Volleyball Brief History

The sport originated in the United States, and is now just achieving the type of popularity in
the U.S. that it has received on a global basis, where it ranks behind only soccer among
participation sports. Today there are more than 800 million players worldwide who play
Volleyball at least once a week. In 1895, William G. Morgan, an instructor at the Young Men's
Christian Association (YMCA) in Holyoke, Mass., decided to blend elements of basketball,
baseball, tennis, and handball to create a game for his classes of businessmen which would
demand less physical contact than basketball. He created the game of Volleyball (at that
time called mintonette). Morgan borrowed the net from tennis, and raised it 6 feet 6 inches
above the floor, just above the average man's head.
During a demonstration game, someone remarked to Morgan that the players seemed to be
volleying the ball back and forth over the net, and perhaps "volleyball" would be a more
descriptive name for the sport. On July 7, 1896 at Springfield College the first game of
"volleyball" was played
In 1900, a special ball was designed for the sport.
In 1916, in the Philippines, an offensive style of passing the ball in a high trajectory to be
struck by another player (the set and spike) were introduced.
In 1917, the game was changed from 21 to 15 points.
In 1920, three hits per side and back row attack rules were instituted.
In 1930, the first two - man beach game was played.
In 1934, the approval and recognition of national volleyball referees.
In 1964, Volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
In 1974, the World Championships in Mexico were telecast in Japan.
In 1987, the FIVB added a Beach Volleyball World Championship Series.
In 1990, the World League was created.
In 1995, the sport of Volleyball was 100 years old!
In 1996, 2 - person beach volleyball was added to the Olympic
In 1998, Libero was introduced in Volleyball
The Fdration Internationale de Volleyball (International Federation of Volleyball),
commonly known by the acronym FIVB, is the international governing body for the sport of
indoor, beach and grass volleyball.[1] Its headquarters are located in Lausanne, Switzerland
and its current president is Ary Graa.
The FIVB was founded in Paris, France in 1947. In the late 1940s, some of the European
national federations began to address the issue of creating an international governing body
for the sport of volleyball. Initial discussions eventually lead to the installation of a
Constitutive Congress in 1947. Fourteen national federations representing five different
continents attended the meetings where, between April 18 and 20, the entity was officially
formed, having Frenchman Mr. Paul Libaud as first president.
One of the main goals of the 1947 Congress was achieved two years later with the
establishment of the first international major volleyball event, the World Championship. In
1952, a women's version of the tournament was also introduced.
In 1964, the IOC endorsed the addition of volleyball to the Olympic program. By this time,
the number of national federations affiliated to the FIVB had grown to 89. Later in that year
(1969), a new international event, the World Cup was introduced. It would be turned into a
qualifying event for the Olympic Games in 1991.

Following the retirement of Mr. Libaud and the election of Mexican Mr. Rubn Acosta
Hernandez for the position of president in 1984, the FIVB moved its headquarters from Paris,
France to Lausanne, Switzerland and intensified to an unprecedented level its policy of
promoting volleyball on a worldwide basis. Measures taken in this direction include the
establishment of annual competitions for men's and women's volleyball (the World League,
in 1990, and the Grand Prix, in 1993), the indication of Beach volleyball as an Olympic event
(1996) and a number of changes in the rules of the game with the purpose of enhancing
public visibility.
On 19 June 2008, Mr. Wei Jizhong (Chinese: ) of China was elected as the third
president in the history of the FIVB during the 31st FIVB World Congress in Dubai, United
Arab Emirates. The handover of the presidency took place on 24 August 2008 in Beijing.
As of 2010, the FIVB counted 220 affiliated national federations. The FIVB's main activity is
worldwide planning and organisation of volleyball events, sometimes in conjunction with
other international governing bodies such as the IOC. This involves defining qualification
procedures and competition formulae for tournaments, as well as more specific details such
as player line-up and replacement restrictions, venues and hosts.
Amongst others, the FIVB organises the following international volleyball tournaments:

Olympic Games

Volleyball World Championship

Volleyball World Cup

Volleyball World Grand Champions Cup

Volleyball World League (Men)

Volleyball World Grand Prix (Women)

