Glossary of Volleyball Terms Glossary of Volleyball Terms Just heard a word that is unfamiliar? Find the definitions of several common volleyball terms here. Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters Thanks, You're in! Health Tip of the Day Recipe of the Day There was an error. Please try again. Please select a newsletter. Please enter a valid email address. Did you mean ? Complete List of Volleyball Terms | Defense | Hitting Terms Mintonette: The original name given to the game we now call Volleyball. Nectar: A perfect and sweet set. Paintbrush: When a hitter swings but then barely touches the bottom of the ball, dropping it over the opposing blocker. Lollipop: A lollipop is an easy serve that flies high into the sky and over the net. It is not the most sophisticated serve. Volleyball Lingo: "That's a Lollipop!" Chester: When a player is hit hard in the chest by a serve or spike. Ouch! Swipe or Wipe: When a ball is pushed off an opposing block by a hitter and lands out of bounds Coach Kill: When an opponent serves the ball into the net or out of the court just after there was a substitution or a time out.

Deep Dish: A very soft set where the ball rests in a players hands for a bit too long. Pepper: A drill where two players partner to warm up by passing, setting and hitting the ball back and forth. Rainbow: A soft shot over the blockers with an arc that resembles a rainbow. Six Pack: Sometimes known as facial, this term is used when a blocker gets hit in the head or the face by a spiked ball. Some Common Volleyball Terms: Bump: When the ball hits the forearms and is passed on. Spike: A ball hit with force by an offensive player trying to hit so that the defense cannot recover the ball. Dig: When a player passes a strongly spiked ball that is close to the floor. Ace: An outstanding serve which is not passable by the opposing team and results in a point for the serving team. Kill: An attack that earns the offensive team an immediate point. Block: When one, two or three players jump in front of the opposing spiker with their arms raised to prevent the ball from coming over to their side of the court.

Volleyball Lingo: "Kong Block" Assist: This is when a player sets up a teammate with a pass, set or dig so that the teammate can spike the ball and earn a point for the team. Free Ball: An easy ball for the opposing team to play. Joust: When two players from opposite teams meet above the net to contact the ball. Line Shot: A ball that is spiked right down the opposing team's sideline.,/ Shank: A bad pass that flies into the audience or anywhere that it is not supposed to. Side-Out: When the receiving team earns the right to serve after winning a rally. Strong Side: When a left handed hitter is hitting from the right front position or when a right handed hitter is hitting from the left front position. Cut Shot: When a ball travels at a very sharp angle across the net from a spike at the hitter's strong side. Dink: A push of the ball around or over the blocker. This is totally legal. Volleyball Lingo: "Have the been overlapping?" Overlap: This term refers to the positions of the players before contact with the ball while serving. Forearm Pass: When a player bumps the ball with the fleshy part of their forearms.

Key: To predict a team's next play by watching how they have played so far. Overhand Pass: A pass that is controlled by the fingers and thumbs with both hands open taking place just above the forehead. Doubles: A game with four players involved, two on each side. We see this mostly played outdoors, on the sand or grass. Rotation: The movement of the players clockwise around the court and through the serving position. Tagged: A player gets tagged when they cannot move fast enough out of the way of a hard hit ball. Volleyball Lingo: "Tagged, Facial or Six Pack" Approach: A fast run toward the net before he jumps into the air to spike the ball. Beach Dig: Also called a "deep dish" this is when the ball is received with open hands. Dump: When an opponent uses a soft hit by the net instead of a spike so as to throw off the other team. Power Alley: A cross court spike that reaches the farthest end of the court. To read more common volleyball terms - or more terms in hitting and defense, check the other sections below.

Volleyball Terms Related Pages Sports Terminology - Full list of Sports Words | Bank Exams Today Sports Terminology - Full list of Sports Words Published on Sunday, September 01, 2013 By Ramandeep Singh Sports terms are one of the most common question asked in IBPS and other recruitment exams. In almost every exam at least 1 question is asked about sports terms. You just need to go through all these terms once to answer the questions correctly. Read previous posts about Banking terms and Financial terms . You can find more GK study study material in GK material section Sport Terms Table (in Alphabetical Order) Athletics baton, bell lap, decathlon, discus, false start, field, foul, hammer, heptathlon, high jump, hurdles, javelin, lane, lap, long jump, marathon, middle-distance, pole-vault, relay, record, shot put, sprint, starting blocks, steeplechase, track, track and field, triple jump, Cross Country, etc.

Badminton Alley, Back Alley, Backcourt, Balk, Baseline, Carry, Center or Base Position, Center Line, Clear, Court, Drive, Drop, Fault, Feint, Flick, Forecourt, Hairpin Net Shot, Halfcourt Shot, Kill, Let, Long Service Line, Match, Midcourt, Net Shot, Push Shot, Racquet, Rally, Serve, Service Court, Short Service Line, Shuttlecock, Smash, Wood Shot etc. Baseball Pinching, Home run, Base runner, Throw, Perfect game, Strike, Put out, etc. Billiards Cue, cannon, baulk, pot scratch, long jenny, short jenny, frame, spider, short and long rest, in-off, etc.

Boxing Accidental Butt, Bleeder, Bolo Punch, Bout, Brawler, Break, Buckle, Canvas, Card, Caught Cold, Clinch, Corkscrew Punch, Cornerman, Counterpunch, Cross, Cutman, Dive, Eight Count, Glass Jaw, Haymaker, Kidney Punch Liver Shot, Low Blow, Mauler, Neutral Corner, Plodder, Ring G eneralship, Roughhousing, Southpaw, Spar, Stablemate, Technical Knockout, Walkout Bout, Whiskers etc. Bridge Contract bridge, duplicate bridge, tricks, suite , rubber, trump, grand slam, little slam, etc. Billiards & Snooker Pull, Cue, Hit, Object ball, Break shot, Scoring, Cushion billiards, etc. , etc. Boxing Knock. out, Round, Ring Stoppage, Punch, Upper-cut, Kidney punch, Timing, Foot work, etc. Chess Gambit, stalemate, move, resign, checkmate, etc.

