Why volleyball has its own language
Your first practice can feel like everyone is speaking a different language. The coach calls for a "free ball," a teammate yells "mine," and someone mentions running a "5-1." Every one of those words means something specific on the court.
The good news: you only need about 40 terms to follow almost any practice or game. This guide covers them in plain language, grouped the way you will meet them. Parents watching from the stands in Winnipeg gyms this season will find it useful too.
Game basics
Rally: One play, from the serve until the ball hits the floor or someone makes a fault. Every rally scores a point (this is called rally scoring).
Set (the game): One game, played to 25 points (win by 2). A deciding set is played to 15. A match is usually best of three or best of five sets.
Side out: When the receiving team wins the rally. They earn the point and the right to serve.
Rotation: Each time your team wins back the serve, all six players move one spot clockwise. Everyone takes a turn serving and playing every spot on the court.
Front row / back row: The three players near the net are the front row. The three behind them are the back row. Back-row players cannot attack the ball above the top of the net from in front of the attack line.
Attack line (10-foot line): The line 3 metres from the net. It separates the front zone from the back zone.
Antennas: The two poles on top of the net. The ball must cross the net between them.
The skills
Each team gets up to three contacts to send the ball back over. The classic pattern is pass, set, hit.
Serve: The hit that starts each rally, from behind the end line. Beginners often use an underhand serve, then move to overhand, float and jump serves.
Pass (bump or forearm pass): Playing the ball off your forearms, usually the first contact. A good pass sends the ball to the setter.
Serve receive: Passing the other team's serve.
Dig: Passing a hard-driven attack, usually low to the floor.
Set: Usually the second contact. The setter pushes the ball up with their fingertips so a hitter can attack it.
Attack (hit or spike): Jumping and hitting the ball over the net with force. It is usually the third contact.
Tip: A soft push over or around the block, instead of a full swing.
Block: Front-row players jumping at the net to stop an attack. A block touch does not count as one of your three contacts.
Free ball: An easy ball sent over with a pass or a set, not an attack. Teams call "free!" to get ready to run their offence.
Down ball: An attack hit while standing, usually from deep in the court.
Volleyball positions
Position | What they do |
|---|---|
Setter | Runs the offence. Takes the second contact and decides who gets to attack. Often called the quarterback of the team. |
Outside hitter (left side) | Attacks from the left front. Gets the most sets and also passes serve. |
Opposite (right side) | Attacks from the right front and blocks the other team's outside hitter. Plays opposite the setter in the rotation. |
Middle blocker | Blocks along the whole net and attacks quick sets in the middle. |
Libero | A back-row defensive specialist in a different-coloured jersey. Can replace any back-row player without using a substitution, but cannot attack above net height or block. |
Defensive specialist (DS) | A strong passer and digger who comes in for back-row rotations. Unlike the libero, a DS uses a normal substitution. |
Systems and rotations: 5-1 vs 6-2
A team's "system" is how many setters and hitters it uses. The first number is hitters, the second is setters.
5-1: One setter sets in all six rotations, with five hitters. Most club and high school teams use it once players are older, because one setter gives the offence a steady rhythm.
6-2: Two setters, each setting only from the back row. Whoever is setting at the moment is not hitting, so there are always three front-row attackers. It is common with younger teams and gives two players setting experience.
4-2: Two setters who set from the front row. You will mostly see it in beginner and recreational play.
Overlap (rotation fault): At the moment of the serve, each player must be in the right order next to their neighbours. If two players are out of order, the referee calls an overlap and the other team gets the point. Once the ball is served, players can move anywhere.
Referee calls and game slang
Faults (the other team gets the point)
Net violation: Touching the net while playing the ball.
Four hits: Using more than three contacts before sending the ball over.
Double contact (double): One player touching the ball twice in a row. It is allowed on the first contact of a hard-driven ball, but not on a set.
Lift or carry: Holding or throwing the ball instead of hitting it cleanly.
Foot fault: Stepping on or over the end line while serving.
Centre line violation: Crossing fully under the net into the other team's court.
Words you will hear on the bench
Ace: A serve that scores directly, untouched or impossible to play.
Kill: An attack that ends the rally with a point.
Shank: A pass that flies off in the wrong direction.
Pancake: Saving the ball by sliding your flat hand on the floor so it bounces off the back of your hand.
Roof: A big block that sends the ball straight back down.
Mine / Help: Calls to say "I've got it" or "I need someone to take this."
Ready to put the words into play?
The fastest way to learn volleyball terms is to hear them on the court. Pick two or three from this list before your next practice and listen for them.
If you are new to the game in Winnipeg, Vision Elite Academy programs are built for players learning the basics, from first-time camps to club teams. Visit our programs page to find a camp, clinic or tryout near you, and bring your questions. Vision Elite Academy coaches are happy to explain any term on this list.