Serve
Ace
In beach volleyball, an ace refers to a serve that results directly in a point without the receiving team successfully returning the ball. This can happen if the served ball lands in the opponent’s court untouched, or if the receiving team struggles to handle the serve, leading to an unsuccessful pass or shank.
Float
A float serve in beach volleyball is a serving technique where the ball is hit with a flat and clean contact, minimizing spin and causing it to move unpredictably through the air. Unlike a topspin serve that has a visible spin, a float serve creates an erratic and less predictable trajectory, making it challenging for the receiving team to anticipate and control the ball.
Husband and wife serve
The expression refers to a serve strategically placed in the middle of the court, precisely between the two receiving players. This well-placed serve induces uncertainty among the receivers, often resulting in a situation where neither player takes charge of passing the ball, leading to a potential point for the serving team.
Jump float
A jump float in beach volleyball is a serving technique where the server takes a jump before making contact with the ball during the serve. Unlike a traditional float serve, which is executed from a stationary position, the jump float adds an extra element of variability, making it challenging for the receiving team to predict the trajectory and speed of the serve.
The jump float serve offers several variations. Players may opt to release the ball using their dominant hand, the non-dominant hand, or both hands. Additionally, serving techniques can involve a stationary jump, a two-step, or a three-step approach. Some players execute the jump float serve from a single leg, akin to a slide technique often seen in indoor volleyball.
Jump serve
A jump serve involves a powerful, overhead hitting motion, similar to a spike, and is executed with the intention of delivering a serve with speed and spin, making it challenging for the opponents to receive and control.
Sky ball
A sky ball in beach volleyball stands out as an unconventional serving technique. Players intentionally launch the ball high, using an underhand or sidearm motion. The objective is to create a looping trajectory, sending the ball high above the opponent’s court. This unique serve, famously executed by Adrian Carambula, adds an element of unpredictability, making it challenging for opponents to receive and set up an effective attack.
Attack
Approach
The approach in beach volleyball refers to the physical movement of an offensive player approaching the net to make a play on the ball. Players typically employ a three-step approach, consisting of a slow-to-quick sequence of steps, explained very intuitively in this video. The attacking approach is crucial for effective and dynamic offensive play in beach volleyball.
Baby line
Like a line shot above the blocker but it falls closer to the net.
Cut
Refers to a player’s deliberate shot with a slicing motion, aiming to direct the ball to the cross-court area near the net. The objective is to make the ball fall away from the opponent’s defensive reach.
Dart
A precise and forceful shot directed to the short cross-court area near the line, blending elements of both a cut shot and a power hit.
Free ball
A free ball denotes a controlled and usually straightforward pass deliberately played by a team over the net to the opponents. This often happens when a team faces challenges in executing a forceful attack and instead opts to keep the ball in play by bump-setting it over, focusing on defensive strategies.
Hard driven ball
A hard-driven ball in beach volleyball is a powerful attack with substantial speed and velocity. Unlike a shot, defenders can use open hands to defend against this forceful hit, providing a distinct defensive advantage.
In system play
In beach volleyball, a side-out or transition play occurs when the passer achieves an accurate first ball contact, facilitating a smoother attack. In-system plays make it easier for the attacker as they enjoy a clear view of the set and the opponent’s court, increasing the likelihood of receiving a precise set compared to out-of-system situations with inaccurate first touches.
Joust
In beach volleyball, a joust occurs when the ball is set close to the net, leading to a simultaneous and intense battle between the attacker and the blocker at the top of the net. During a joust, unique rules come into play, allowing the attacker to use an open hand to push the ball to the blocker’s side. This creates a dynamic and physical confrontation, with both players vying for control and attempting to gain an advantage by directing the ball away from their opponent.
Line shot
Line shot targets the area along the imaginary line that runs parallel to the sideline. Hitters aim to direct the ball down this line, above the blocker, to exploit open spaces in the opponent’s defense.
On two
Refers to a strategic play where the team opts to attack the ball directly on the second touch, skipping the traditional set.
Open hand
In contrast to indoor volleyball, using an open hand (referred to as a “tip” in indoor volleyball) to contact the ball is considered an illegal touch in beach volleyball. However, there are exceptions to this rule. An open-hand touch is permitted if it occurs after a hard-driven ball or during a joust at the net. These exceptions allow for greater flexibility and adaptability in certain game situations, ensuring fair play and accommodating the unique dynamics of beach volleyball
Option ball
Receiving the first ball in a way that enables the setter to choose between hitting the second ball or setting it for another player’s attack. This strategic flexibility puts pressure on the opposing team, making it harder for them to predict the offensive play.
Out-of-system
Out-of-system play occurs when the attacking team is forced to set the ball from an inconvenient location due to an inaccurate or challenging first touch. This often results in a less than ideal setup for the attack, making it more challenging for the team to execute their offensive strategy effectively.
Pokey
Pokey in beach volleyball refers to contacting the ball with the knuckles, allowing for better precision in ball placement. This technique is unique to beach volleyball and serves a similar purpose as a tip in indoor volleyball. Players use the pokey for various offensive maneuvers and, uniquely in beach volleyball, for defensive plays against high, non-hard-driven balls.