Cricket Hat-trick, maiden, follow-on, declare, bowled, caught, run-out, leg before wicket(LBW), stumped, striker, slips, gully, short leg, silly, mid-on, point, cover, mid-off, bouncer, beamer, googly, full toss, drive, cut, pull, hook, flick, etc. Cycling Sprint, Time trial, Point race, Trackrace, etc. Football Attacker, Back Heel, Back Pass, Ball Carrier, Bending the Ball, Bicycle Kick, Center Spot, Corner Flag, Corner Kick, Cross, Defender, Direct Free Kick, Dribble, Far Post, FIFA, Futsal, Give and Go, Goal Line, Goal Mouth, Goalkeeper, Header, Indirect Free Kick, Inswinger, Kickoff, Man to Man Marking, Midfielder, Nearpost, Obstruction, Offside Trap,Offside, One-Touch Pass, Penalty Spot, Red Card, Striker, Sweepe, Tackle, Volley etc.

Golf ace, albatross, double eagle, all square, approach putt, apron, ball mark, ballooning, beach, birdie, blind shot, bogey, bunker, caddy, chip, Claw grip, condor, dogleg, dub, flag, Four-Ball, Mulligan, off the deck, peg, sand trap, tee shot etc. Gymnastics Aerial, Back Handspring, Back Somersault, Double Back, Double Twist, Flyaway, Front Hip Pullover, Front Pike Somersault, Front Split, Front Walkover, Gienger, Handstand, Hip Circle, Miller, Pike, Rudi, Straddle, Swedish Fall, Tsukahara, Tuck, Whip Back etc. Hockey Centre, defender, forward, half, penalty-stroke, penalty corner, push-in, free-hit, striking circle goal, goal-line, touch-line, goal keeper, off-side, foul, stick, carry, dribble, tiebreaker, trapping, etc. Horse Race course, steeplechase, bets, bookies, jockey, punter, etc. Judo Cocoa, Blue, white, Green belt, etc.

Polo Mallet, bunker, chukker, handicap, goal, sixty yarder, etc. Shooting Bag, bull’s eye, marksmanship, plug, skeet, etc. Swimming Add Up, Anchor, Approved Meet, Backstroke, Banner, Beep, Bonus Heat, Bottom, Breaststroke, Bull Pen, Bulletin, Cap, Car pool, Cards, Check-In, Check-Out, Course, Dryland, False Start, Freestyle, Gun Lap, Heats, Jump, Lane Lines, Paddle, Parka, Pool, Pull Buoy, Relays, Split, Stroke, Yardage etc. Table Tennis Backhand, Backspin, Block, Chop, Closed, Dead ball, Doubles, Drive, Drop shot, Expedite rule, Forehand, Inverted, Let, Lob, Long pips, Loop, Match, Medium-long, Open, Penhold, Pips-in, Pips-out, Push, Receive, Seemiller, Serve, Set, Shakehands, Short, Sidespin, Skunk, Smash, Topspin etc.

Tennis smash, cross-court, passing shot,backhand, forehand,slice, top-spin,serve, dropshot, lob, down-the-line, deuce, tie-breaker, set, game, grand slam, ace, volley, etc. Volleyball Assist, Attack, Attack line, Back row attack, Block, Block assist, Campfire defense, Carry, Center line violation, Chester, Coach kill, Cover the hitter, Cut shot, Deep dish, Dig, Facial, Fish, Floater, Friendly fire, Free ball, Heat, Husband-and-wife-play, Jedi defense, Joust, Jump serve, Kill, Kong, Line shot, Lollipop, Mintonette, Monument valley, Net violation, Paint brush, Pancake, Pepper, Prince/Princess of whales, Quick set, Rainbow, Red card, Redwood, Roof, Screening, Service ace, Set, Shank, Side out, Six-pack, Sizzle the pits, Spike, Strong side, Stuff, Tandem, Tip, Tool, Trap set, Tuna, Whale, Yellow card etc.

Weight Lifting Bulking, bitch tits, shredded, Six pack, Feeling the Burn, Power Rack, Smith Machine, Muscle Memory, Pump and Toners, Cardio Bunny, Plateau, Vascularity, Supersets, Drop Sets/Strip Sets, Periodization, Pyramiding, Standard Plates and Bars etc. Wrestling Terminology « Rapids Volleyball Definition: The vertical rods at the end of the net, above the side lines. Antenna are out of play and are normally red and white stripped. Normally only used on indoor courts. Approach: Definition: The path and method an attacker moves to the net before jumping to attack the ball. You can also approach with a two step, three step or four step approach. Assist: Definition: An assist is awarded to the player that passes or sets a ball to a player who successfully attacks the ball for a kill. Attack: Definition: An offensive shot where a player returns the ball to the opponents court. Normally, this is done in a manner where the attacker hits the ball above the height of the net in a downward direction towards the floor. Attack Block: Definition: Attempting to block an opponents attack by using a “penetrating block”.

Normally, both players are above the height of the net and the blocker(s) attempt with their hands to stop the ball from crossing the net. Attack Error: Definition: An unsuccessful attack where the ball either lands out of bounds, goes into the net, is blocked or the attacker makes an infraction of the rules. Attack Hit: Definition: A hit of the ball from above the height of the net and goes over the net or is touched by a blocker. Attacker: Definition: The player that returns the ball to the opponents court. Normally, the attacker attempts to hit the ball above the net and terminate the rally with one hit. Attack Line: Definition: The two lines parallel to the centre line and three meters back from the net. These lines separate the front court from the back court. Back court players must jump to attack the ball from behind this line. Back Court: Definition: That area of the court between the sidelines, behind the attack line and in front of the end line. Back Set: Definition: When the setter sets in the direction opposite to which he or she is facing. Back Row Attack: Definition: Back row players are restricted in how they can attack a ball.