Volleyball Club World Championship

Beach Volleyball SWATCH World Tour

Swatch FIVB World Championships

Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) is the continental governing body for the sport of
volleyball in Asia.
The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) was established on May 6, 1952, and since then
AVC has become one of the largest continental volleyball associations in the world, with its
member federations increasing to 65 from only 12 at the time of its set-up.
AVC President: Saleh Bin Nasser (KSA)
The Philippine Volleyball Federation (formerly the Philippine Amateur Volleyball
Association) is the national governing body for volleyball in the Philippines. The Philippine
Volleyball Federation (formerly known as PAVA) is the ONLY national governing body of
volleyball in the country. Affiliated and accredited by the Philippine Olympic Committee

(POC), Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the Federation International de Volleyball
(FIVB).
Karl Chan (Tacloban) - current PVF President
Rustico Camaingan (Manila) PVF Secretary General
FIVB World Rankings (as of September - October 7, 2014)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

MEN

WOMEN

BRAZIL
RUSSIA
POLAND
ITALY
USA

1. USA
2. BRAZIL
3. CHINA
4. JAPAN
5. ITALY

Ranked # 141. PHILIPPINES

Ranked # 63. PHILIPPINES

The Philippine Super Liga (PSL) is the first corporate club volleyball league in the
Philippines. It is organized by SportsCore Event Management and Consultancy, Inc. The
league is envisioned to provide former collegiate players a league with which they can
continue with their volleyball career. Founded in July 7, 2013.

The PSL began as a women's league during its inaugural tournament. A men's division was
added for the succeeding tournament The Chairman is Philip Ella Juico; the President is
Ramon Suzara, and the Commissioner is Dr. Adrian Laurel. The league's broadcast partner is
Solar Sports.

Current PSL teams Grand Prix Conference

Womens Teams:
Cignal HD Spikers
Petron Blaze Spikers
Generika Life Savers
RC Cola Air Force Raiders
Mane N Tail
Foton Tornadoes
Mens Teams:
Cignal HD Spikers
PLDT-Home Telpad
Maybank Tigers
Cavite Patriots
Bench-Systema
Basic Equipment in Volleyball
The Ball
FIVB regulations state that the ball must be spherical, made of leather or synthetic leather,
have a circumference of 6567 cm, a weight of 260280 g and an inside pressure of 0.30
0.325 kg/cm2. Other governing bodies have similar regulations.

The Net and Court

The outdoor volleyball court measures 18 x 9 m, surrounded by a free zone that is 2 meters
wide on all sides. The minimum playing space for U.S. volleyball competitions is 7 meters.
The volleyball net is 32 feet long by 3 feet wide. For women, the net should be 7 feet, 4 1/8
inches high. For men, the net should be 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches high. U.S. regulation volleyball
playing surfaces must be flat and not present any hazards to the players.
Lines
The playing court is marked by two sidelines and two end lines. All lines must be 2 inches
wide and must be created with a light color that is easy to discern from the playing court. An
attack line should be placed three meters from the center line. The center line divides the
court into two 9 x 9 meter courts.
Posts and Cables
The volleyball net structure is held together with metal cables and posts. Posts are placed
0.5 to 1.0 meter outside the sidelines and 2.55 meters high. Posts should be round, smooth
and padded, to prevent injury to the players should they dive or crash into them. Metal wires
and cables may need to be covered if it is determined that they present a danger to the
players.
Antenna and Side Bands
Antenna are flexible rods that are 1.8 meters long made of fiberglass, fastened at the outer
edge of each side band. Side bands are two white bands attached vertically to the net and
placed above each sideline.
Knee pads
Knee pads should be sturdy enough to protect your knees from falls, slides and dives, but
flexible enough to allow you to bend comfortably. Your volleyball knee pads must be made of
fabric that breathes and manages moisture. Good quality pads have a gel or foam shockabsorbing material that will cover and protect your patella. It is best to purchase your pads
from a reliable sporting goods store that will allow you to try them on.
Shoes
Arch and ankle support is key when choosing a volleyball shoe. Mizuno, Asics and Nike are
just a few of the popular brands of volleyball shoes, which are lightweight, allowing you to be
faster on your feet, as well as bearing good shock absorption on your toes. Volleyball shoes
also provide for better lateral movement than typical running or cross-training shoes.
Clothing and Jewelry
All clothing should be lightweight to allow maximum flexibility and breath-ability, as well as
made of a material that absorbs sweat and keeps skin dry. Spandex shorts are a good
option, as they are flexible, light and absorb odor. Socks, while not required, absorb sweat

and prevent blisters. Jewelry is not permitted in volleyball, with the exception of smooth
wedding bands. Glasses must be worn with a strap to keep them secure.

