setter.

G

Game plan: Offensive and defensive emphasis for an opponent. Usually organized for each rotation.

Glide: Long, smooth, run that precedes a spike.

H

Held Ball: A ball that comes to rest during contact resulting in a foul.

Hit: To jump and strike the ball with an overhand, forceful shot.

Hitter: Also “spiker” or “attacker.” The player who is responsible for hitting the ball.

Hitting Percentage: A statistic derived from total kills minus total attack errors, divided by total attempts.

Hubby-Wife: Slang for a situation when a ball passes by two defenders and falls to he floor with each player looking at the other. A la “You get it, dear” “No honey, you get it.” and no one gets it.

I

Inside: Towards the center of the net.

Inside Shoot: A play set, or a 33.

Isolation: Single-player combination where the attacker fakes hitting a quick and then hits a medium-height set.

Isolation Play: Designed to isolate the attacker on a specific defender 1 on 1.

J

Joust: When two opposing players contact the ball simultaneously above the net causing the ball to momentarily come to rest.

Jungle Ball: (or “Throwball” as named by The Volleyball Teacher) Any gathering of people who don’t really know how to play volleyball.

Jump Serve: The server uses an approach, toss, takeoff and serves the ball with a spiking motion while in the air.

K

Key in: To discern a team’s next play by observation of patterns or habits

Kill: An attack that results directly in a point or side-out.

Kong block: A one-armed blocking style made popular on the pro beach circuit by Randy Stoklos

L

Left Stack: Commit-blocking scheme where the left front player starts behind the middle in order to follow the crossing attacker.

Let: A serve that contacts the net. If the ball dribbles over, it’s playable just like any other ball that contacts the net on the way over. If the ball fails to clear the net, it will become dead when it either hits the serving team’s court, or is contacted by a player on the serving team.

Libero: Most noted for the contrasting colored jersey by new fans of the game. The Libero is the defensive specialist. He or she has special rules pertaining to substitutions and serving. The Libero cannot play in the front row.

Lift: Also “carry”. Occurs when the ball is held and lifted up rather than hit.

Line: Straight-ahead, sideline attack.

Lines: The marks that serve as boundaries of a court.  2 inches (5cm) wide.

Lineup: Players serving order, which reflects their starting position on the court.

Linesman: Officials located at the corners of the court; each linesman is responsible for ruling if the ball is legally in play along the lines for which or she is responsible.

Line Serve: A straight-ahead serve landing near the opponent’s left sideline.

Line Shot: A ball spiked along an opponent’s sideline, closest to the hitter and outside the block.

Load: To position the blockers so that the most effective blockerconfronts the opponents most effective attacker.

Lollipop: Slang for a high arcing, but not as high as a sky ball, and very easy serve to pass.

Loop: Curved approach to an attack from outside in.

M

Match: A series of sets (games) of volleyball. Matches can consist of 3 or 5 sets depending on level and gender. The winner of the match wins the best out of 3 or 5.

Middle: Either the middle-front or middle-back player.

Middle Back: A defensive system that uses the middle back playerto cover deep spikes.

Middle Blocker: Usually plays in the middle of the net when in the front row and moves laterally to their blocking assignments.

Middle Up: A defensive system that uses the middle back player to cover dinks or short shots.

Mintonette: The original name of the game of volleyball, created by William G. Morgan in 1895. Changed to volley ball (2 words) shortly thereafter, then finally to “volleyball” around the turn of the century.

Moonball: Also “sky ball”. A served ball that goes extremely high. Due to ceiling height, this is more common on sand courts to confuse the receiving team.

Multiple-attack: Also “tandem.” Offense consisting of plays where two or more players attack at different places on the net at different times.

Multiple Offense: A system of play that uses sets other than just outside regular sets.

N

Nector: Slang for a perfect set.

Net: Net shall not be less than 9.50m (32’) in length and .91m (3’) in width throughout the full length when stretched.

Net Height: Women – Seven feet,  4-1/8 inches high (2.24m), Men – Seven feet,11-5/8 inches high (2.43m).

O

Off-blocker: Also “Offside-Blocker”.Outside blocker not included in the double block.

Off-Speed Hit/Shot: A ball that loses power quickly because it was hit with less than usual force.

One-Set: A vertical set delivered from 1 to 2 feet above the net. Ideally, the spiker contacts the ball while the set is rising. Usually set for the middle hitter.

On-Hand Side: Also “strong side”. When attacking, the setter is on the same side as the hand you will use to strike the ball.

Off-Hand Side: Also “weak side”. A set delivered from left side of right-handed spiker and vice-versa. Ball crosses the body of the spiker before attacked.

One-footed slide: Approach to the attack that includes a one-footed jump along the net.

Open-up: To step away from the ball’s path in receiving serve. This body language does two things. Allows a teammate room to play the ball and also readies you for running in case a ball is shanked.

