Volleyball terms for new parents

Why a glossary helps

Volleyball has its own vocabulary, and the words come fast during a game. Here are the terms you are most likely to hear from coaches, referees and your child. Definitions are written for standard indoor rules, and youth leagues may adjust some of them. If a term in your league differs, your coach is the best source.

Game and scoring terms

Rally

The period of play from the serve until the ball becomes dead, such as when it hits the floor or someone makes a fault.

Rally scoring

A system where a point is awarded after every rally, no matter which team served.

Set (game)

One portion of a match. The team that wins enough sets wins the match. The word also names a type of pass, described below.

Match

The full contest between two teams, made up of several sets.

Side-out

When the receiving team wins a rally and gains the serve.

Rotation

The clockwise movement of players to new spots each time their team wins the serve back.

Fault

A rule violation that ends the rally, such as four hits or a touch of the net.

Skill terms

Serve

The hit that starts a rally, made from behind the end line.

Ace

A serve that scores a point directly, usually because the receiving team cannot return it.

Pass or bump

Using the forearms to send the ball up toward the setter.

Set

A controlled touch, usually with the fingertips, that places the ball for a hitter.

Spike or attack

A powerful or well-placed hit that sends the ball over the net.

Kill

An attack that wins the point right away.

Block

One or more players at the net reaching above it to stop or redirect an attack.

Dig

A defensive save of a hard-hit or low ball.

Tip or dink

A soft hit over or around the block, often with the fingertips.

Court and position terms

Front row

The three players at the net. They may block and attack from the front.

Back row

The three players behind them, who mainly pass and dig.

Attack line

The line across the court that separates the front-row area from the back. In standard rules, back-row players may not attack a ball above net height from in front of it.

Libero

A back-row defensive specialist in a different jersey color with special substitution and play restrictions.

Setter

The player who usually takes the second touch and sets up the hitters.

Outside hitter

A front-row attacker who plays the left side of the net.

Middle blocker

The front-row player who anchors the block in the center.

Timeout

A short break a coach may call to talk to the team. The number of timeouts depends on the league.

Using the words

You do not have to memorize this list. Pick a few terms at a time and listen for them at the next match. When you hear "side-out" or "kill," you will start to follow the story of the game. For a deeper look at how everything fits together, read volleyball rules for beginners and volleyball positions explained.

Many of these words will also show up when your child practices at home, so learning them together can be a fun way to connect. Ask your child to explain a term to you after practice. Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to learn it, and kids often love being the expert. More guides live on the volleyball hub page.

A few extra phrases you may hear

Coaches and players also use short call-outs during play. "Mine" means a player will take the ball. "Out" means a player believes the ball will land out of bounds and should be left alone. "Free" means the other team is likely to send an easy ball over the net, so be ready to pass. These calls are informal and teams may use their own, but hearing them helps you see how players coordinate. Ask your coach if you are curious about a specific one.