Six Basic Skills of Volleyball

Serve - Used to put the ball in play. The action is done with arm swing that sends the ball
over the net into the opponent's court.
Types of serve

Underhand
Overhead
Sidearm
Side spin
Hammer

Floater:
As the name indicates, a floater serve travels to the opponent court without spinning. It is
rather tricky and deceiving as it moves erratically; either straight, left or right making hard
for the opponent to figure out where the ball will land. For a good floater, you must hold the
ball with the left palm and have the other arm slightly bend. Toss the ball with no spin and
strike the middle of it with the heel of your palm. Remember to keep your hand open and flat
when striking. Do not follow through; just strike with a quick move.
Topspin
During a topspin serve, the ball spins hastily without changing its course. For some players,
it is considered to be an easy serve, but it is not. Despite the fact that the opponent knows
exactly where the ball is going to land, the ball's velocity makes it hard for him/her to
counter-attack
the
hit.
For a topspin serve, you must toss the ball higher than the floater, almost four feet above
your head. If the ball is not tossed that high, then you may not be able to finish your serve
properly. Toss the ball while spinning; fully extend your arm to strike the ball with the centre
of
the
palm
and
follow
through.
Jump
Serve
This type is the most popular one, especially among professional players, due to its power.
You have to toss the ball even higher in jump serve to leave you space to jump and hit the
ball. This reminds more of an attack as the additional motion helps you put on more power
on
the
strike.
Jump serve is not that easy to perform as the other types. You must toss the ball with your
serving hand. Toss the ball high above your head, take a step, jump and strike the ball at the
top with your hand at full extension. Remember that you have to be behind the line when
you start to serve but it is allowed to land inside the court. The power of the ball makes it a
hard
serve
to
pass.
Jump
Float
This serve combines the techniques of both floater and jump serve. You toss the ball but

with no spin and you strike it while you are on the air. This will give extra power to your ball
but
will
also
make
its
course
unpredictable.
Round
House
Serve
This is a rare type of serve that was mostly used in 1980s. Its unique difference is that in
round house serve you must not bend your elbow. Professionals start with one shoulder
facing the net and the arm totally straight. You toss the ball and strike it with a fast, swinging
move of your arm. You hit the ball with the heel of your palm making it look like topspin
serve.
Forearm Pass - Used to receive the ball from your opponents, as in service, or as a
technique to accurately control the ball in a way that eliminates lifting or carrying the ball.
The fundamental action of passing is to rebound the ball off of the forearms (which are held
together tightly with the palms and thumbs positioned together) from a slightly squatted
and balanced position.
Setting - Used to receive a teammate's pass in order that the play may continue by passing
the ball overhead to an attacker. The fundamental action of setting is to contact the ball
with the finger pads momentarily at the forehead and following through with arms fully
extended to the hitting target.
Type of Sets
The ONE BALL
The one provides the key to the quick attack. It forces the middle-blocker to wait and,
perhaps, jump before moving to block near the sideline.

The middle blocker

has a problem with teams that run a successful middle attack. The attacker opposite her is
jumping to spike. If she does not wait and at least raise her hands, the attacker hits an
unobstructed one.
If the middle blocker waits too long and the set goes elsewhere, she may be too late to help
her teammate block. The attacker has the one-on-one matchup she ought to win. This type
of strategy occurs often in advanced volleyball. All combinations begin with the quick set
called a "one."