Opposite: Player opposite the setter.  Usually plays right side. May set when the setter digs the first ball.

Outlet: Also “Release set”. High set, usually delivered to the left sideline, when the play goes awry.

Outside: Towards the sideline.

Outside-in: Playing defense from the sideline to the inside of the court, either at the net or in the backrow.

Outside Hitter: Usually plays at the ends of the net when in the front row.

Overhand Pass: A pass with both hands open, and controlled by the fingers, with the face below the ball. A ball-handling skill using both hands simultaneously to contact the ball above the head and direct it to the intended target.

Overhand Serve: Serving the ball and striking it with the hand above the shoulder. A serve performed with an overhand throwing action.

Overhand Spin Serve: The server contacts the lower mid-section of the center of the ball; he uses the heel of the hand to initially contact the ball and then uses wrist snap to roll the hand over the ball, imparting topspin.

Overlap: A violation called when a team is lined up out of rotation when the ball is served.

Overpass: A ball that is passed across the net on the first or second contact unintentionally.

Overset: an errant set that crosses the net without being touched by another offensive player.

P

Pass: Receiving a serve or the first contact of the ball with the intent to control the ball to another player.

Pancake: one-handed floor emergency technique where the hand is extended and slid along the floor, palm down, while the player dives or extension rolls, so that the ball bounces off the back of the hand.

Penetration: The blocker’s ability to reach over the net above the opponent’s court.

Perimeter: Backcourt defense where four players arrange themselves near the boundaries of the court.

Pipe Set: A back row attack from the middle.

Play: An attack with a planned fake, usually including two or more hitters (a combination, or tandem).

Play Set: A medium-high set, that combined with a quick-set, constitutes a play.

Power Tip: A played ball that is not swung at, but rather batted straight down.

Power Alley: A cross court hit traveling away from the spiker to the farthest point of the court. The most common attack since there is less room for error.

Pump: Play in which an attacker fakes spiking a quick set, and then hits a medium-high set at the same location.

Q

Quick: Low, fast, inside set.

Quick Set: An extremely low vertical set used to beat the opponent’s blocks.

Quick: Also “shoot”. A set that travels at a fast trajectory but very low.

Quick slide: a quick attack that includes a two-footed take-off and a broad jump along the net.

R

Rainbow: A soft shot over the blockers to the back line that has the arc of a rainbow.

Rally Scoring: Scoring method where points can be won by the serving or receiving team.

Read Block: Blocking scheme where the front row players watch the setter in order to determine where to block.

Read Defense: Defensive scheme based on all players reading their opponents and their teammates.

Ready Position: The flexed, yet comfortable, posture a player assumes before moving to the point of contact.

Reception Error: A serve that a player should have been able to return, but results in an ace (and only in the case of an ace). If it is a “husband/wife” play (where the ball splits the two receivers), the receiving team is given the reception error instead of an individual.

Red Card: Given by the official to a player or coach for flagrant misconduct resulting in a point/side out to the opponent.

Red And Yellow Card: Given by the official to a player or coach for a major violation. Also received automatically after two red cards. Results in automatic ejection and a point/side out for the opponent.

Redwood: Slang for a tall but awkward blocker. Redwoods aren’t very mobile.

Release Block: A block pattern where the outside blocker fronts the quick attacker as the middle blocker double-blocks on the sideline.

Release Set: Also “Outlet”. High set, usually delivered to the left sideline, when the play goes awry.

Reverse: A combination in which the usual quick hitter attacks a play set and the usual play-set hitter attacks a quick set.

Right–stack: Commit-block scheme in which the right starts behind the middle in order to follow the crossing attacker.

Roll: A defensive floor maneuver that allows a defender to get up quickly after diving to play a ball. The passer lays out an arm, passes the ball, and rolls over their shoulder (over the shoulder roll) or back (barrel roll) after passing the ball.

Roll Shot: A ball that is contacted by the palm of the hand as it rolls upward. This forces the ball into a lob that is meant to land in a deep corner.

Roof: To block a spike, usually straight down for a point.

Rotation: The clockwise movement of players around the court and through the serving position following a side-out. Players must retain their initial rotational order throughout the entire game, but once the ball is contacted on serve they are allowed to move anywhere.

Rotational Defense: Backcourt defense in which the line defender moves near the block and the middle back moves behind the line defender.

Round-House Serve: The arm moves in a windmill action, and the ball is contacted directly over the hitting shoulder.

S

Screen or Screening: The illegal placement of players in order to prevent the opposition from seeing the ball or server. Screens take place during the serve. Usually a team is warned if there is a possible infraction, but a warning isn’t required. It’s very unusual for a team to be penalized for a screen. Serving team players should stand in a spot and not move until the serve is contacted to avoid a screen call.

Seam: the mid-point between two players.

Serve: Also “service”. One of the six basic skills; used to put the ball into play. It is the only skill in the sport controlled exclusively by one player.

