Volleyball Terms

These are just some of the terms used in the game of volleyball. To learn more terms go to Volleyball.Com.

ATTACK- The offensive action of hitting the ball.

ATTACKER- Also known as a “hitter” or “spiker”.

BLOCK-A defensive play by one or more players meant to deflect a spiked ball back to the hitter’s court.

BUMP- A common term for forearm passing.

CENTER LINE-The boundary that runs directly under the net and divides the court into two equal halves.

DINK-A legal push of the ball around or over blockers.

DOUBLE HIT-Successive hits or contacts by the same player. (illegal).

FOUL-A violation of the rules.

FREE BALL-A ball that will be returned by a pass rather than a spike.

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.

READY POSITION- The flexed, yet comfortable, posture a player assumes before moving to contact the ball.

ROTATION-The clockwise movement of players around the court and through the serving position following a side out.

SERVE-One of the basic skills used to put the ball into play. It is the only skill controlled exclusively by one player.

SET- The tactical skill in which a ball is directed to a point where a player can spike it into the opponents’ court.

SIDE OUT-Occurs when the receiving team successfully puts the ball away against the serving team or when the serving team makes an error and the opponent gains the right to serve.