The TWO BALL

The two is a medium-height set that can be directed to any player on the court, including
those in the back row. Above average teams will use the two ball to quicken its middle
attack. Advanced teams quicken its right-side attack with a long, back two.
The two, often called the "play set" or "combination set," is the workhorse of the middle
attack. When a blocker jumps with a quick attacker, the second attacker hits a two. The
setter uses the two as an alternative to a quick set when she has to come off the net to get
to a short pass or the hitter is late.
The height of a two ball can be 2-4 feet above net. The setter determines the height based
on her attackers' tendencies, the play, and available hitters.
The THREE BALL

The three, or inside shoot, is a quick set, usually directed to the middle-front attacker. Like
the one, it functions both to score points and to draw blockers from other attackers.
At its high point, the three ball reaches less than 3-feet above the net. It moves fast,
meeting the hitter about halfway between the setter and the left sideline. The spiker
attempts to jump and contact the ball before the middle and outside blocker converge to
block her.
To time the fastest three, the spiker jumps as the ball leaves the setters hands. To run a
slower three ball, the hitter must be preparing to jump as the ball touches the setter's

hands.

The FOUR BALL

The four, or outside shoot, is a low fast set that is directed to the left-front attacker. At its
high point, the four is 3-5 feet above the net. The greater distance between the setter and
the spiker makes the difference. The outside shoot moves faster, and is more difficult to
time, than any other set. The left-front attacker meets the ball on the left sideline. The leftfront attacker wants to jump and contact the ball before the middle-blocker moves and joins
her left-blocker teammate.
The FIVE BALL
The five, or high set, is the most common type of set for beginning teams. This set can be
delivered to any hitter anywhere on the court. Above average teams will combine the high
outside set to either of its outside hitters with the quick middle attack. Advanced teams use
the five ball as a safety set when the setter receives a poor pass and cannot run the
designed play.
The high point of the five ball is 5-8 feet above the net and sometimes can be much higher
depending upon the skill of the setter and other players. All hitters will wait until the ball has
reached its high point before beginning their approach.

Kill or Attack - Used to put the ball into the opponent's court in order to earn a point or
side out. The fundamental action of attacking incorporates a quick approach followed by a
strong, full arm swing, and follow-thru.
Contemporary volleyball comprises a number of attacking techniques:

Backcourt (or backrow)/pipe attack: an attack performed by a back row player. The
player must jump from behind the 3-meter line before making contact with the ball,
but may land in front of the 3-meter line.

Line and Cross-court Shot: refers to whether the ball flies in a straight trajectory
parallel to the side lines, or crosses through the court in an angle. A cross-court shot
with a very pronounced angle, resulting in the ball landing near the 3-meter line, is
called a cut shot.

Dip/Dink/Tip/Cheat/Dump: the player does not try to make a hit, but touches the ball
lightly, so that it lands on an area of the opponent's court that is not being covered
by the defense.

Tool/Wipe/Block-abuse: the player does not try to make a hard spike, but hits the ball
so that it touches the opponent's block and then bounces off-court.

Off-speed hit: the player does not hit the ball hard, reducing its speed and thus
confusing the opponent's defense.

Quick hit/"One": an attack (usually by the middle blocker) where the approach and
jump begin before the setter contacts the ball. The set (called a "quick set") is placed
only slightly above the net and the ball is struck by the hitter almost immediately
after leaving the setter's hands. Quick attacks are often effective because they
isolate the middle blocker to be the only blocker on the hit.

Slide: a variation of the quick hit that uses a low back set. The middle hitter steps
around the setter and hits from behind him or her.

Double quick hit/"Stack"/"Tandem": a variation of quick hit where two hitters, one in
front and one behind the setter or both in front of the setter, jump to perform a quick
hit at the same time. It can be used to deceive opposite blockers and free a fourth

hitter attacking from backcourt, maybe without block at all.

Block - Used to stop the ball from crossing the net as a result of an opponent's attack. A
block is effective if it immediately places the ball back into the opponent's court or if it
temporarily slows down the ball in order for a defender to make a dig. The fundamental
action of blocking is to stand facing the net with feet shoulder width apart, arms nearly
extended above the head, ready to jump above the net to deflect the ball back into the
opponent's court.
Floor Defense - used to receive the opponent's attack. The key skills are digging and
sprawling. The dig resembles a forearm pass from a low ready position and is used more for
balls that are hit near the defender. The sprawl is a result of an attempted dig for a ball
that is hit further away from the defender and resembles a dive.
Scoring
When the ball contacts the floor within the court boundaries or an error is made, the team
that did not make the error is awarded a point, whether they served the ball or not. If the
ball hits the line, the ball is counted as in. The team that won the point serves for the next
point. If the team that won the point served in the previous point, the same player serves
again. If the team that won the point did not serve the previous point, the players of the
team rotate their position on the court in a clockwise manner. The game continues, with the
first team to score 25 points by a two-point margin is awarded the set. Matches are best-offive sets and the fifth set, if necessary, is usually played to 15 points. Before 1999, points
could be scored only when a team had the serve (side-out scoring) and all sets went up to
only 15 points. The FIVB changed the rules in 1999 (with the changes being compulsory in
2000) to use the current scoring system (formerly known as rally point system), primarily to
make the length of the match more predictable and to make the game more spectator- and
television-friendly.