Rainbow
In beach volleyball, a shot referred to as a “jumbo shrimp” is a technical play where the attacker aims to hit the ball diagonally over the blocker and land it behind the defender. This shot combines precision and power to create a challenging trajectory, making it difficult for the defensive players to reach and control the ball.
Spread offense
Spread offense in beach volleyball involves receiving the ball to one pin and attacking from the other. This strategic approach aims to open up opportunities for the second ball attack and creates challenges for the opposing blocker to track both players effectively. Successful execution of the spread offense requires not only strategic positioning but also excellent ball control, making it a dynamic and effective tactic on the sand court.
Topspin
Topspin refers to the rotational spin applied to the ball when it is struck, creating a forward and downward movement. This spin is achieved by rolling the hand on top of the ball in a way that imparts a spinning motion, causing it to dip and drop quickly. The topspin is commonly used in attacking and serving to make the ball curve and drop abruptly.
Set
Backdoor
A setting technique where the ball is delivered behind the setter to the attacker. This play is often employed when the player who is about to attack has passed the ball from the middle of the court. Utilizing a backdoor set helps maintain the player’s movement and can change the angles of the attack, making it more challenging for the opposing defense to predict and defend against.
Call
After setting a ball, the setter communicates with the attacker by indicating the available areas of the opponent’s court for a shot. Common calls include:
- “Line”: Advising the attacker to aim the shot towards the sideline (boundary) of the court.
- “Cross”: Instructing the attacker to target the opposite side of the court, diagonally from their position.
- “No-body!”: Suggesting that there is an open space on the court where there are no defenders, encouraging the attacker to exploit that area.
These calls play a crucial role in guiding the attacker’s decision-making during an offensive play, helping them make strategic shots based on the current situation on the court.
Carry
A referee call indicating an overhead touch violation, often associated with a handset. This infraction occurs when a player holds the ball for an extended period during a set, resulting in a point awarded to the opposing team.
Clean set
A clean set refers to a legal and cleanly executed handset. Headsets can be examined for potential violations, including being called for carrying or a double touch.
Double
A referee call indicates an overhead touch where the ball contacts one hand after the other instead of both hands simultaneously during a set. This results in a point being awarded to the opposing team.
Handset
Refers to the technique of setting the ball using the hands to deliver it to a teammate. The setter uses their fingers and hands to make controlled contact with the ball, creating an upward trajectory for the attack. Hand setting is a crucial skill in the game, but officials scrutinize the execution closely to ensure it is clean.
Jump set
This play, popularized by the Swedish players, involves the setter making an exciting move by playing the second ball while jumping. The unique aspect of this play is that the setter has the option to either execute a hit with the second ball or set it for their teammate. This unpredictability can create confusion for the opposing blocker, adding an element of surprise to the game. The success of this play often depends on the setter’s ability to make quick decisions in mid-air and catch the defense off guard.
Tempo set
Setting the ball low is a strategic move aimed at accelerating the offense and catching opponents off guard. This technique involves delivering the set with a lower trajectory, often close to the net, to increase the speed of the play.
Up-and-down set
Refers to a classic setting technique where the ball is delivered approximately a meter forward and then drops vertically without significant forward momentum. This type of set is characterized by its vertical trajectory, making it a fundamental and predictable style commonly used in beach volleyball. The controlled and consistent nature of the up-and-down set allows the attacker to approach the ball confidently, making it easier to execute effective attacks.
Defense
Block
a “block” occurs when a player positioned at the net uses a jumping motion to intercept the attacked ball, placing their hand in the path of the ball to prevent it from crossing the net. While the ball is allowed to touch the net during a block, the blocker mustn’t make physical contact with the net itself. The primary goal of a block is to impede the opponent’s attack and direct the ball back into the opponent’s court, ideally directly landing on the sand.
Block out
When the ball strikes the blocker and subsequently goes out of bounds, it results in a point being awarded to the hitting team.
Block touch
In beach volleyball, when the blocker makes contact with the attacked ball, it is considered a block touch. This touch is recognized as the first of the three allowed touches for the defending team, leaving them with two more touches to complete the play. It’s worth noting that this rule differs from indoor volleyball, where a block touch doesn’t count as one of the team’s allotted touches.
Chicken wing
A dynamic reflex defense move in beach volleyball, the chicken wing is executed when the ball strikes the player’s upper body, particularly the shoulder region. To create a rebound effect, the defender instinctively raises their elbow, providing the ball with a surface to bounce off. This skillful defensive play showcases quick reactions and adaptability, allowing players to keep the ball in play using unconventional yet effective techniques.
Cover
A cover in beach volleyball occurs when a player’s attack is blocked by the opposing team, but the attacking team manages to defend the block. This defensive play, known as a cover, can be executed by either the attacker or the setter. It involves quickly reacting to the blocked ball and attempting to keep it in play, preventing the opposition from scoring a direct point off the block. Covers are crucial for maintaining offensive momentum and creating opportunities for a successful follow-up attack.