Any attack on the ball above the height of the net by a back row attack must be made behind the attack line. – If the backrow player steps on over the attack line its an illegal back row attack. Backward Pass: Definition: A pass made when the player has his/her back to the net and must return the ball directly over his/her head. Definition: This is improper handling of the ball as restricted by the rule book. Most common ball handling errors are double hits, throws, and lifts. Base Position: Definition: A place on the court a player would set themselves into for that particular spot of the court, for either serve recieve or service. Also Known As: Starting position, home position Definition: An open-handed pass often used by beach players. Block: Definition: Attempting to block (intercept) an opponents attack. Normally, both players are above the height of the net. The receiving player(s) attempt with their hands to stop the ball from crossing the net, ideally, the blocker would try to direct the ball back in court or straight to the opponents floor. Also Known As: Block, stuff, roof, wall. Definition: A Pass with both arms together where the ball bumps off the forearms.

Also Known As: forearm pass, pass, bump pass, bump. Campfire: Definition: This is a term used when the ball falls to the ground between three or more players. It comes from the image of a bunch of players huddled around a campfire. Centre Line: Definition: The two inch line that runs down the centre of the court, under the net and divides the court into two equal halves. Counter-Rotate: Definition: A defensive system with a two-man block scheme, & where the off-blocker moves up to the middle (front) of the net and covers for tips. The left (or the right) back (depending on what side will be blocked) will defend hard spike with the middle back. Both back-court defenders (left or right back along with the middle back) will face the attacker. The extra defender will cover the line drive or tip. Cross Court Shot: Definition: An attack that is directed from a corner of the attacker’s net to the opposite sideline of the opponent’s court. Definition: These attack shots travel over the net at extreme angles. The balls often land in front of the attack line.

Decoy: Definition: A decoy is any offensive play that attempts to disguise or hide which attacker will receive the set. Often, two or more hitters approach to the same area on the net. Deep Set: Definition: Attempting Deep sets are set away from the net and designed to be hit near the attack line. These sets are designed to defeat the timing of the blockers. Dig: Definition: Passing a hard driven ball. Normally referring to a pass made close to the floor after a spike. A dig is also to play at balls that a fast and are speeding to the floor, so sprawls and dives can be considered as digging too. Also Known As: Pass, shovel, platform pass. Dink: Definition: Attempting An American term. A soft hit ball, usually around or over the top of the blockers. A dink is also used effectively to direct the ball to an open hole in the defence. More commonly known as a “tip” in New Zealand instead of “dink”. Also Known As: Scabby shot, tipping, tip, power tip, tactical hit. Definition: Lunging forward to save that ball often landing on the stomach. There are other forms such as the Dolphin dive, roll and sprawling.

It is the ultimate dig. Definition: Two front row players working in unison attempt to block an opponent. Usually the inside hand of both blockers should be aiming to block the ball. Also Known As: Wall. Double Hit: Definition: Attempting Two or more successive hits or contacts with a ball by the same player. Situation dictates whether it is a legal play or not. Definition: Attempting Like the quick, except two hitters approach the setter for a quick. Also Known As: Stack, stack attack. Definition: The lines that extends along the two short sides of the court. Also Known As: Service line. Five-One (5-1): Definition: A volleyball strategy where five of the players are hitters and one is a full time setter. Definition: A hitter hides behind the quick hitter and makes an inside-out approach. Definition: A method of serving which has no spin on the ball. The ball’s path is erratic and very difficult to pass. Also Known As: Float serve. Four-Two (4-2): Definition: A six-player format using four hitters and two setters. The setters play in opposite positions to each other on the court, so when one of them rotates to the front court, they become the setter.

It is a formation that has the team always playing with a front court hitter. Free Ball: Definition: A ball returned by a pass rather than a spike. The receiving team calls out, “free-ball” to denote all players to back up to serve receive positions, ready to pass and attack quickly. It is an equivalent to the sport of Basketball’s “fast-break”. Held Ball: Definition 1: A ball that comes to rest during contact. A prolonged touch of the ball. Definition 2: A ball not released from the hand when serving the ball. Also Known As: Carried ball, Lift. Hit: Definition: A hit on the ball that makes the ball playable either to their team mates or to their opposition. Also Known As: Pass, save, spike. Definition: The player making the hit. Also Known As: Attacker, spiker. Hitters Coverage: Definition: This is where you have as many diggers as you can around your spiker to cover for any ball that deflects off the blockers and back to your side, usually the ball deflects quite low majority of the time. Definition: An attack that lands between two players. Both players expected the other player to dig the ball.

Jump Block: Definition: A blocking technique to give the spiker false security. The trick is to jump into the spiked ball so the attacker won’t see the blocker in front of them, when they hit, the blocker jumps into the path of the spike. Jump Serve: Definition: A serve where the server tosses the ball into the air and then jumps up and hits the ball as it descends. Its an attack, but from very far-out. It is the only part of the game where an individual can help his/her team score points without the assitance of team-mates. Definition: A serve where the server tosses the ball into the air and then jumps up and hits the ball as it descends. Also Known As: Picnic volleyball. Joust: Definition: Two opposing players simultaneously make contact with the ball above the height of the net. Definition: A spike that results in an immediate point. Libero: Definition: A defensive player who wears a different colour shirt and is restricted from hand setting the ball in front of the attack line to be attacked above the height of the net from a spiker. Also they can’t serve the ball, and attacking the ball. Libero means “free” in Itallian.

Definition: Illegally holding a ball during a contact. Illegal contact. Definition: The method used to mark the edge of the court. All lines are in. Line Shot: Definition: A ball attacked down the sideline on the opponents court, closest to the hitter, and around the outside the block. Definition: A defense strategy that uses the middle back player to cover deep shots. Also Known As: Perimeter defence. Middle Up: Definition: A defense strategy that uses the middle back player to come up shallow to cover dinks or short shots, most teams use the setter when in backcourt to be the middle-back player. Definition: The original name of volleyball. Volleyball was created by William Morgan of the YMCA. Multiple Offense: Definition: A system that employs a variety of sets other than setting only to the outside hitters. Having many decoys. Definition: A Defensive front row player who is away from the action. Usually the outside blockers are either the blocker or the off-blocker. Off-Speed Hit: Definition: A ball spiked with less than maximum force. Normally the ball has a lot of spin.