Server: The player who puts the ball into play at the beginning of the rally.

Service Error: An unsuccessful serve in which one or more of the following occurs: the ball hits the net or fails to clear the net, the ball lands out of bounds, or the server commits a foot fault.

Service Winner: A point the serving team scores when this player has served the ball. The point can be an immediate (in the case of an ace) or delayed (a kill or opponent attack error after a long rally). Therefore, the sum of the team’s service winners equals their score.

Set: 1. The tactical skill in which a ball is directed to a point where a player can spike it into the opponent’s court. 2. One game of volleyball to a predetermined number of points. Sets must be won by at least 2 points..

Set Attack: When a setter attempts to score rather than set the ball to a hitter.

Setter: The second passer whose job it is to position a pass to the hitter. A setter touches the ball on almost every single set of contacts a team has.

Shallow: Near the net.

Shank: Severely misdirected pass.

Shoot: A low, fast set to an attacker who is away from the setter.

Side-Out: Change of service when a serving team has failed to score a point. Occurs when the receiving team successfully puts the ball away against the serving team, or when the serving team commits an unforced error.

Side-Out Scoring: a format of scoring where points can be won only by the serving team.

Six-Pack: Being hit on the face with the ball.

Six-Two (6-2): An offense with four hitters and two setters. The setter comes from the back row. While in the front row, the setter becomes a hitter/auxiliary setter.

Sky Ball: Also “moonball”. An underhand serve that is hit so high it looks like it is falling straight down.

Slide: an attack approach that includes a last moment move alongside the net.

Slide Set: A lob set delivered 2 to 3 feet from the setter.

Soft block: A technique in which the blocker angles his hands backward in order to deflect the ball upwards and slow its speed.

Spike: Also “hit “or “attack”. A ball contacted with force by a player on the offensive team who intends to terminate the ball on the opponent’s floor or off the opponent’s blocker.

Split block: double-block that leaves a space between the blockers that fail to close the block.

Stuff: A ball that is deflected back to the attacking team’s floor by the opponent’s blockers.

Substitution: Allows one player to replace another player already on the court. Each team is allowed 15 substitutions per game. Each player is allowed an unlimited number of entries.

Swing: To move from one sideline to another, usually in approaching to attack.

Switch: To change court positions after a ball is served to facilitate strongest player positions.

T

Tandem: A combination in which one player attacks immediately behind another.

Tape: The top of the net.

Telegraph: To show one’s intention to the opponents.

Three-Meter Line: Also “10 ft line”, or “attack line. The line extended across the court to signify the point which a back row player must leave the ground behind to attack the ball.

Three Set: A play set delivered low and fast midway between the setter and the left sideline to the spiker. It is designed to beat the middle blocker.

Thrown Ball: A ball that comes to rest at contact, or is not cleanly hit. Excessive topspin, sidespin, or backspin.  Usually pertains to a mishandled set with open hands. The player has committed a foul. A judgement call.

Time-out: A break in action. Most rules allow for a team to call two timeouts per set.

Tool: When an attacker hits the ball off an opposing blockers arms out of bounds.

Touch: A player contacting the ball. Usually called on blockers or defensive players that touch a ball before it heads out of bounds.

Transition: To switch from offense to defense, and vice versa.

Trap Set: Set close to the net that gives the blocker the advantage.

Triple-block: Block formed by three players.

Turning In: The action of the end blocker to turn a hand toward the court to prevent the spiker from hitting the ball off the block and out of bounds.

Two Set: A vertical set that travels from 3 to 5 feet above the net. Usually set for the middle hitter.

U

Underhand Serve: A serve performed with an underhand striking action.  The ball is usually contacted with the heel of the hand.

V

Volleyball Coach: A coach is the person in charge of the organization of a team. Coaches make the big decisions for the team – submitting the line up, calling time-outs, communicating with referees, etc.

Volleyball Official: The official is the person controlling the flow of the match. In organized volleyball, the “up” official” makes the general game calls. The official can overrule all other officials.

Volleyball Referee: The referee is the person controlling the substitutions, time-outs, and rotational errors of the match. In organized volleyball, the “down” referee makes the net calls and suggest other calls for the official during play.

Volleyball Teacher: A Volleyball Coach who “teaches” the sport of volleyball as opposed to simply “coaching” it. If a coach is passionate about the sport and teaches his/her players about the history of the game, and tries to instill a love and respect for the game of volleyball, as well as X’s and Os then they are Volleyball Teachers.

W

W: A serve-receive formation with three passers in the front row and two in the back forming an actual W.

Wipe: To deliberately spike the ball off an opponent’s hands and out of bounds.

Wing: The defensive players in Areas 5 and 1.

X

X: A cross in which the middle attacks a front one and the right attacks a two to the left of the middle.

Y

Yellow Card: Given by the official to a player or coach as a warning of misconduct. Two yellow cards results in an automatic red card.

Z