Freshman Page (and their parents)
This page is primarily for Freshmen parents.
When watching a volleyball game you may be overwhelmed about how different
this game is then the one you remember from School.
Our girls are playing Volleyball. We run an offense. We have a defense. We run set
plays. By the end of this page you should understand more about these things.
The Game starts with a bunch of useless ceremony. The teams will go to the endline
of the court. The referee will wave the teams onto the court. The players will
usually shake hands under the net, then go to their rotational positions.
Every player has at least two positions. Every point, players must start in their
rotation position. At the start of the game the girls will stand in a very easy to see
formation. 3 girls will be in the front (at the net) 3 will be in the back. When the
down ref tells them it is ok they will go to their playing positions.
Players must start every serve in their rotational position. The court is divided into
six zones.
Zone
NET
Zone
Zone
4
3
2
Zone
Zone
Zone
5
6
1
After the whistle has been blown and the ball has been served players can move to
their true playing positions. This means that when the ball is served the middle
hitter that is in the front row will move to zone 3. The outside hitter will move to
zone 4 and the setter will usually move to zone 2. They can stay in these spots until
the ball hits the floor. When the point is scored they must return to their rotational
position until the ball is served.
Volleyball 101
Here is your introduction to Volleyball:
Starting with a glossary to expand your volleyball vocabulary.
10 Ball
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. The term "10-ball" is the
set that is given to the backrow player attempting a backrow attack.
Ace
Definition:A serve in volleyball that is not passable and immediately
rewards the serving team with a point. Usually followed by a moment of
celebration by the serving team.
Antenna
Definition:The verticle 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.
Assist
Definition: An assist is awarded to the player that passes or sets a ball
to a player who successfuly 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.
Block
Definition: Attempting to block an opponents attack. Normally, both players
are above the height of the net and the receiving player(s) attempt with
their hands to stop the ball from crossing the net.
Also Known As: stuff, roof, wall
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.
Also Known As: Hitter, Spiker
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 Line
Definition: The two lines parallel to the center line and three meters back
from the net. These lines seperate the front court from the back court.
Back court players must jump to attack the ball from behind this line. Also
Known As: 10-foot line.
Back Court
Definition: That area of the court between the sidelines, behind the attack
line and in front of the end line.
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.
Back Set
Definition: When the setter sets in the direction opposite to which he or
she is facing.
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.
Also Known As: saving pass
Ball Handling Error
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.
Also Known As: lift, carry, throw
Beach Dig
Definition: An open-handed pass often used by beach players.
Also Known As: Deep Dish
Bump
Definition: A pass with both arms together where the ball bumps off the
forearms. Also Known As: forearm pass, pass, bump pass, bump
Bump Pass
Definition: A pass with both arms together where the ball bumps off the
forearms. Also Known As: forearm pass, pass, bump pass, bump
Bump Set
Definition: A set with both arms together where the ball bumps off the
forearms. Just like a pass but usually the second hit and a subsequent
attack should follow.
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.
Carry
Definition: Illegally holding a ball during a contact. Illegal contact.
Center Line
Definition: The two inch line that runs down the center of the court under
the net and divides the court into two equal halves.
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.
Cut Shot
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 disquise or hide
which attacker will receive the set. Often, two or more hitters approach to
the same area on the net.
Deep Set
Definition: 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 refering to a pass made
close to the floor after a spike.
Also Known As: pass, shovel
Dink
Definition: 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 defense near the net.
Dive
Definition: Lunging forward to save that ball often landing on the stomach.
It is the ultimate dig.
Also Known As: dig
Related Resources:
Double Block
Definition: Two front row players working in unison attempt to block an
opponent.
Also Known As: wall
Related Resources:
Double Hit
Definition: Two or more successive hits or contacts with a ball by the same
player. Situation dictates whether it is a legal play or not.
Double Quick
Definition: Like the quick, except two hitters approach the setter for a
quick inside hit.
Also Known As: stack, tandem
Doubles
Definition: A version of the game where each team has only two players.
Played on all surfaces but is most popular on played on a sand court.
Also Known As: 2s, two's
End Line
Definition: The lines that extends along the two short sides of the court.
Also Known As: Service line
Five-One
Definition: A volleyball strategy for six-player matches where five of the
players are hitters and one is a full time setter.
Related Resources:
Flare
Definition: A hitter hides behind the quick hitter and makes an inside-out
approach.
