Volleyball basics

6

Each time the team wins back the serve, the six players rotate one position clockwise.

💡 Did you know? In beach volleyball it's only two per team, with no substitutions at all.

25

A set only ends when a team has 25 points AND a two-point lead: otherwise play continues.

💡 Did you know? For a long time only the serving team could score; since 1999 every rally scores a point (rally point).

Three

Matches are best of five: so they last three to five sets.

💡 Did you know? The fifth set is the shortest and often the most nerve-racking: the tie-break.

Three

The classic three touches are pass, set, attack: a block does not count as the first touch.

💡 Did you know? Touching the same ball twice in a row is illegal: except right off the block.

Spike

The spike is hit out of a jump: top players strike the ball well over three metres up.

💡 Did you know? The hardest serves and spikes clock well over 100 km/h.

Block

A good block either sends the ball straight back or slows it so the defence can dig it.

💡 Did you know? Reaching over the net is allowed on the block: but not on the attack.

Libero

The libero is the defensive specialist: free to sub in and out, but not to attack or serve.

💡 Did you know? Their different-coloured shirt makes them instantly clear to the referees.

Serve

Much rides on the serve: a hard jump serve piles pressure on the opponent's reception.

💡 Did you know? A serve that scores directly is an 'ace'; one that fails is a point for the opponent.