5 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Here is a list of the most common volleyball terms.

Ace - a serve that hits the ground inbounds without being touched for a point. Term taken from tennis.

Block - when a player jumps up at the net and blocks an opponents attempt at a spike.

Cut Shot - a trick shot used at the last second to drop a shot in front of your startled opponents.

Dig - using your forearms to pop the ball into the air or pass to your teammates. Also use of the fist to dig a serve or spike about to hit the ground. Diggers are worth their weight in gold in volleyball.

Dink - soft shot you pop over your opponents head when they come up to block your what they think will be a spike. Fun to do and frustrate opponents.

Faking - backcourt players fake moving one way but then go the other to trick their opponents into hitting the ball to them.

Serve - shot used to put the ball into play at the beginning of the match our after points or timeouts. Jump serves are the most effective in beach volleyball.

Set - popping the ball into the air so your teammate can jump up and spike it. Setting is an art.

Shank - a miss-hit of the ball that sends it out of bounds. I know this one all too well.

Spike - when the ball is set you jump up above the net and spike the ball into the ground. Great feeling, like hitting a home run.

Split - when you serve the ball directly between two opponents hoping they will be confused over who should get it and it lands between them. Love this strategy. Good for tennis also.

Learn more about this author, Lupine.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about A guide to volleyball jargon?
We want to hear your view. Write now!