Are you ready to cheer for your little one as they embark on their volleyball journey? Understanding the terminology and signals in volleyball can make watching the game even more exciting. Here’s a breakdown to get you started!
Volleyball Terms Explained
Ace: A serve that the opposing team fails to return, earning a point for the serving team.
Attack: An offensive move where a player attempts to end the rally by hitting the ball forcefully into the opponent’s court.
Attacker: A player who spikes or hits the ball over the net in an attempt to score.
Block: A defensive move where a player jumps above the net to prevent the ball from entering their team’s side of the court.
Foul: Any violation of the rules that results in the referee blowing the whistle.
Hit: Another term for a spike or an attack during the game.
Kill: A powerful shot that cannot be returned by the defense, resulting in a point for the attacking team.
Rotation: The movement of players on the court after earning a side out, rotating one position clockwise before the next serve.
Have You Mastered the Volleyball Signals?
Are you curious about the hand signals used by officials during volleyball games? Here’s a quick guide to help you decode them:
- Point: Raise arm on the team’s side earning the point and extend one finger.
- Reserve (Replay): Hold fists close together at chest with thumbs up.
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Side Out: Extend the arm toward the team that will serve, with the palm perpendicular to the floor.
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Double hit: Raise arm, extend forefinger and middle finger on the side of the team at fault.
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Illegal block or screen: Raise both arms with elbows bent, palms facing forward, then indicate the player who committed the fault.
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Foot Fault: Point to the end line with an open hand perpendicular to the floor on the side of the team committing the fault.
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Ball Crossing Under Net: Point to the center line with an open hand facing the net and do a little swoop gesture to indicate the fault.
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Player crossing center line: Similar to point 7, indicating a player crossed under the net.
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Incorrect rotation: Make a clockwise circular motion with your index finger and indicate the player at fault.
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Ball out: Raise arms vertically and parallel, bent at the elbow, with palms facing the body.
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Ball in: Point hand downward at an angle on the side where the ball hit the floor, with the palm facing away from you perpendicularly.
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Net Violation: Touch the net with an open palm on the side of the team at fault, then indicate the player responsible.
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Time out: Form hands in a T shape and indicate the team requesting the timeout.
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Tip: Hold one arm vertically with the palm forward and brush fingertips with your other hand horizontally.
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Back Row Attack: Make a forward swinging motion with your forearm and indicate the player committing the fault.
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Substitution: Rotate fists around each other in a circular motion, followed by indicating the team requesting the substitution.
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Four hits: Raise your arm with the palm forward and the thumb across the palm, extending the remaining fingers on the side of the team committing the fault.
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End of Game or Match: Cross forearms across the chest with open palms on shoulders for the final signal of the game.
Now that you have a better understanding of volleyball terms and signals, you’re all set to enjoy watching your child play their heart out on the court!