Volleyball is a sport that requires a certain level of knowledge and understanding of its specific terms, stats, acronyms, and abbreviations. This article will review some of the most common terms, positions, statistics, plays, and organizations associated with the sport.
It will also provide an overview of the different types of rallies and calculations used in the game.
Finally, it will cover the different leagues and organizations that govern the sport.
This article will provide an overview of the basics of volleyball, allowing both new and experienced players to gain a better understanding of the game.
Terms & Definitions
A wide range of terms, stats, acronyms, and abbreviations exist in the sport of volleyball, with each having a specific purpose and definition.
An ace is an in-bound serve that is unreturnable while an attack error is a mistake by the attacker resulting in losing the rally.
Angle is an attacking the ball at an angle towards the far sideline while antennae are poles on each side of the net that signify if the ball is out of bounds.
Approach is a step progression leading up to an attack while assist is passing, digging, or setting the ball to a teammate who gets a kill.
BA stands for block assist awarded when multiple players successfully block an opponent’s attack and BE stands for blocking error, a violation during a block attempt.
BHE is a ball handling error and box score is a format used to summarize statistical information in a game.
Collapse is the act of bending knees and folding elbows while cover is passing a blocked ball to keep it in play.
Cut shot is a sharp-angled spike aimed at the floor near the net and dig is a playable pass after an opponent’s hard-driven attack.
These are just a few of the many terms, stats, acronyms, and abbreviations used in volleyball.
Positions & Roles
Players may occupy various positions in the court to form a team’s rotation, such as the left side hitter, middle blocker, and middle back.
The left side hitter, or position 4, is responsible for attacking the ball from the left side of the court.
The middle blocker, or position 3, is responsible for blocking and defending the ball at the net.
The middle back, or position 2, is responsible for setting and passing the ball from the backcourt.
The libero is a defensive specialist who can replace players in the back row and must always wear a different color shirt from the other team members.
Other positions include the outside hitter, or position 5, and the right side hitter, or position 6.
Each position has its own set of responsibilities and requires specialized skills in order to be successful.
Statistics & Calculations
Statistical analysis is an important component of volleyball, as it allows coaches and teams to track and measure individual and team performance. A variety of metrics are used to measure success, including:
- Kills per game (KPG)
- Hitting percentage (H%)
- Assist percentage (A%)
- Dig errors (DE)
- Kills per set (K/S)
By tracking these stats, coaches can identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to maximize team performance.
In addition, stats can be used to compare teams and individual players, providing a basis for selection of players for tournaments and other competitions.
Stats also allow for the comparison of different positions, such as setters and attackers, to determine which players are most effective in each role.
Ultimately, statistical analysis is a valuable tool for improving team performance and identifying areas for improvement.
Rallies & Plays
Rallies in volleyball involve players working together to move the ball from one side of the court to the other in an attempt to score points. Players use various plays to achieve this goal, such as attacking, blocking, setting, and digging. Attackers are responsible for moving the ball over the net, while blockers work to stop the ball from crossing the net. Setters are tasked with getting the ball to the attackers, and diggers are responsible for keeping the ball in play.
| Play | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Attack | Move ball over net |
| Block | Stop ball from crossing net |
| Set | Get ball to attackers |
| Dig | Keep ball in play |
Leagues & Organizations
There are numerous volleyball leagues and organizations that regulate the sport, including the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), the Chinese Volleyball League (CVL), the English Volleyball Association (EVA), the Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League (IBVL), the Industrial Volleyball League (IVL), the International Veteran Volleyball Association (IVVA), the Japanese American Volleyball Association (JAVA), and the Junior Olympic Volleyball (JOV).
The FIVB, the top international governing body of volleyball, regulates the sport worldwide. The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) provide collegiate-level competition. The National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) is a recruiting service for student-athletes.
These organizations set rules and regulations, promote and organize competitions, and influence the growth of the sport. They also provide opportunities for players to compete at a higher level.
- Provide consistent and reliable officiating
- Establish team and individual records
- Promote and organize tournaments and championships
