If you really loved volleyball, you’d know everything there is to know about the sport right? Here are some basic facts so you don’t embarrass yourself. But, if you need more check out the Volleyball Rules and Volleyball Regulations pages.

Volleyball Scoring

Some of you who played volleyball in the 90s and are looking to make a comeback, we don’t play Sideout Scoring anymore (only the serving team can score). We play Rally Scoring – that is, every time the ball dies, a point is awarded. This makes games and tournaments go much faster. (Not like the tournaments I played in high school until 10 p.m.)

We play to 25, pretty much across the board. In USA club tournaments, typically pool play games will start at 4 and go to 25 – making them 21-point games.

In what direction do you rotate in a volleyball game?

Clockwise, see the volleyball court diagram below.

But, in which direction do serving zone numbers progress?

Zones are numbered counter clockwise and are a convenient coaching tool for serving strategy. Zone 1 is in Right back (serving position), then move up to Right front for Zone 2, Middle front is Zone 3, Left front is Zone 4, Left back is Zone 5 and Middle back is Zone 6 (the last server).

How many hits do you get until the volleyball has to be returned?

I know, I know. But I did say “basic.” You get 3 hits, max.

Of course, a block touch does not count as a hit (unless you’re playing outdoor doubles). Also, you may double hit on the first contact. But all in all, it’s 3 hits.

What is a 5-1 offense?

No, it’s not the height of your libero.

At least not in this case. The three standard volleyball offenses are 4-2, 6-2 and 5-1. Technically, it refers to the number of hitters and setters. 4-2 is a basic offense used mostly in beginners or rec play, while 6-2 and 5-1 are by far the most common formation in high-level play.

4-2
Four hitters and two setters. The setters usually set from the middle front or right front. So you’ll only have two front row attackers at all times.

6-2
Six hitters and two setters. The setter comes forward from the back row to set. The three front row players are all in attacking positions. All six players act as hitters at one time or another, while two can act as setters (when they are back row). So a 6-2 is similar to a 4-2 system, but the back row setter penetrates to set.

5-1
And, finally the answer to the question. 5 hitters and 1 setter (getting the nomenclature now?). Only one player is the setter of her position in the rotation. The team will have three front row attackers when the setter is back row, and only two when the setter is front row, for a total of five possible attackers. The benefit of this offense is the setter’s potential to jump and confuse the other team with a dump.

What is a libero in volleyball?

The libero is a player defensive specialist. She wears a contrasting jersey color from her teammates and cannot block or attack the volleyball when it is above the net (which is a very tricky call and often disputed by a libero who attacks the ball when it is not “above the net”).

When the ball is dead, the libero can replace any back row player without using a sub. That means libero “entries” and “exits” are unlimited! But she may be replaced only by the player whom she replaced.

She may set front row players only under certain restrictions. If she makes an overhand set, she must be standing behind the 10-foot line; otherwise, the volleyball cannot be attacked above the net, in front of the 10-foot line. An underhand pass to a front row attacker is allowed from any part of the court. There may only be one libero per set, but you can assign a different libero at the beginning of a new set.

Any other volleyball stats you think everyone should know?

Post them in the comments section below.