Are you new to the game of volleyball and feeling overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar terms? Dont worry youre not alone! There are a lot of terms used in volleyball that can be unfamiliar and confusing for those who are just getting started.
In this article, youll find a guide to some of the most commonly used volleyball terms, including a definition of volleyball, spike, dig, serve, set, and block.
Well also provide a summary of the terms to help you remember them.
So, lets dive right in lets learn all we can about the language of volleyball!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Some common volleyball terms include serve, spike, block, dig, and set.
Serve is the act of putting the ball in play.
Spike is when a player jumps and hits the ball downward into the opponent’s court.
Block is when players close off the opponent’s attempt to score a point.
Dig is when a player quickly passes a ball that is nearly touching the ground.
Set is when a player passes the ball to another player in order to set up a spike.
Definition of Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport that has been popular around the world for over a century.
It is typically played between two teams of six players, with each team occupying one side of the court.
The object of the game is to send the ball over the net to the other team, and to score points by having the other team fail to return the ball.
The team that reaches a certain point total first, or has the highest score after a set period of time, wins the game.
Volleyball requires a high level of coordination, strategy, and athleticism.
Players must work together to send the ball over the net as well as defend against the other team’s attacks.
Players must also be able to jump, set, spike, and block the ball, as well as move quickly and efficiently around the court.
Volleyball also has its own unique terminology.
Some of the most commonly used terms in the sport include spike, which is an attacking hit, dig, which is a defensive move, serve, which is when a player serves the ball to start the play, set, which is when a player passes the ball to another player in order to set up an attack, and block, which is when a player jumps up and uses their hands to stop an attack from the other team.
Knowing these terms is essential to understanding the sport of volleyball.
Spike
Spiking is one of the most important and exciting moves in volleyball, and is an integral part of the game.
A spike is an attacking hit that involves a player jumping up and pushing the ball with a powerful shot.
Spikes are usually used to score points, but can also be used to disrupt the defense and disrupt the opposing team’s offense.
Spiking requires good timing, coordination, and a lot of practice.
It is important to remember that spikes must be done within the legal boundaries of the court, and are not allowed to go over the top of the net.
Spiking is an incredibly fun and thrilling move to watch and execute, and is a great way to show off your skills and athleticism.
Dig
The term “dig” is an important part of the game of volleyball.
In volleyball, a dig is a defensive move used to prevent the other team from scoring.
It involves a player diving to the ground and using their hands to dig the ball out of the air before it touches the ground.
The goal of a dig is to get the ball back to the team’s side of the court so they can set up a play and score.
A successful dig can be the difference between a point for the other team or for your team.
Digging is a skill that requires a lot of practice to master.
It involves quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and an understanding of how the ball is moving in the air.
Players must also be aware of where their teammates are so that they can get the ball to them quickly.
Digging is a difficult skill to learn, but it can be a great way to help your team win a match.
Serve
When it comes to volleyball terminology, the term “serve” is probably one of the most important terms to know.
A serve is when a player throws the ball into the air and hits it with their hand or arm over the net to start the play.
It is essential that the serve is thrown over the net and into the opponent’s court, otherwise the serve is considered a fault.
There are a few different types of serves that can be used in volleyball, including the underhand, overhand, and jump serve.
The underhand serve is the most basic type of serve and is often used to start the game or when a player is not confident in their serve.
The overhand serve is a more powerful and advanced type of serve, which is often used in competitive games.
Finally, the jump serve takes the most skill and is used to surprise opponents and gain an advantage.
Knowing how to serve properly is essential for any volleyball player and is an important part of the game.
Set
When it comes to volleyball, the term set refers to a type of pass used in the game.
A set is a pass made with two hands, with the player usually holding the ball in the palms of their hands and pushing it outward to a teammate.
The goal of the set is to create a situation where the teammate can attack the ball and score a point.
Setting the ball requires a great deal of skill and good hand-eye coordination.
The player must be able to read the court and the opposing teams defense in order to make the right decision on where to set the ball.
It also requires the player to be able to accurately aim the set and have good timing.
Many teams use different types of sets depending on the situation.
Common types of sets include the pancake set, the overhead set, and the bump set.
The pancake set is used when the defense is close to the net, as the setter must be able to push the ball low and flat in order to get it over the blockers.
The overhead set is a higher set, usually used when the defense is further away from the net.
The bump set is a type of set where the ball is tossed up into the air and the setter uses their forearms to control the balls direction and speed.
Knowing how to set the ball correctly is a crucial skill for a successful volleyball team.
Players should practice their setting skills regularly in order to perfect their technique and become a more effective setter.
Block
The term “block” is one of the most essential elements of the game of volleyball.
It is a defensive move that involves two players, and is used to stop an attack from the other team.
In a block, one player stands at the net and jumps up to hit the ball with their hands, while the other player stands behind them, ready to back them up.
The player at the net is called the “blocker”, and is responsible for timing their jump to meet the ball as it comes over the net.
The player behind them is called the “blocker helper”, and is responsible for providing support and guidance to the blocker.
The goal of the block is to stop the attack and keep the ball from crossing the net, which prevents the opposing team from scoring.
The block is an important part of the game, as it can be used to both defend and attack.
When blocking, the blocker must be quick and alert, as well as have proper technique in order to be successful.
It is also important for the blocker to have good communication with their teammate, as they must work together to effectively execute the block.
Summary of Terms
Volleyball is a sport with its own unique terminology, and it is important to understand the different terms in order to appreciate the game.
The most common terms used in volleyball include spike, which is an attacking hit; dig, which is a defensive move; serve, which is when a player serves the ball to start the play; set, which is when a player passes the ball to another player in order to set up an attack; and block, which is when a player jumps up and uses their hands to stop an attack from the other team.
The spike is an aggressive play, where the player jumps in the air and forcefully hits the ball with their hand.
This is usually done in an attempt to score a point by getting the ball over the net and onto the other team’s court.
The dig is a defensive move, where the player dives to the ground to quickly retrieve a ball that was hit by the other team.
A serve is when a player begins a rally by tossing the ball into the air and then hitting it over the net.
The set is a pass that is used to set up the team’s attack by placing the ball in the air in a position where the attacker can hit it over the net.
Finally, the block is when a player jumps up and uses their hands to stop an attack from the other team.
Knowing these terms is essential to understanding the sport of volleyball, as they are the building blocks of the game.
They are also used to communicate with teammates, as players must be aware of what type of play is being executed in order to be successful.
Whether it is a spike, a dig, a serve, a set, or a block, each move is an important part of the game and should be mastered in order to be successful.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the common terms used in volleyball, you are ready to play the game and enjoy it to the fullest.
With knowledge of the different terms, you can appreciate the skill and strategy of each team and learn more about the sport.
So, get out there and hit the court, and dont forget to spike, dig, serve, set, and block!