LIBERO
In 1998 the libero player was introduced internationally. The libero is a player specialized in
defensive skills: the libero must wear a contrasting jersey color from his or her teammates
and cannot block or attack the ball when it is entirely above net height. When the ball is not
in play, the libero can replace any back-row player, without prior notice to the officials. This
replacement does not count against the substitution limit each team is allowed per set,
although the libero may be replaced only by the player whom he or she replaced.
The libero may function as a setter only under certain restrictions. If she/he makes an
overhand set, she/he must be standing behind (and not stepping on) the 3-meter line;
otherwise, the ball cannot be attacked above the net in front of the 3-meter line. An
underhand pass is allowed from any part of the court.
The libero is, generally, the most skilled defensive player on the team. There is also a libero
tracking sheet, where the referees or officiating team must keep track of whom the libero
subs in and out for. There may only be one libero per set (game), although there may be a
different libero in the beginning of any new set (game).

COMMON VIOLATIONS
1. Consecutive Contacts. A player may not hit the ball 2 times consecutively except
when blocking, provided the contacts take place simultaneously. However, a player
may make consecutive contacts on the teams first team contact, provided the
contacts occur during one action.
2. Four Hits. It's a violation for a team to hit the ball 4 times before returning it.
3. Assisted Hit. It's illegal for a player or any object to assist a teammate in playing
the ball.
4. Catch. It's illegal to catch or throw the ball. The ball must rebound from the hit.
5. Ball Crossing the Net Outside the Crossing Space. The ball must cross the net
within the crossing space. The ball must cross over the net, between the antennaes
and their imaginary extension, and without contacting the ceiling.
6. Reaching Over the Net. There are official volleyball rules for playing the ball at the
net.
7. Penetration Under the Net. It's permitted for a player to step under the net into
the opponents court provided that some part of the penetrating hand or foot is in
contact with or is directly above the center line.
8. Contact with the Net. Contact with the net is only a fault if contact is made during
the action of playing the ball or if it interferes with play.
9. Foot Fault. At the moment of service contact or take off for a jump serve, the server
must not touch the court or the ground outside the service zone. After contact,
he/she may step or land outside the service zone or inside the court.
10. Attacking Faults. The following are volleyball violations for attacking...
o A back row player completes an attack hit from the front zone, if at the
moment of contact, the ball is entirely above the top of the net.
o

An opponent completes an attack hit on a served ball, when the ball is in the
front zone and the ball is entirely above the top of the net.

The libero completes an attack hit, if at the moment of contact, the ball is
entirely above the top of the net.

A player completes an attack hit from higher than the top of the net when the
ball is coming from an overhand finger pass by a libero in the front zone.

11. Blocking within the Opponents Space. A blocker may place his/her hands beyond
the net provided this action doesn't interfere with the opponents play. It's legal to
block beyond the net, provided...
o The ball would have crossed the net if not touched by a player and no
member of the attacking team was in position to make a play.
o

The ball is falling near the net and no member of the attacking team is in
position to make a play.

Contact with the ball is made after 3 team contacts.