Definition: The left(4) or right(2) front player that hits a ball with an approach normally coming from the outside of the court. Overlap: Definition: When players are out of rotation or in the wrong position during indoor six-man volleyball. Pancake: Definition: A one-handed pass technique where the hand is extended and palm slid along the floor in a diving play on the ball. When executed correctly, the ball will bounce of the back of the hand. Penetration: Definition: Reaching across the net with your hands and breaking the plane of the net & above the height of the net, in an effort to block an attack. It can also mean a backcourt setter who penetrates to the front court. Perimeter Defense: Definition: This employs four players to be hugging the sidelines to defend the outsides, especially good against hard hitting teams, weakness is against tips to the middle. Like the other defenses, it is a two man block system, and the off-blocker will go back deep to be a foot or two off the side line & infront of or on the attack line, while the middle-back takes up the centre-back position on the endline.

The left and right back will be on their respective sidelines, but will be about two or thee foot off the endline. Power Alley: Definition: A cross court shot, it travels from one corner to the farthest opposite point of the court, which is the opposite corner in the opposing team side of the court. Definition: An attack where the attacker pushes or directs the ball with force. Also Known As: Power tip. Definition: A play where the middle hitter approaches the setter for a super quick set. Also Known As: 51, A-quick, quick set, one-set. Ready Position: Definition: The correct posture a player should be in when preparing to receive and pass a serve or attack. Also Known As: Ready. Read Position: Definition: A type of defence in the front row, where the blocker will read the setter before reacting. Or can also be a transition from “base position” to “read position”. From the read position, a player can see through the net what the opposition is doing and be in the best position to react. Reception Error: Definition: A reception error occurs when a player should have been able to pass a serve but makes an error resulting in an ace.

Errors are given to individuals except in the case of husband/wife, where the team is given the error. Red Card: Definition: A severe penalty given by the official to a player, coach or anyone on the team bench. When the penalty occurs, the official will display a red card which, depending on the rule set, may result in a player being disqualified. Roll Shot: Definition: A ball hit overhand and driven over the net with topspin while the player normally remains on the ground. Also Known As: Down Ball, roll. Rotate Defence: Definition: This defensive scheme is also based on a two-man blocking system. Here an off-blocker will rotate back into the backcourt, just hugging the sideline and getting just behind the attack-line. When this is done, it shuffles the bacourt around. This allows the middle back to swing around and cover line drives. Depending on what side the blockers need to block, the back wing players will either be defending for the hard spike or be the one to cover tips having a read position that is a bit closer. The middle back can be the sweeper, and they move with the ball, and cover behind the two man block. Rotation: Definition: Players move clockwise from position to position.

Rotations begin with the serve and the player moves to the middle back after the subsequent side out. Serve: Definition: First hit of the game. The initiating hit of each rally. The serving team must put the ball into play from behind the endline. The serve must land in the opponents court. Also Known As: Service. Set: Definition 1: A tough skill in which a volleyball is directed towards the attacker so that it may be spiked into the opponent’s court. Definition 2: The term used outside of the United States for a single game. Normally a match will consist of best 2 out of 3 sets (games) per match. Setter: Definition: The player whose primary responsibility is to get to the ball on the second contact and deliver it to a teammate for the attack. Shoot Set: Definition: This is a particular type of set, its a set where the setter shoots their set with no arcs. Its a quick and straight set which is directed to the spot where a hitter will spike it. Six Pack: Definition: Occurs when a blocker get hit in the head or face by a spiked ball, an American term.

Also could be called falcon, after popular refrences from rugby-league terms for a player being hit on the head with a ball. Six-Six (6-6): Definition: This is a stratergy formation which is the simplest, and makes things more social. You have everyone become the setter once they rotate to a designated position in the front court. This formation allows you to have two front row hitters for the entire match. Six-Two (6-2): Definition: A 6-player offense that uses four hitters and two setters. The setters are also hitters while in the front row and setters while in the back row. Spike: Definition: An attack that is normally performed above the height of the net by a player who intends to hit the ball straight to the opponent’s floor or off the hands of the opposing block. Also Known As: Attack, hit, kill, nail, point. Definition: For the right-handed hitter, the strong side is the left front position. For the left-handed hitter, it is the right front position on the net. Also Known As: Open-side, outside, position-4. Definition: This set is a shoot set out to the outside hitter. Also Known As: Eleven.

Definition: More common term used in New Zealand for the dink. Trying to softly touch the ball over the net or over the block(s). Also Known As: Dink, power tip, tactical hit. Definition: Changing the direction of a volleyball by grabbing it and throwing it. Also Known As: Catch and throw, lift, held ball, grab. Topspin Serve: Definition: A method of serving that puts a large amount of forward spin on the volleyball causing it to dive suddenly. Weak Side: Definition: The right-front position of the net for a right-handed person and the left-front for a left-handed person. Also Known As: Positon-2, opposite, blind-side. Wipe: Definition: The term is used when spike is deflected off a blocker and goes out of play. Also Known As: Tool. Yellow Card: Definition: A card the official will pull out to give a warning to a player or coach. Subsequent yellow cards given to a single player or coach can result in disqualification from the match. Volleyball Analyse WORLD CUP FREE SCHEDULE - YouTube Volleyball Analyse WORLD CUP FREE SCHEDULE Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist.

Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Jun 17, 2012 ACE 2. ANTENNA 3. APPROACH 4. ASSIST 5. ATTACK 6. ATTACK BLOCK 7. ATTACK ERROR 8. ATTACKER 9.