Floater
Definition: A method of serving which has little or no spin on the ball.
The ball's path is erratic and very difficult to pass.
Also Known As: float serve
Forearm Pass
Definition: A pass with both arms together where the ball bumps off the
forearms.
Also Known As: forearm pass, pass, bump pass, bump
Four-Two
Definition: A six-player format using four hitters and two setters where
the setter always comes from the front row.
Held Ball
Definition: A ball that comes to rest during contact.
Hit
Definition: An attack on the ball that occurs normally above the height of
the net.
Also Known As: attack, spike
Hitter
Definition: The player making the hit.
Also Known As: attacker, spiker
Husband/Wife
Definition: An attack that lands between two players. Both players expected
the other player to dig the ball.
Joust
Definition: Two opposing players simultaneously make contact with the ball
above the height of the net.
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.
Jungle Ball
Definition: Volleyball played by a group of players that don't really know
how to play nor follow the majority of the rules.
Also Known As: picnic volleyball
KIll
Definition: An attack that results in an immediate point or sideout.
Libero
Definition: A defensive player who wears a different color jersey and is
restricted from hand setting the ball in front of the attack line, and
attacking the ball.
Lift
Definition: Illegally holding a ball during a contact. Illegal contact.
Line
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.
Middle Back
Definition: A defense strategy that uses the middle back player to cover
deep shots.
Middle Up
Definition: A defense strategy that uses the middle back player to come up
shallow to cover dinks or short shots.
Mintonette
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.
Offside Block
Definition: The front row player who is on the side of the court opposite
from the side the opponent is making the attack.
Offspeed Hit
Definition: A ball spiked with less than maximum force. Normally the ball
has a lot of spin.
Outside Hitter
Definition: The left or right front player that hits a ball with an
approach normally coming from the outside of the court.
Overhand Pass
Definition: A pass made with open hands like a set. When done correctly, it
is a great way to control the pass. In beach ball, it allows a player to
attack on the second contact rather than waiting for the third contact.
Overhand Serve
Definition: Serving the ball and contacting the ball with your hand above
your head.
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.
Pass
Definition: Contacting the ball with both arms together where the ball
bumps off the forearms.
Also Known As: forearm pass, pass, bump pass, bump
Related Resources:
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.
Pepper
Definition: A warm up drill usually played with 2-3 players. Person A begin
drill with a toss or a down ball. Person B then passes to A. Person A then
sets to B. B then hits a controlled down ball to A. Person A passes to B
who sets to A who hits to B and so on until the ball hits the floor.
Pipe
Definition: Another name for a back row attack. 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 back row player steps on over the attack line its an illegal back
row attack.
Related Resources:
Power Alley
Definition: A cross court shot that travels to the farthest opposite point
on the court.
Power Dink
Definition: An attack where the attacker pushes or directes the ball with
force.Also Known As: Power tip
Power Volleyball
Definition: A competitive style of volleyball started in Japan.
Quick Set
Definition: A play where the middle hitter approaches the setter for a
super quick set.
Ready Position
Definition: The correct position a player should be in when preparing to
receive and pass a serve or attack.
Also Known As: Ready
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 or coach.
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
Roof
Definition: The big block that sends the volleyball straight down on the
attacker's court.
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: 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
Related Resources:
Server
Definition: The player who puts the ball into play.
Related Resources:
Service Error
Definition: An unseccessful serve in which the ball does not legally land
in the opponents court or the player commits a foot fault.
Service Line
Definition: The lines that extends along the two short sides of the court.
Also Known As: Serving area, end line
Service Winner
Definition: When the serving team scores. A service winner can either be an
ace or won after a rally.
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.
Related Resources:
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.
Related Resources:
Sideline
Definition: The boundary marking for the side edges of the court.
Sideout
Definition: A sideout occurs when the receiving team successfuly wins the
rally against the serving team. The receiving team then becomes the serving
team.
Six Pack
Definition: Occurs when a blocker get hit in the head or face by a spiked
ball.
Six-Two
Definition: A 6-player offense that uses four hitters and two setters. The
setters are hitters while in the front row and setters while in the back
row.
Also Known As: 6-2
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
Related Resources:
Strong Side
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.
Stuff
Definition: A block that is deflected back to the attacking team's floor.
Also Known As: roof, block, wall
Throw
Definition: Changing the direction of a volleyball by grabbing it and
throwing it.
