You’d think volleyball is pretty straightforward: hit the ball, don’t let it touch the ground, try to win the rally. But then you hear someone shout “Sideout!” or “Shank!”, and suddenly it feels like a different language.
If you’ve just started playing, especially on a turf or in school games, knowing the basic volleyball terms can help you feel more confident and connected with your teammates. No more blank stares or “wait, what just happened?” moments.
So here is a quick, no-nonsense list of 25 volleyball terminologies that every beginner should know. Learn these, and you’ll feel way more at home on the court.
Volleyball Lingo – One Term at a Time
1. Rally
The entire play from serve until the ball touches the ground or a point is scored. Every play is a rally.
2. Sideout
When the receiving team wins the rally and gets the right to serve next.
3. Serve
The action that starts the rally. You can serve underhand or overhand, depending on your comfort.
4. Ace
A serve that lands in the opponent’s court untouched. Instant point!
5. Bump (or Pass)
Using your forearms to pass the ball to a teammate, the go-to move when receiving a serve.
6. Set
A soft overhead pass using your fingertips to place the ball perfectly for a hitter.
7. Spike (or Hit)
A strong, jumping attack where the ball is smashed into the opponent’s side.
8. Block
A defensive jump near the net to stop or deflect a spike.
9. Kill
An attack that results directly in a point because the opponent couldn’t return it.
10. Dig
A quick, low move to save the ball after an opponent’s spike.
11. Tool
When a hitter scores by using the opponent’s block in a clever manner, resulting in the ball going out, yet still scoring a point.
12. Pancake
A desperation save when a player brings their hand flat underneath the ball before it lands on the ground.
13. Libero
A defensive specialist wearing a different jersey, great at digging and passing, but can’t spike or serve in most formats.
14. Setter
The playmaker sets the ball up for attackers and often touches the ball second in the play.
Want to know the volleyball positions in more detail? Here’s a simple guide to all 6 volleyball positions.
15. Shank
A badly handled pass where the ball flies off in a weird direction. Oops.
16. Free Ball
A soft return (not a spike) is given when the opponent is under pressure. Basically, an opportunity to attack.
17. Rotation
Players move one spot clockwise after winning a sideout. Important to follow this to avoid faults.
18. Foot Fault
When the server steps on or over the back line while serving. It gives a free point to the other team.
19. Net Violation
Touching the net during play (accidentally or not) usually results in a point for the other team.
If you are starting out in volleyball, you might want to know the court dimensions and net specifications, so you can visualise and understand how the court is structured.
20. Back-row Attack
If a back-row player leaps to strike the ball behind the attack line. Legal but tricky.
21. Stuff
A block that stops the spike and makes the ball fall straight down on the hitter’s side. Super satisfying.
22. Let Serve
A serve that clips the net but still lands in the opponent’s court. It’s allowed, and play goes on.
23. Overpass
A pass that crosses over the net by mistake, allowing the opposing team an easy spike opportunity.
24. Wipe
When the hitter swipes the ball off of the other team’s block and makes it fall out, a sneaky play to score.
25. In / Out
The ball is “in” if it touches any part of the boundary line. Anything beyond it? Out!
Check out this quick video to see a few more volleyball terms in action!
Now What? Use These Terms, Play Better
You may not think learning volleyball lingo is the highlight of the game, but it actually does you a lot of good. It keeps you on your toes, makes you communicate more effectively with teammates, and gives you an advantage when playing, whether you’re in a local league, a college team, or just playing informally on the weekend with buddies.
Next time they yell “tool!” or “free ball!” – you’ll be in the know. And more importantly, you’ll be prepared.
Eager to Step on the Court with Confidence?
Since you have perfected your volleyball skills, what is stopping you from turning your passion into action?
👉 Find volleyball trainers near you on Playo
👉 Book a court and play
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