Rule Differences between Beach and Indoor Volleyball

Actually, beach and indoor volleyball are the same sport. Some basic rules apply equally in
both of them. For example, a team can score in two ways; either make the ball land on the
opposite court or when the opponent makes a foul. In both cases, players must pass the ball
over the net with three passes maximum. And of course, the same player cannot hit the ball
more than once.
Despite the fact that beach and indoor volley have the same fundamental rules, there are
some critical differences that make them distinctive sports. Specifically:
- Indoor volley is played on a 18 x 9 meters court while beach volley is played on a 16 x 8
meters court.
- Balls are different. In beach volleyball, the ball is softer yet bigger than indoor volleyball.
- A volleyball team consists of six players. In beach volley, professional teams only have two
players per on each team.
- Indoor volleyball players must change places after every inning. That rule does not apply in
beach volleyball.
- Substitutions are not allowed in beach volleyball.
- A beach volleyball match consists of three games. A team wins a game when reaches 21
points. If a team wins the first two games, then instantly wins the match. In both sports, a
team has to win by two points.
- In a beach volleyball match, players change courts every seven points. But when it comes
to the third set, players change courts every five points.
- Beach volleyball has a unique rule. Players can actually cross on the opposite court,
passing underneath the net to catch the ball. Of course, direct contact with the opponents is
not allowed.
- An overhand pass with lots of spin is necessary and legal to indoor volleyball.
Controversially, in outdoor volleyball, it has to look clean; the ball has to travel with little or
no spin.
- Be careful! When playing outdoors, block counts as one of the three legal hits.
- When it comes to serve, the ball has to pass over the net with only one hit. Doubles are not
allowed. Moreover, when the ball leaves your hands, your palms must be touching one
another.
- There is an exception in doubles in beach volleyball. You can only double a spike to slow it
down.
- Side setting over the net in outdoor volleyball is not permitted. Only direct setting in front
of behind you is allowed.

- Tipping is allowed in both sports. But, in beach volleyball you can only tip the ball with the
top of your hand but in no way with an open hand.
Volleyball is an addictive and electrifying sport to play as well as to watch. Once you get
familiar with the official rules of both of them, playing either beach volleyball or modern
indoor volleyball can be a thrilling experience.
VOLLEYBALL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
ACE A serve that your opponent cannot pass; this results immediately in a point.
ANTENNA - The vertical rods (normally white and red) attached at the edges of the net 30
feet appart. The antennas are attached directly above the sidelines and are not-in-play.
APPROACH The offensive players (spiker) quick footwork toward the net before he jumps
in the air to spike the ball.
ASSIST Passing or setting the ball to an offensive teammate who attacks the ball for a kill.
This stat is normally only logged for high school, college, and National/Olympic team play.
ATTACK The offensive action of hitting the ball. A players attempt to kit the ball so that it
results in a point for their team.
ATTACK ERROR An unsuccessful attack which does one of the following: 1) the ball lands
out of bounds, 2) the ball goes into the net and ends play or goes into the net on the third
hit, 3)the ball is blocked by the opposition for a point or sideout, 4) the attacker is called for
a center line violation, or 5) the attacker is called for illegal contact (lift, double hit) on the
attack.
ATTACKER Also hitter or spiker. A player who attempts to hit a ball offensively with
the purpose of ending play in his or her teams favor and gaining a point or sideout.
ATTACK LINE A line 10 ft. from the net that separates the front row players from the back
row players. Commonly referred to as the 10-foot line.
BACKCOURT The area from the endline to the attack line.
BACK SET A set delivered behind the setters back, which is subsequently hit by an
attacker.
BACK ROW ATTACK When a back row player attacks the ball by jumping from behind the
10 ft. line before hitting the ball. If the back row player steps on or past the 10 ft. line during
take-off, the attack is illegal.
BLOCK A defensive play by one or more front row players meant to deflect a spiked ball
back to the hitters court. It may be a combination of one, two or three players jumping in
front of the opposing spiker and contacting the spiked ball with open hands.
BUMP a common term for forearm passing.