Also Known As: 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.
Underhand Serve
Definition: A serve where the server slightly tosses the ball waist high
and strikes the ball with the closed fist of the opposite hand, swinging
the arm upward.
Weak Side
Definition: The right-front position of the net for a right-handed person
and the left-front for a left-handed person.
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.
SEHS Volleyball OFFENSE
We will be running a 5-1 offensive system this year at the varsity and possibly the JV level.
This means that each team will have only one setter on the floor that will set all of the time.
When we are not in a 5-1 we will be running a 4-2, this means that we will have 2 setters on
the floor that will set from the front row. This will cause some confusion for your daughters.
We will also be changing the manner in which we call our sets out. You will see the set chart
on the following page. The first number called is the area of the floor that the set will be
placed. The second number is how high the set will be at its peak. If you have questions about
how this will work then let me know. Please keep in mind that I am here to teach you all that I
can about the sport of volleyball. Ask questions if you need help.
Visualization
You should make use of the following example scripts. You should repeat these and think
about the movements involved in these skills. Numerous research has shown that when an
athlete thinks about performing a given task, the same regions of the brain are stimulated as
when the athlete actually performs the task. This is a way to practice without being in the
gym. By using visualization scripts an athlete can learn good techniques and make them
automatic.
Serving visualization script:
 See yourself standing at the back line of the court (if you are at an away game make
sure that you notice the color of the line.)
 Notice all of the sounds around you.
 Choose a portion of the court to serve to. Zone 1-6.
 Listen for the whistle from the referee
 Start with your left foot in front if right handed.
 See the ball coming out of your left hand toss the ball high enough that you stretch a
little to reach it, and directly in front of your serving shoulder.
 Feel your arm reaching back with the elbow at 90 degrees
 Reach up high with the serving arm.
 Step with your left foot to push your body into the ball
 Contact the ball with the heel of the hand.
 Make sure that your body is in control, no extra spinning ( you should be facing into
the court when you are finished.)
 Float serve- feel your hand stop quickly after you contact the ball
Topspin serve- feel your fingers wrap over the top of the ball as you follow through,
make your wrist snap to put more topspin on the serve
 See the ball fly over the net as you run into your position on the court.
 See the ball contact the floor for an ace.
Hitting visualization script: This script starts from the net like you have just finished blocking.
 Open up to the court by dropping your right foot back
 Make a crossover step to get to your approach spot.
OR See yourself going to your approach spot on the court as quickly as possible
(outside hitters you should be at the attack line, about 2 feet out of bounds; middle
hitters should be at about the attack line perhaps a little in front)
 Hear yourself making the call for the set.
 If running a slow set (14,42) wait for the ball to get as high as it will go then approach,
(32,12,41,51, slide) move as the setter contacts the ball or just before.
 See your approach from the outside it should be a large LEFT foot step, RIGHT foot
step to jump position, match the LEFT then JUMP
Middle should be the same on a 2, or made need 2 step approach RIGHT, LEFT
JUMP.
 Find the ball in the air and notice where the blocker is.



Reach HIGH with hitting arm and swing hard.
Finish with wrist snap so that all five fingers point to the floor.
See the ball going by the block and to the floor for a kill.
Passing visualization script:
 See the ball leave the opponent setter’s hands.
 Watch the hitter on her approach. Look at her body angle to show where she is going
to hit.
 Watch the ball contact her hand.
 Move your feet to get under the ball. Work hard so that you do not have to reach. Use
an over hand passing technique (setting or tomahawk) if the ball is too high.
 Stop your feet before the ball gets to you.
 Put your flattest platform out under the ball.
 Use your legs to give the ball power if you need it.
 See the ball going to the top of the setter’s head.
Setting visualization script:
 Watch the passer make the pass.
 Move into position under the ball. The ball should land on your head if you let it
through your hands.
 Get your hands up, right foot forward, facing the way that you want the ball to go. DO
NOT FACE THE WAY THE BALL COMES INTO YOU!!
 Feel the ball hit your hands and give a little bit. The ball CANNOT HIT YOUR
PALMS keep it in your fingertips.
 Step through the set transferring your weight from your back left foot to your front
right foot while you straighten your arms and push the ball to the target.
 Use your wrist for most of you power. Your thumbs should point at your eyes as the
ball comes in and point at the target as the ball leaves.