ATTACK LINE 10.BACKCOURT 11.BACK SET 12.BACK ROW ATTACK 13.BEACH DIG 14.BLOCK 15.BUMP 16.BALL HANDLING ERROR 17.BUMP PASS 18.CAMPFIRE 19.CENTER LINE 20.CLOSING THE BLOCK 21.CROSS COURT SHOT 22.CUT SHOT 23.DECOY 24.DEEP SET 25.DIG 26.DINK 27.DOUBLE BLOCK 28.DOUBLE HIT 29.DOUBLE QUICK 30.DOUBLES 31DOWN BALL 32FIVE-ONE 33.FIVE SET 34.FLARE 35.FLOATER 36.FOREARM PASS 37.FOUL 38.FOUR SET 39.FOUR-TWO 40.FREE BALL 41.HELD BALL 42.HIT 43.HITTER 44.HITTING PERCENTAGE 45.INSIDE SHOOT 46.ISOLATION PLAY 47.JUNGLE BALL 48.JUMP SERVE 49.JOUST 

50.KEY 51.KILL 52.LINE 53.LINE SHOT 54.LET SERVE 55.MIDDLE-BACK 56.MIDDLE-UP 57.MINTONETTE 58.MULTIPLE OFFENSE 59.OFFSIDE BLOCK 60.OFF-SPEED HIT 61.OUTSIDE HITTER 62.OVERHAND PASS 63.OVERHAND SERVE 64.OVERLAP 65.PANCAKE 66.PASS 67.PENETRATION 68.POINT OF SERVICE 69.POWER ALLEY 70.POWER TIP 71.POWER VOLLEYBALL 72.QUICK 73.QUICK SET 74.READY POSITION 75.RECEPTION ERROR 76.RED CARD 77.ROLL 78.ROOF 79.ROTATION 80.SERVE 81.SERVER 82.SERVICE ERROR 83.SERVICE WINNER 84.SET 85.SETTER 86.SIDE OUT 87.SIX PACK 88.SIX-TWO 89.SPIKE 90.STRONG SIDE

 91.STUFF 92.TURNING IN 93.UNDERHAND SERVE 94.WEAK SIDE 95.WIPE 96.YELLOW CARD WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014 Free Schedule Calendar SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KRIBUS DATA SOLUTIONS Category Volleyball Lingo & Glossary - Terms, Slang, Jargon & Definitions | SportsLingo Definitions for Common Sports Slang & Jargon You are here: Home / Glossary of Volleyball Lingo, Slang & Terms Glossary of Volleyball Lingo, Slang & Terms This is a list of common volleyball lingo and jargon terms.

# Volleyball glossary Volleyball glossary The Words, Terms, and Slangs of Volleyball (Additions are encouraged) A first tempo set in the middle of the court just in front of the setter. ABSORPTION Giving with the ball as it is contacted by the passer. (Cushioning) It can take place with certain parts of the body or with the entire body. Using a cushioning effect with the momentum of the ball’s rebound enough to carry it forward or upward with little if any backswing or follow through. A served ball that directly results in a POINT. ANTENNAE Thin poles attached to the net cables placed above the sideline. A ball touching the antennae or their extensions is out of bounds. Balls passing within the antennae are still in play. ATTACK n. the offense v. any method used to return the ball across the net in an attempt to score. The act of jumping into the air to hit the ball from above the level of the net into the opponent’s court A hitter’s “window” in which he/she is capable of attacking a ball in control.

BACK-ROW ATTACK A violation committed when a back court player jumps with their foot touching any part of the 3 meter line (or its extension) and attacks a ball above the height of the net. The violation is also committed when a libero hand sets from in front of the 3 meter line and someone jumps to attack it. BACK-ROW BLOCK A violation committed when a back row player contacts an attacked ball from the other team above the height of the net. BACK-ROW PLAYER (back court player) Left Back (LB); Middle Back (MB); Right Back (RB) – according to the serving order. (Serving order positions 5, 6 and 1.) The area between the line 10 feet from the net back to the end line. A type of overhand pass used in setting the ball in a backward direction. Execution of any passing fundamental BLOCK A play by one or more front line players who attempt to intercept the ball just before or as it crossed the net.

It can stop, obstruct or decrease the intensity of the opponent’s attack ATTACK BLOCK (HARD BLOCK, OFFENSIVE BLOCK) 1 – returning the ball immediately to the attacker’s court 2 – usually in this type of block, the arms and hands are extended over the net. IT is usually used when the opponent’s sets are tight on the net. AREA BLOCK (SOFT BLOCK, DEFENSIVE BLOCK) 1 – deflecting the ball so that it can be played by a teammate. This type of block protects a defensive area of the court. 2 – blocking with arms and hands extended straight upward. Utilized when a blocker is late or when the opponent’s set is far from the net. It is also used when an attacker is considerably higher than the blocker. See PASS and FOREARM PASS CENTER LINE A four-inch line in width, located directly under the net and running to the sidelines. It divides the court into two equal halves. The international center line is two inches in width. A spike that is hit at a sharp angle toward the side-line.

1 – CUT (See SERVING ORDER POSITIONS for international ZONE numbers) Ex: A player spiking from zone 4 would hit the ball towards zone 4 on the other side. A player hitting from zone 2 would hit the ball towards zone 2 on the other side. 2 – CUT-BACK: a hit going back across the spiker’s body. Ex: A player hitting from zone2 would hit towards zone 5. DEAD BALL A ball not in play following a point, side-out or any other decision of the referee temporarily suspending play. DEFENSE The action by a team when the ball is controlled by its opponents. Defense is primarily a matter of team tactics. However, there are certain individual techniques which attempt to convert the defense to the offense. These include the block, the dig, the dive and the roll. DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST Similar to the libero but with much fewer restrictions, a defensive specialist is used to receive serve or strictly defend. Utilized for their above average ball control, they must follow normal substitution rules. They are permitted to serve and attack the ball from above the height of the net when they are in the backrow.

Should the need arise, they can rotate to the front court and play as a front row player if required. DIG 1 – The recovery of an opponent’s spike, made by playing the ball with one or two hands. 2 – A contact of the ball below the waistline with a solid surface formed by the forearms of the heels of the hand. It is used to meet forcefully propelled balls (from serves to spikes) with a cushioning effect (See ABSORPTION). Often a player falls back (half rolls) as he contacts the ball. DINK 1 – An attack in which the ball is hit with relatively little force from the fingertips or wrist. 2 – A faked spike in which the attacking player merely placed the ball on the opposite side of net over the out-stretched hands of the waiting blockers. A defensive technique employed to increase the forward range of motion (ZONE OF EFFECTIVENESS). DIVE AND CATCH The defensive player dives forward, recovers a difficult shot and then lands on his chest and abdomen after being cushioned by his arms and hands.