BUMP PASS The use of joined forearms to pass or set a ball in an underhand manner.
CENTER LINE The boundary that runs directly under the net and divides the court into two
equal halves.
DIG Passing a spiked or rapidly hit ball. Slang for the art of passing an attacked ball close
to the floor.
DINK A legal push of the ball around or over blockers.
DOUBLE HIT - Successive hits or contacts by the same player. (Illegal)
FLOATER A serve which does not spin or rotate and therefore moves in an erratic path.
This is similar to a knuckle ball pitch in baseball.
FOREARM PASS Join your arms from the elbows to the wrists and strike the ball with the
fleshy part of your forearms in an underhand motion.
FREE BALL A ball that will be returned by a pass rather than a spike. This is usually called
aloud by the defense instructing players to move into serve receive positions.
HITTER Also spiker or attacker
JUMP SERVE A serve that is started by the server tossing the ball into the air and jumping
into and hitting the ball in its downward motion.
JOUST When 2 opposing players are simultaneously attempting to play a ball above the
net.
KILL - An attack that results in an immediate point or side out.
LIBERO A defensive player who cannot serve, and never plays in the front row. This
player has unique rules associated with the position; they can substitute for any player. Also
referred to as the Defensive Specialist.
LINE The marks that serve as boundaries of a court. If a ball hits the line, it is considered
playable or in.
LINE SHOT - A ball spiked down an opponents sideline, closest to the hitter and outside the
block.
MIDDLE-BACK A defensive system that uses the middle back player to cover deep spikes.
MINTONETTE The original name of the game of volleyball, created by William Morgan.
OFF-SPEED HIT Any ball spiked with less than maximum force but with spin.
OUTSIDE HITTER a left-front or right-front attacker normally taking an approach which
starts from outside the court

OVERHAND PASS A pass executed with both hands open, controlled by the fingers and
thumbs, played just above the forehead.
OVERHAND SERVE Serving the ball and striking it with the hand above the shoulder.
OVERLAP refers to the positions of the players in the rotation prior to the contact of the
ball when serving.
PANCAKE A one-handed defensive technique where the hand is extended and the palm is
slid along the floor as the player dives or extension rolls, and timed so that the ball bounces
off the back of the hand.
PASS see Forearm Pass
POINT OF SERVICE A serve that results in a point (an ace by NCAA standards) as the
serve is not returnable due to a bad pass by the receiver, this number includes aces.
POWER TIP A ball that is pushed or directed with force by an attacking team.
POWER VOLLEYBALL A competitive style of volleyball started by the Japanese.
QUICK a player approaching the setter for a quick inside hit
QUICK SET a set (usually 2 above the net) in which the hitter is approaching the setter,
and may even be in the air, before the setter delivers the ball. This type of set requires
precise timing between the setter and hitter.
READY POSITION The flexed, yet comfortable, posture a player assumes before moving
to contact the ball.
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 a severe penalty in which an official displays a red card. The result of a red
card may be a player is disqualified, the team loses the serve, or the team loses a point. A
red card may be given with or without a prior yellow card as a warning; it is up to the
officials discretion.
ROLL - a certain way to pass a ball in which the digger, or passer lays out an arm, passes
the ball, and rolls over the shoulder (over the shoulder roll) or back (barrel roll) after passing
the ball. This is a quick way to return to action after the play.
ROOF - A ball that when spiked is blocked by a defensive player such that the ball deflects
straight to the floor on the attackers side.
ROTATION - The clockwise movement of players around the court and through the serving
position following a side out.

SERVE One of the six basic skills; used to put the ball into play. It is the only skill controlled
exclusively by one player.
SERVER The player who puts the ball into play.
SERVICE ERROR - An unsuccessful serve in which one or more of the following occurs: 1)
the ball hits the net or fails to clear the net, 2) the ball lands out of bounds, or 3) 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 teams service winners equals their score.
SET The tactical skill in which a ball is directed to a point where a player can spike it into
the opponents court.
SETTER the player who has the 2nd of 3 contacts of the ball who sets the ball with an
Overhand Pass for a teammate to hit. The setter normally runs the offense.
SIDE OUT Occurs when the receiving team successfully puts the ball away against the
serving team, or when the serving team commits an unforced error, and the receiving team
thus gains the right to serve.
SIX PACK Occurs when a blocker gets hit in the head or face by a spiked ball.
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 opponents floor or off the opponents blocker.
UNDERHAND SERVE a serve in which the ball is given a slight under-hand toss from
about waist high and then struck with the opposite closed fist in an underhand pitching
motion.
WIPE when a hitter pushes the ball off of the opposing block so it lands out of bounds
YELLOW CARD a warning from an official indicated by the display of a yellow card. Any
player or coach who receives two yellow cards in a match is disqualified. A single yellow card
does not result in loss of point or serve.

Prepared by: Mr. Armel C. Loon BPE., MATPE

P.E 204 Instructor