Common Terminologies in Volleyball

Attack

An attack can be a spike, tip, set or a hit as an over-the-head contact.

Attack line

The attack line is the line 3 meters from the net and runs parallel on each side of the court.

Attack zone or Front zone

This zone is between the net and the line of attack where the 3 attack players can block or send the ball over.

Ball in

Indicates that the ball bounced inside the playing court.

Ball out

Indicates that the ball bounced outside the playing court.

Ball touch or Check ball

Indicates that the players touch the ball while it falls outside the playing court.

Block

A _____ is when one team tries to stop the ball from coming onto their side.

Catch or Holding

Indicates that the ball has been held, thrown or carried.

Centerline

The line that runs underneath the net, dividing the volleyball court into two equal halves.

Cool down

Should consist of light jogging, skipping, and 3-5 minutes to stretch.

Dead ball

The ball is dead if it touches the floor of the court or when the referee stops play.

Default

An un-played match recorded as a loss rather than a forfeit.

Defense Zone (Back Zone)

Where the defensive players stand to receive balls from the opposing team.

Delay

An improper action that defers game resumption, like delaying a substitution.

Delay in service or 8 seconds

Indicates that the server commits an eight seconds violation during services.

Dig Pass

A pass of a hard-driven ball from the other team.

Double Fault

Occurs when players of opposing teams simultaneously commit faults, leading to a replay.

Interference

Destructive behavior of a team during ball play.

Interval

The time between sets.

Joust

When two players go for the ball just above the net and attempt to push it back.

Libero

A defensive specialist who wears a different color and cannot serve or rotate to the front line.

Line judge

An official who assists a referee in determining if a ball is in, out, or touched.

Net touch

Indicates that the player is/are touching the net.

Pass

A volleyball pass with the objective to move the ball to a teammate called a setter.

Penetration or Crossing

Indicates that players' feet fully crossed in the centerline.

Point

The result of a rally which can be scored in various ways.

Rally

The time between the serve and the end of play.

Reaching beyond the net

Indicates that the attacker or blocker hit the ball beyond the net onto the opponent's court.

Receiver

The player who assesses incoming angles and decides how to pass the ball.

Rotation

Taking turns to serve.

Sanctions

Punishments imposed by a referee on any member of a team.

Server

A player who uses one open hand to send the ball over the net from behind the end line.

Service Ace

A serve that results directly in a point, awarded if the serve strikes the opponent's court untouched.

Set or Toss

An over-the-head pass to a hitter to enable a spike over the net.

Side bands

Two white bands attached to the net above each sideline.

Spike or Kill

Scoring a point by slamming the ball aggressively into the opposing court.

Substitution

When one player leaves the court, another takes their position.

Team captain

A player respected and trusted by teammates to lead in the right direction.

Toss Coin

To determine which team will serve first and which side of the court teams will start.

Warm up

Exercises to prepare players for volleyball matches.