Volleyball Game or Match: Volleyball Terminology Explained

Is it a volleyball game or match? Let’s look at these volleyball terms because understanding them is crucial for players, coaches, and fans to fully appreciate and engage with the game.

Volleyball is a dynamic and exciting sport with a rich set of terms and concepts.

This article will explain key volleyball terminology (volleyball game, match, playing fault, point, rally, etc.) in detail, complete with examples, to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of the sport.

Table of Contents

Volleyball Game or Match: Basic Volleyball Terminology

Here, we want to look at what volleyball games and volleyball matches mean. later We will also look at other basic volleyball terms.

Volleyball Game (Set)

A volleyball game, also known as a set, is played to a predetermined number of points. The objective is to score more points than the opposing team.

Winning a game (set)

A volleyball game (set) is when a team wins a specific number of points and leads the opposing team by at least two points. Typically, sets are played to 25 points. For example, if a game is played to 25 points and the score is tied at 24-24, play continues until one team leads by 2 points (e.g., 26-24).

Let’s take high school volleyball match between South Lake High School and Mercy High School for example. In the first set, South Lake High School scores 25 points, while Mercy High School scores 23 points. South Lake High School wins the game or set because they reached 25 points and led by at least 2 points.

Volleyball Match

A volleyball match is composed of multiple sets (game). The team that wins the majority of sets wins the match.

Volleyball Match Formats

Matches are commonly played in two formats:

Best of three sets or
Best of five sets.

In a best-of-3 format, the first team to win two sets wins the match. In a best-of-5 format, the first team to win three sets wins the match.

Let’s take college volleyball match between Indiana University and Concordia University as an example. The match is played in a best-of-5 format. Indiana University wins the first two sets, Concordia University wins the third set, and Indiana University wins the fourth set. Indiana University wins the match by winning 3 out of 4 sets.

See Also:

Other Basic Volleyball Terminology

1. Playing Fault: A fault is a violation of the rules. When a fault occurs, the opposing team is awarded a point.

Types of faults

Four Hits: A team hits the ball four times before sending it over the net.
Double Contact: A player contacts the ball twice in succession.

2. Net Violation: when a player touches the net during play.

3. Carry: when a player catches and throws the ball instead of hitting it.

Example: During a high school match at Marshall High School, a player accidentally touches the net while attempting a block. This is a net violation, and the opposing team is awarded a point.

4. Point: A point is awarded to a team at the end of a rally.

5. Scoring Points: Points can be scored in several ways:

The ball lands on the opponent’s court.
The opponent hits the ball out-of-bounds.
The opponent commits a fault.

Example: In a match at Huron High School, the server from New Lenox hits the ball over the net, and it lands on the opponent’s court untouched. New Lenox is awarded a point.

6. Volleyball Rally: rally is the duration of play from the serve until the end of the plays.

7. Volley: volley refers to keeping the ball in play by returning it without committing any faults.

Example: During a match at Hudson High School, a long rally occurs where both teams exchange multiple volleys. Eventually, the ball lands out of bounds on the Hudson High School side, awarding a point to the opposing team.

8. Rally Scoring: In rally scoring, every rally results in a point, regardless of which team served.

Example: In a middle school match at Washington High School, the receiving team wins a rally, resulting in a point for the receiving team. Unlike traditional sideout scoring, rally scoring ensures a point is awarded after every rally.

9. Side Out: When the receiving team wins the rally, it is called a side out. The receiving team then rotates positions and becomes the serving teams.

Example: At a game in South High School, the receiving team successfully returns the serve, and the serving team is unable to return it. This results in a sideout, and the receiving team rotates and prepares to serve.

10. Sideout Scoring: in sideout scoring, a point is only scored by the team that is currently serving. For example, In a traditional match at Central Catholic High School, the serving team wins a rally and scores a point. If the receiving team wins the rally, they gain the serve but do not score a point until they win the rally while serving.

See Also:

Volleyball Coaching Terms

1. Volleyball Coach: is a person responsible for team decisions, such as line-ups, time-outs, and communication with referees.

Example: At Fairfield High School, the volleyball coach decides the starting line-up and calls strategic time-outs to motivate the team.

2. Volleyball Referee: is a person who controls the flow of the match, ensuring rules are followed.

Example: During a match at Mt. Vernon High School, the referee blows the whistle to signal a net violation and awards a point to the opposing team.

3. Overlap: overlap is occurs when players are out of their correct positions during the serve.

Let take for examples, In a game at Ridge Point High School, the referee notices that players are not in their proper positions during the serve, resulting in an overlap fault and a point for the opposing team.

4. Out of alignment: A team is out of alignment if players are not in their correct rotational order at the moment of service contact.

5. Screening: Screening is the illegal placement of players to prevent the opposition from seeing the ball or server.

Example: At a game in Memorial High School, the referee warns a team for screening after players block the opponent’s view of the server.

6. Substitution: when a players allows to enter and leave the game according to specific rules. Example: At Northview High School, the coach substitutes a defensive specialist for a front-row player during a crucial rally.

7. Time-out: A break in action called by a team, usually limited to two per set.

Example: During a tight match at Northridge High School, the coach calls a time-out to discuss strategy and calm the players.

8. Volleyball Hits: A hit, or attack, is when a player jumps and strikes the ball with an overhand swing.

Example: At a match at New Haven High School, a player jumps and delivers a powerful hit that lands on the opponent’s court for a point.

9. Spiker (Hitter): A player who performs the hit or attack.

10. Set: A set is when a player places the ball near the net to assist a spiker.

11. Kill: A successful hit that results in a point. Example: At Shawnee High School, a spiker strike the ball that lands untouched on the opponent’s court, scoring a point.

12. Dig: Dig is a pass on a spiked or hard-hit ball.

13. Bump Pass: A bump pass is done by joining forearms together to pass the ball.

14. Overhead Pass: An overhead pass is taken with the fingers raised overhead.

15. Block: A block is when one or more players jump at the net to prevent the ball from coming over. Example: At a match at Hudson High School, two players execute a double block, stopping the opponent’s spike and winning the point.

Conclusion

Understanding what is Volleyball Game or Match and other volleyball terminology is essential for anyone involved in the sport, whether as a player, coach, or fan.

Knowing these terms enhances your ability to communicate effectively and appreciate the game’s nuances.

By familiarizing yourself with the terms related to games, matches, faults, scoring, coaching, and specific plays, you can fully engage with the sport and enjoy it to the fullest.

From high school gyms to college courts, these terms are universally applied, helping to maintain the integrity and excitement of volleyball across various levels of play. Whether you’re watching a match at Indiana University, coaching at Concordia University, or playing at your local high school, these terms will help you navigate and enjoy the game of volleyball.