DIVE AND SLIDE The defensive player dives forward, recovers a difficult shot and then touches the floor with his hands and arms, and by their impetus slides forward on his chest and abdomen. This is the who cushioning effect. Most of the energy of the impact is transferred into the sliding motion. DOUBLE-HIT Two hits by the same player separated by the time interval. The legality is embodied in a number of rules, some of which make the double-hit legal and others illegal. A common call by the referee happens when the ball out of a player's hands comes out in a spinning motion. DOWN-BALL A ball which is attacked so weakly that the defnse has a higher percentage recovery by digging rather than blocking. This should be distinguished from a “free-ball.” "Down" is a call for the blockers to stay down and not jump. DOWN-THE-LINE-SHOT A spike directly down the sideline, the sideline from which the spiker is hitting the ball. DRIFTING A common error by blockers. There is undue lateral body movement, as opposed to the desired vertical jump.

ENDLINES (BACKLINES) The lines two inches in width running parallel to the net and 30 feet (9 meters) from it. They define the ends of the court. FOOT FAULT An illegal placement of the feet with respect to court lines. 1- SERVING FOOT FAULT (Server): Server’s last contact with the floor, as he strikes the ball, must be within the serving area (and behind the end line). 2- SERVING FOOT FAULT (Other players): All the players, other than the server have to be within the boundaries of the court, but may touch the boundary lines 3- CROSSING THE CENTER LINE – The player may cross the center line so long as a part of the body remains in contact with the center line and the action does not interfere with play or cause a safety concern (discretion by the referee). FOREARM PASS A ball played off the forearms in an underhand manner. The forearms, (UNDERHAND PASS, BUMP) held away from the body, will act as a surface from which the pass can be made. It is used to play served balls, hard-driven spikes and any loose balls dropping near the floor.

Usually, this pass is the first contact by a team within its own court. A rule infraction, also called a violation. FOUR HITS A team foul resulting from the ball being hit four times on one side of the net during a normal play. FOUR-TWO (4-2) OFFENSE An offensive system consisting of a line-up of four spikers and two setters. The setter is one of the front-line players who normally rotates into the middle front position after the serve. FREE BALL A non-spiked return of a ball by the opponent that should be easily handled and turned into an offensive play. This should be distinguished from a “down-ball.” Generally speaking a free ball travels in an upward trajectory as it crosses the net. The area from the net back to the line 10 feet from the net. FRONT SET A type of overhand pas used in setting the ball in a forward direction, i.e. the direction that the person setting the ball is facing. FRONT-LINE (FRONT ROW) PLAYER Left – front (LF), Middle Front (MF), and Right Front (RF): according to the serving order. (Serving order positions 2,3 and 4).

A set made by a player who has jumped off of the floor. JUMP SERVE - TOPSPIN The server initiates this serve with a high toss as if setting himself. An approach is used to attack the serve giving it the appearance of a spike. JUMP SERVE - FLOAT The server takes an approach similar footwork as an attack approach and contacts the center of the ball so it travels with little to no spin. KILL A spike that cannot be returned and thus directly results in a point or side-out for the spiking team. LATERAL SET A set made in which the setter’s shoulders are approximately parallel to the direction of the path of the ball. Normally, the setter’s shoulders are approximately perpendicular to the path of the ball. LET SERVE A serve contacting the net and continuing into play. Under old rule systems, let serves were a loss of rally and serve was given to receiving team. Nowadays the served ball may touch the net on its way over and the rally continues. LIBERO An Italian word meaning “free,” is a defensive player designated by a contrasting colored jersey who can come on and off the court for any back-row player. Their main responsibilities include receiving serve and playing defense.

Rules limit them from overhead setting in front of the 3-meter line and attacking a ball above the plane of the net. Liberos may serve under certain rule systems and may not in others. LIFT A foul in which the ball visibly comes to rest on some part of the body. A ball which hits the line. It is considered to be in bounds. LINE OF FORCE Many techniques, when executed properly, require a virtual straight line between the lowest extremity of the body (the average foot position when setting and the “opposite leg” when spiking), the center of gravity of the body and point of contact with the ball. The initial flight of a set should follow the line of force. The initial flight of a spike should be perpendicular to the line of force. See DOWN THE LINE SHOT LINESMAN/LINESWOMAN The official positioned at the end of the court, responsible for indicated whether a ball is inbounds or out of bounds. The best of two of three, or the best three out of five sets. MATCH-UP BLOCKING A system of blocking where teams manipulate the positions of their front row players to gain an advantage on the other teams attackers.

For example: A left side attacker may be blocking in the middle, a middle blocker on the right, and the setter on the left. MIDDLE-BACK DEEP DEFENSE (WHITE OR PERIMETER DEFENSE) A defensive formation displaying two blockers at the net and four men in a cup formation near the court perimeter. The middle back is at the end-line and is responsible for all the deep shots. MIDDLE-BACK-UP DEFENSE (RED) A defensive formation displaying two blockers at the net, one player (the middle back) right behind the block and the three remaining players near the court perimeter. The middle back is responsible for all dinks. MIDDLE BLOCKER Normally a team will display all three of their front court players in preparation to block the opponent’s attack, even though only one or two players may block. The MIDDLE BLOCKER is that blocker who is deployed between the other two blockers as the team is ready to block. MULTIPLE OFFENSE (6-0 or three hitter attack) An offensive system in which all three front court players are expected to attack and a back row player is used as the setter. A three spiker offense in which the ball is set by a back-row player. NET – n.

The basic dividing plane between two halves of the court. The volleyball net is 36 inches wide and 32 feet long. It is made of cord meshes 4 inches square. On top of the net is a canvas band 2 inches wide. The net height is 8 feet for men; 7 feet 4-1/4” inches for women. It is supported by a cable attached to suitable anchoring equipment. 1 – to touch the net which constitutes a foul The non-blocking front court player is most standard defensive patterns. OFFENSE The techniques and tactics by the team controlling the ball. IT includes reception of the serve (bump or forearm pass), setting and attacking (spiking) the ball. The serve is also an offensive action. OFFENSIVE PLAYS Virtually all teams run coordinate team patterns or plays much the same as a basketball or football team might run. The following are a few common examples used by teams employing a multiple offense. (Refer to ZONES OF NET AREA). 1 – OPTION FOUR: A play designed to isolate (free from blockers) the left front spiker. Left front expects a 4 set (shoot), middle front expects a 1 set (Jap) and right front expects a regular set.

