By Abby Strusowski and Regina Volpe – STAFF WRITERS

Volleyball is a lot more than people hanging out at the beach. In fact, it’s played inside.

The team that is the first to win three out of five sets is the winner. Each set is played until a team scores 25 points.

Throughout the entire match, there are six people on each side, with players rotating in and out throughout the game.

Positions:

Attacker/Outside Hitter

Middle Blocker

Setter

Server

Libero

Terms:

Ace: a serve that immediately scores

Assist: bumping or setting the ball for the striker to score

Block: when defensive players hit the ball back to the striker’s side of the court

Bump: the act of passing the ball with the forearms; sometimes other body parts

Dig: shovels not required; passing a spiked ball

Held Ball: a ball that comes to rest during play, results in a foul

Joust: no horses involved; the name for when two opposing players are both hitting the ball over the net simultaneously

Kill: an attack that ends in an immediate point, pretty self exlpanatory

Libero: aka the defensive specialist; only plays the back row to dig balls

Pancake:  they’re not just for breakfast; when a player goes to save the ball by diving and laying their hand flat on the floor for the ball to bounce off of

Serve: move only for the server, puts the ball into motion and play

Set: directing the ball so that the striker can spike it

Spike: a forceful hit that aims to score

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does each set always end at 25 points?

– No, if the team that has reached 25 points is only up by one point over their opponent, then the set will continue until one of the teams takes a two-point lead.

What happens if the match goes to a fifth set?

– If both teams split the first four sets, a fifth set is played to determine a winner. The two teams play to 15, instead of 25, with a small intermission in the middle as the two teams switch sides.

When is a ball deemed “out of play?”

– A ball would only be called unplayable if:

• The ball is interfered with by a coach, official or spectator

• The ball comes to rest on an object hanging overhead

How many times could each team hit the ball?

– Each team can hit the ball three times, with the third hit sending the ball over to the other side. If a team hits the ball more than three times, a point is awarded to the other team.

With only a few Pride volleyball matches left, go forth and cheer them on with your newfound knowledge!