Dig
In beach volleyball, a dig refers to a defensive play where a player skillfully retrieves or picks up an opponent’s shot. The dig can be executed using one or two hands, depending on the situation and the player’s preference. The primary goal of a dig is to prevent the ball from hitting the sand on one’s own side of the court, keeping it in play and giving the team an opportunity to counter-attack. Successful digs require quick reflexes, precise ball control, and strategic placement to set up the next play.
Drop
When a blocker decides to “drop” from the net, it means they are abandoning their blocking position at the net and moving back to the backcourt to defend against an attack from the opposing team.
This strategic move is often employed when the blocker anticipates that the opposing team will not attempt a powerful spike, and instead, they might opt for a softer shot or a dink over the block. By dropping back, the blocker aims to cover more of the court and be better positioned to dig or receive the ball if the opponents decide to place it in a more strategic or unexpected location.
Fake block
The blocker executes a deceptive move, appearing to initiate a jump as if preparing to block, only to skillfully drop from the net just before the attacker’s hit. This strategic play is often employed to lure the attacker into opting for a baby line shot, allowing the blocker to read the play and defend effectively.
Hand signals
Hand signals play a crucial role in effective communication among beach volleyball players, especially when signaling the next defensive tactic during transitions. Among the most commonly used signals are the line and angle signals. These non-verbal cues not only facilitate seamless coordination but also add a professional touch to the team’s strategic execution, enhancing their overall performance on the court.
High defense
High defense in beach volleyball refers to the defensive technique employed when facing a ball above the player’s head. When the ball is hard-driven, the defender may use open hands for a more controlled block. However, when dealing with less powerful hits, a defensive pokey or a tomahawk becomes the preferred technique for effective and precise ball control.
“The Ludwig”
“The Ludwig” is a beach volleyball play made famous by the legendary Laura Ludwig. In this strategic move, the defender reads the attacker’s intentions and skillfully passes the ball right back to the opponent’s backcourt, showcasing a high level of game intelligence and defensive prowess. This play inspired other players to incorporate similar anticipatory moves into their defensive strategies.
See and respond
The “see and respond” defense technique involves the defender waiting in their position, observing the attacker’s movements, and then reacting accordingly to chase the ball. This approach contrasts with actively “reading” the game, where the defender anticipates the attacker’s intentions and makes a move before the ball is hit. The distinction lies in the timing of the defender’s reaction – either responding after seeing the attacker’s move or preemptively reading the play to act before the attack occurs.
Tomahawk
The ‘tomahawk’ is a unique beach volleyball technique employed by defenders to handle an overhead ball that lacks significant power. In this method, the defender creates a platform using the back of their arms positioned above face height. This technique is particularly effective in managing less forceful hits, allowing the defender to maintain accuracy and execute controlled plays in diverse defensive scenarios.
Turn and burn
Turn and burn” in beach volleyball refers to the action where the blocker quickly rotates after completing a block jump, swiftly adjusting to pick up a shot or play directed around them. This dynamic maneuver showcases the blocker’s agility and rapid response to defend against an opponent’s strategic attempt to place the ball in an open area
General beach volleyball terms
AVP
Established in 1983 by top American beach volleyball players, the AVP is the organization responsible for organizing and managing the American professional beach volleyball tour. The AVP Tour features elite beach volleyball competitions and attracts top players from around the world. It has played a significant role in popularizing and promoting professional beach volleyball in the United States. The organization oversees various events and championships, contributing to the growth and development of beach volleyball as a competitive sport.
Challenge
A “challenge” occurs when players request the referee to review a specific call. This can be initiated for various situations, including determining whether the ball was in or out, detecting a net touch, or identifying a block touch. In cases where there is no camera challenge system, players are typically limited to requesting a challenge for ball in/out situations. The referee then goes to the designated area to check the mark on the sand, relying on visual inspection to make a more accurate call based on the players’ challenge. The challenge system adds an element of fairness and accuracy to the officiating process, allowing players to contest calls they believe may be incorrect.
Over-time
In beach volleyball, each set is contested to a predefined point total, with the first team to reach that threshold securing the set victory. The standard point total for the initial two sets is 21 points, and for the potential third set, it is 15 points. The winning team must achieve a two-point advantage. Should a set become tied at 20-20, the game extends until one team attains a two-point lead, ultimately securing the set triumph.
FIVB
The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, The FIVB, is the international governing body for both indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. It was founded in France in 1947 and is responsible for overseeing and organizing international competitions and tournaments in these disciplines. The FIVB plays a crucial role in establishing rules and regulations, promoting the sport globally, and ensuring the coordination of major volleyball events at the international level.
Rally
A “rally” refers to a sequence of plays between the serving and receiving teams that ends when the ball hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or a fault is committed. The team that wins a rally is awarded one point.
Side-out
Refers to the situation where the receiving team successfully wins the rally against the serving team. In other words, the receiving team transitions from defense to offense, earning the right to serve. A side-out does not necessarily refer to a specific play but rather to the successful conclusion of a rally by the receiving team, allowing them to rotate positions and serve the ball.