2 – DOUBLE QUICK: A play designated to isolate the right front spiker. Left front expects a regular set, middle front expects a 1 set and right front expects a back set 2. 3 – X PLAY: A play designated to isolate the right front spiker hitting from the middle front position. Left front expects a regular set, center front expects a Jap set and right front takes a move similar to the double quick but then crosses, behind the CF spikes and hits a 2 set in the middle of the court. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM Many times this term is defined in terms of the number of spikers and setters used. In common definition, the first number referse to the number of spikers and the second refers to the number of setters. For example: 4-2 = a system using 4 spikers and 2 setters ( a two setter attack) 3-3 = three spikers and three setters (the common system of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s) 6-6 = a two hitter attack; MF is always the setter – standard in physical education (gym) class procedure - an offensive system of the simplest nature.

It can also have a 3-hitter attack (multiple offense) – 6 spikers, 6 setters (back row) 5-1 = five spikers and one setter (sometimes called the International 4-2 – where setter is in the RF position) 6-0 = this term has commonly been used to indicate a multiple offense (see MULTIPLE OFFENSE), in reality according to the above definition, it should be called a 6-2; six spikers – three setters 6-3 = multiple offense – six spikers - three setters. This system avoids the complications found in bringing the setter in from the left back position. OUTSIDE HITTER Primarily used as a left-side attacker and primary passers in serve receive, conventional systems of play use two outside-hitters OH1 follows the setter while OH2 follows the opposite-hitter. In less conventional systems they may be utilized as swing hitters. The act of attacking the second touch. OPPOSITE-HITTER Primarily used to attack from the right sight of the court. They are opposite the setter, denoted by “opposite”-hitter. This position is the most versatile on the court.

This players position in the rotational order allows for this player to be a primary passer, passing from the center of the court in every rotation, primary attacker, or the ability to be hidden on the court. OVERHAND PASS A ball played from above the forehead usually with fingertips of both hands. The hands must be in such a position that the passer is able to see the back of his hands. OVERLAP 1 – An illegal placement of the feet with respect to the positioning of players before the ball is served. 2 – A foul committed as players stand in incorrect rotational order before the ball is served. A player’s feet may not overlap the players on either side of him or the players in front and behind him. A first contact that is sent over the net unintentionally. PASS The controlled movement of the ball usually from one player to another on the same team. It may be either a forearm pass or an overhand pass. Usually, this term is applied to the first play of the ball after it has crossed the net and often is applied only to the serve reception (commonly called the BUMP).

PANCAKE An emergency defensive move where a player anticipatorally lays his/her hand on the floor (palm facing down) with the intention of having the ball bounce off his/her hand instead of the floor. POINT A point is awarded when an active rally is terminated, the serving team or the receiving team may win the point. PENETRATION 1 – The movement of a back court player into the front court for the purpose of setting. Usually this is done as the team is attempting to execute a multiple offense. 2 – The act of reaching over the net on the block. PLAY-OVER A play-over is the act of putting the ball into play again without awarding a point or side-out. POINT A point is awarded to the serving team only when the receiving team commits a foul. The receiving team cannot earn a point. More than one point scored while maintaining the same server on the baseline. The channel inside the block into which most power spikes are directed. POWER VOLLEYBALL This level of volleyball differs from recreational volleyball in the amount of organization necessary for the highly refined application of team strategy and individual skills. Power volleyball demands a quick and alert, extremely well-coordinated athlete, with great stamina to master its complex skills and playing situations.

PURSUIT The act of playing a ball that has traveled outside of the antenae onto the other side of the net and played back to correct side. RALLY (VOLLEY) The chain of events while the ball is in play. The rally begins with the service and ends when the ball is dead (unless there is a question of equilibrium following the dead ball). RANGE OF MOTION (ZONE of EFFECTIVENESS) That part of the playing area in which the player has high probability of making a successful play. RALLY SCORING Unlike sideout scoring where points can only be scored by the serving team, points are scored on each dead ball in rally-scoring whether the team is serving or receiving. This rule was first introduced in 1999 by FIVB (international volleyball federation). READ BLOCKING A system of blocking where the blockers wait and react to the set ball, cueing on clues from the setter while judging the trajectory off the set ball. The body position of a player as he anticipates executing a particular technique. See MIDDLE BACK UP DEFENSE REFEREE The head or chief official, positioned with a view across the top of the net. Also called the 1st referee.

A defensive technique often employed to increase the sideward range of motion (ZONE OF EFFECTIVENESS). - FULL (COMPLETE) ROLL – The defensive player lunges sideward, recovers a difficult shot then rolls (360 degrees) over the back and shoulder to regain a defensive position. - HALF-ROLL – A player falls to his back, reverses directions and comes up on his feet again. ROTATION The clockwise movement of players on the court after a side-out has occurred and the opponents have lost the serve. ROUNDHOUSE Action used to strike the ball on a serve or spike. The ball is struck with the arm approximately fully extend which moves generally upward through a large arc of about 180 degrees. SAVE A recover of a ball which would have hit the floor except for an extreme effort of the player, moving well beyond his normal range of coverage. The official charged with accurately recording the score of the game. SCREW-UNDER PASS (BUMP) (SET) A forearm pass or an overhand set made as the passer (setter) is pivoting as he passes (sets) the ball. Usually this pass is concluded by a half roll by the passer.

SERVING AREA An area that is equal in width to the baseline and extends infinitely deep behind the endline. The service area shall be a minimum of six feet in depth. In the event that the playing area does not provide space for such a depth, the service area should extend into the court to whatever distance is necessary to provide the minimum six feet. SERVING FOOT FAULT (SERVER) and (OTHER PLAYERS) See FOOT FAULT SERVING ORDER POSITIONS (FLOOR POSITIONS) Starting from the first server, they are Right Back (RB-1), Middle Back (MB-2), Left Back (LB-3), Left Front (LF-4), Middle Front (MF-5), Right Front (RF-6). Serving order should be (RB-1), (RF-2), (MF-3), (LF-4), (LB-5), (MB-6). SERVING SPECIALIST A player who is substituted into the match with the sole purpose of serving. After receiving team sides out, the serving specialist is promptly removed from the match SET To win a set, a team must score 25 points and be ahead by at least 2 points.

