Block
A defensive play in which players at the net jump with outstretched arms to attempt to block or interfere with the flight of the ball , which is being returned by the opponents. It is designed to take away an area in which the hitter has to aim.
Bump
The ball is "bumped" off the forearms with the hands clasped together and the forearms side by side. (It helps to hyperextend the elbows and shrug your shoulders!)
Dead ball
Ball that is temporarily out of play.
Foot fault
Server steps on or over the end line before the ball is hit.(after the ball is projected into the air, you can step over the line).
Foul
A fault which a point or side-out is awarded.
Game
Twenty-five points and to win you must be at least two points ahead. (NOTE: in some cases, there may be a game cap at 27 meaning whomever reaches the point goal of 27 first, wins!)
Lifting
This is a foul, and happens when the ball is in contact with forearm or hands for more than a reasonable amount of time.
Illegal hit
If the hit makes any contact with the antennas, then it is illegal and out. Also if the hitter makes contact with any part of net, it is illegal.
Legal hit
When the ball is hit with a great deal of force, having a downward trajectory into the opponents court.
Legal serve
Putting the ball into play over the net into opponent's court, it can touch the tape on top of the net and still be legal if it continues onto opponent's court.
Net ball
During a play, the ball may be played off the net if the person playing the ball does not touch the net itself.
Opponent's court
Playing area occupied by a team's opponent.
Out-of-Bounds
Any surface or object outside the court except a player in the act of playing the ball.
Own court
Playing area occupied by one's own team.
Perfect play
Consists of three hits, and on the third the ball is put into play on the opponent's court.
Point
Scoring unit awarded to the team who wins the rally.
Rotation
Act of shifting position in a clockwise direction when the team is awarded the serve on a side-out.
Server
Player in the right back (rb) position who begins the play by hitting the ball over the net.
Service
The act of serving behind the end line.
Serving order
Sequence of service of a team's players. Must stay in correct rotation or lose the serve.
Set
A ball ( other than a serve ) which is played with hands and meant for the hitter to hit it.
Spike
A ball ( other than the serve ) which is hit forcibly from a height greater that the top of the net with a downward trajectory.
Team
The six players who work together to defend their area and try to defeat their opponents.
Term of Service
Server continues to serve until side-out is called.
Volley
Hitting the ball before it bounces off the ground.
Ball On
This is the term used when a stray ball interferes with a play at hand on the volleyball court and the play or rally that was currently being played out would be re-played.
Back Row Attack
The front row players are essentially the main hitters and can hit from anywhere while in front row. In back row, if you jump and hit the ball you must be behind the ten foot line and/or in front of the ten foot line, but below the height of the net. (NO JUMPING!)
Decoy
when a player approaches for a spike only to disguise the spiker who will actually receive the set.
