The Top Volleyball Terms Spectators Need to Know

You’re sitting at a sports game and you hear one of the players spit a sentence of words that is gibberish to you. You spend the rest of the game trying to figure out what it means. We’ve all been there, and volleyball is no different. There are many terms in the game of volleyball that the average spectator wouldn’t have the first clue about. Here are a few well-used terms that you need to know.

Ace

An “ace” is a serve that hits the floor in bounds, or cannot be handles by the opposing team and therefore resulting in a point for the serving team.

Assist

A pass of any kind that leads to a successful attack (a point).

Back Set

A “back set” refers to a set intended for the right side hitter, who is usually positioned behind the setter.

Dig

When a player prevents an opposing shot from hitting the floor, making it playable for another teammate it is referred to as a “dig.” This is usually done with a dive, or from the player’s knees.

Held Ball

A “held ball” refers to a ball that comes to a rest or stop while in contact with a player. This results in a fowl for the offensive team.

Kill

A “kill” is similar to an ace, however instead of a serve touching the floor, it happens when an attack shot touches the floor resulting in a point.

Libero

A “libero” is a defensive specialist position that was added to the game in 2001. The player is not a hitter, and plays in the back row only. A libero is differentiated with a different colored shirt than the rest of the team.

Pancake

A “pancake” is a dig that features a player stopping the ball from touching the floor by placing their hand flat and palm-side down and allowing the ball to bounce off the back.

Sky Ball

A ball that is served underhandedly, extremely high in the air. A “sky ball” is difficult to play, as their hand flat and palm-side down and allowing the ball to bounce off the back. Players can often lose sight of it in the lights, or sun.

Tip

A “tip” is a type of attack in which the hitter uses his or her fingertips to lightly guide the ball over the net into an empty space. This technique is best used when the opposing team is expecting a power-driven attack.

X

An “X” refers to a play in which two players on the same team cross paths on their approaches

Like every other sport, volleyball has its share of jargon that you as a spectator won’t understand. This method is meant to confuse the blockers on the opposing team. Although these are just a few terms that are used during a volleyball game, hopefully you won’t think “breakfast” the next time you hear players talking about pancakes.