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Rules FAQ

Why is that player wearing a different color? Why are the players switching spots? How come that player can't be in the front row?

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We realize that becoming familiar with a new sport can be nothing short of confusing. We've gathered some information to help you get a little more familiar with the game.

 

Q. WHAT ARE THE BASIC SCORING RULES OF VOLLEYBALL?

Club volleyball games are rally scoring and best of 3 sets played to 25.  If a 3rd set is required, it is played to 15.  Only if you are in a pool of 3, you will sometimes play 3 sets to 25 regardless of who won the first 2 sets.  This is not often but does sometimes happen at smaller tournaments.

Q. HOW ARE SUBSTITUTIONS DECIDED?

By the coach, any player except the libero can sub in for anyone in the match, but once they have subbed in or out for a player at a certain position, they can only sub in again for that same player at the same position for the rest of the set.

Q. HOW ARE LIBEROS SUBSTITUED?

The libero is allowed to replace any player in a back-row position only. Replacements involving the libero are not counted as regular substitutions. These replacements are unlimited, but there must be a rally (which can include a play over) between two libero replacements. All Libero transactions must be made behind the 10ft line.

Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OFFENSES (4/2, 5/1, 6/2)?

  • 4/2, there are 4 hitters and 2 setters.  Setters usually set from the middle of the court.

  • 5/1, there are 5 hitters and 1 setter.

  • 6/2, there are 6 hitters and 2 setters.

Q. WHAT IS THE ROLL OF THE (SETTER, O1, O2, M1, M2, OPP/RS, DS)?

  • Setter: main contributor to the offense, team quarterback.  Vocal leader. 

  • O1 (strongest outside): lead attacker (goal is to terminate), go to hitter, primary passer, needs to be able to read the opponents defense and call out hitters. Blocking.  

  • O2 (2nd outside): consistent hitting, primary passing, read opponents defense and calling out hitters, blocking. 

  • M1 (strongest middle): Blocking, first line of defense.  Continuous movement, work horse.  Getting in the air and available every time. Lots of eye work and reading the opponents setter.

  • M2 (2nd middle): Blocking, continuous movement, getting up in the air to hold blockers. Lots of eye work and reading the opponents setter.

  • OPP (Opposite or Rightside): Balance of both offense and defense, key blocking position of opponents OH. 

  • Libero: defensive specialist, primary passer, ready to set ball out of system. Vocal leader, relentless pursuit.

  • DS (defensive specialist): defense and relentless pursuit, can also be a back row attacker. 

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Volleyball is a momentum-based sport. The athletes on the floor may be carrying the team because they are pumped up, supporting one another, and creating a positive playing environment.  This does not always include all the “best” players!  Coaches want positive players that builds the teams momentum.  Encourage your player to be a game changer.

Q. WHY IS MY DAUGHER/SON THE “BETTER” MB AND STARTING IN THE BACKROW?

M1 primarily will start in position 5, which is in the backrow.  Coaches will rotate these positions from game to game to try to find a lineup that is working the best that match.

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