If the score reaches 24-24 or 14-14 in the 5th set (3rd set under some rule systems), play continues until the winner achieves a two point advantage. However, it is sometimes necessary to use time limits or other maximum scores to determine the winner. SET VARIATIONS The definitions here refer to setting zones: 1 – A low set, usually in the center of the net (zone #5), that travels nearly straight up and is quickly hit by the spiker who is already in the air. It is hit just above the net as it leaves the setter’s hands. Ideally, it is set in such a manner that a spiker attacks the ball while ascending. 2 – A medium low set that travels nearly straight up from the setter’s hands to a height 2 or 3 feet above the net. 3 – A medium set traveling 2-4 feet above the netand coming down half way between the setter and spiker; sometimes used interchangeably with the 31 set (See 31 SET). Regular Set – A high set coming down near the sideline (vertical tape marker).

4 SET (SHOOT SET) – A medium low set traveling 2-4 feet above the net and coming down near the sideline. 31 SET – A low, very quick set (usually in zone #3) just above the net. SETTER (TOSSER) The player assigned to set the ball into the air for the purpose of placing the ball in position for the attack. SET THE BLOCK In most defensive patterns, a particular person will be designated to position the block on any specific offensive player. The player designated to position the block on any specific offensive player. The player designated to position the block has the assignment to SET the BLOCK. See ZONES OF NET AREA. SHADE An adjustment before a rally by blockers. Blockers take one or two steps to either sideline to give themselves a small advantage on an attacker they think may be set. SHORT-SERVE A tactic in which the server serves the ball into zone 2, 3, or 4 (right front, middle front and left front respectively) preferably inside of the 3-meter line. It is designed to upset a team’s offense by pulling attackers out of an ideal position for an approach.

SIDE-OUT Side-out occurs when the receiving team wins the point, giving them the serve. In rally-scoring, the team is awarded a point, unlike in side-out scoring. SIDELINES The two lines running the length of the court (60 feet in length) which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the net. They are two inches in width. SOFT SPIKE (HALF SPEED SHOT, OFF-SPEED SHOT, CHANGE OF PACE) A spike made with considerable less force than a normal spike, often very carefully placed. It is used to gain some tactical advantage. SPIKE (HITTER, ATTACKER) 1 – A forceful method of returning the ball across the net. Usually the third contact by a team within its own court. 2 – The act of jumping in the air and hitting a set ball from above the level of the net. SPIKE COVERAGE A position taken by the offensive players as the spiker spikes the ball, so as to field any ball rebounding from the block. SPIKER The offensive player driving the ball over the net (spiking) in to the opponent’s court. SPLIT BLOCK A team tactic in which there is an intentionally wide space left between the blockers.

The space may often be from 1-4 feet. SPRAWL A defensive move where a player places his/her forearms on the floor, while moving forward or side to side, preventing the ball from contacting the floor. When finished, if executed correctly, the player will be sprawled out on his/her stomach. STRONG SIDE (ON SIDE) These are terms indicating spiking or attack zones along the net. The strong side is the left hand side of the net for a right handed spiker and the right side of the net for a left handed spiker. The act of one player entering the game to replace another player. SWING-BLOCKING A rhythm timed blocking method, where the blockers begin “bunched” into the middle of the court and turning, dropping their hands and swinging them like the back swing of an approach. arms to play a ball finishing on the side of his/her hips and torso. SWING OFFENSE Developed by Bill Neville and Doug Beal for the 1984 Olympics, the swing offense utilizes one or two swing hitters who are capable of hitting multiple sets in multiple net zones. They are used to fool blockers by rarely hitting the same set twice.

They may pass a ball on the left side of the net and attack a ball on the right. SWITCH An intentional strategic interchange of positions on the court. It can take place only after the ball is contacted by the server. Generally switching occurs amongst the players that are in the same zones of the court, i.e. back row players switching with back row players only, front row players switching with front row players only. A group of six players on one half of the court. The coordinated pattern of a team either on offense or on defnse. A spiker who also functions as a secondary setter. The act of attacking a ball intentionally off the blockers hands/forearms to earn a point A forward spin imparted to the ball during the serve or spike. An international term for the set, similarly tosser means setter. TRAJECTORY The trajectory of an object, such as a ball, must follow the path of a parabola unless object is subject to outside forces. There are two types of deviations which commonly act upon the parabolic arc of a volleyball: 1 – Any spin placed upon the ball causes the deviation to be in a predictable direction 2 – Any non-spinning ball may deviate from the theoretical path in an unpredictable manner.

TRANSITION The movement of a team as it changes from one team pattern to another. Normally the term is applied as a team changes from offense to defense or from defense to offense. TRIPLE BLOCK Using the 3 available blockers all at once to block an attacker. Usually occurs on out of system sets where the setter’s intentions are clear early. Also used to stop a dominant attacker. A term commonly applied when playing the 4-2 or 6-6 offenses. See OFFENSIVE SYSTEMS. The governing body of the volleyball in the United States. Official who assists the referee and is positioned on the floor opposite the referee. ZONES OF THE NET AREA (SETTING ZONES) The net is divided into a symmetrical system of nine zones (passing target zone #7). Click here to see a PDF visual of all nine zones. In this system, the height of the set is designated by the second digit. The first digit indicates the zone in which the set is begun. For example: A 23 set will be in zone 2, 3 feet above the net at the peak of its arc. A 68 set will be in zone 6, 8 feet above the net at the peak of its arc.

Note – When 0 is the second digit – the set is a normal high set; when 9 is the second digit – the set is a super high set. For example: 10 is a regular set in Zone 1 while 99 is a super-high set in Zone 9. If these numbers are followed by a third number (23-3), this third number indicates how far the set should be from the net. An 82-1 is Zone 8, two feet high and one foot away from the net. This system is now commonly used by the U.S. National Team. Patrick Kohan

Question: Bump, Campfire, Joust and Pancake are all terms used in which sport?
Answer: Volleyball