Volleyball: Fundamental Terms

BUmping (passing)

The foundation of volleyball offense.

Athletes learn to create a platform with their forearms, track the ball visually, position their body under the ball, and accurately direct passes. Proper bumping techniques takes practice to develop consistency and ease.

Setting

The skill that creates offensive opportunities.

Training covers hand positioning (diamond shape), soft touch for ball control, footwork and body positioning, and strategy/decision-making. Setting requires a lot of hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

Serving

Offense begins with the serve

Volleyball players progress through underhand serving for younger/beginner players to overhand serving at more advanced levels. overhand serving skills focus on strong toss and contact, jump serving for advanced athletes, and strategy to target weak opponents.

Spiking

The exciting offensive finish

Training develops footwork, arm swing mechanics, timing for contact at peak jump height, and shot placement. Spiking requires coordination of multiple movement patterns and significant practice to master.

Blocking

The primary defense at the net

Athletes learn reading the setter and hitter, timing for maximum jump height, proper hand and arm positioning and communication with teammates.

Defensive movements

Covering the court effectively requires training in ready position and stance, reading offensive development, quick lateral movement, and diving/roplling techniques for advanced players.