Realistic or Modern Shark's Simplified Volleyball Guide for our Non-Players | For the roleplay, Pass, Set, and Spike!

[SharkBark]

Here it is. For all of our members of this roleplay that do not completely know how to play volleyball or have zero experience, here is a guide that I have provided you with that'll break down the basics. Hopefully this allows you to get a better idea of the rules of the game and how to play. If you have any further questions, please leave me a private message and I will answer it for you. Enjoy.

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• General
• Positions
• Links and Guides
• Serves
• Final

• 
  First, let me state one thing real quick. The version of the sport played in this rp is indoor volleyball, not beach volleyball (playing on sand). An indoor volleyball match is played between two teams to the best of 5 sets. Whichever team wins three of the five sets is the overall winner of the match. And to win a set, a team must have scored 25 points with a two point difference on the opposing team. But in this roleplay, considering it is a high school tournament, teams need to score 15 points with a two point lead. For example, if Meiwa was to reach 15 points but the team they were going against had 14, the game would continue going over the 15 point maximum until one of the teams got a two point lead on the other. (in the case of the score being 16 to 14, the team with 16 is the winner.)
  
  Now, onto the teams. An regular indoor volleyball game is composed of two teams with six players on each one. Each player on the court plays a different position, but in certain formations two of the same position can be on the court at once. Regularly, there are three players in the front row close to the net and three more towards the back of the court, as seen in the spoiler
  Spoiler: Example

  
  In this roleplay, at the start of every game two players, one from each team, will play rock-paper-scissors to decide on who gets possession of the ball first. And in other sets, the loser of the previous ine serves first.(for example if Team A wins in rock-paper-scissors and wins the first set against team B, then next set Team B will serve first)
  
  Once that concludes, the player serving must get the ball across their half of the court and over the net using one of the various types of serves that will be discussed later. The ball is allowed the graze the net on it's way across, as long as it falls into the opposing team's side of the court. This is when a rally starts. A rally occurs when the ball is in play and is being contacted and moved by both teams. A rally ends when a foul is called or someone scores.
  
  Right, scoring. A point is scored on quite a few factors. One, the opposing team gets called for a foul, such as a double touch, touching the net, stepping on the other side of the net, etc. If this happens, then a point is awarded to the other team. Two, a player on one team gets the ball to land on the court of the opposite team (a successful spike, block, or serve). Three, a team sends the ball out of bounds. Point is awarded to the other team. And there a few more ways to score.
  
  Every time a team earns the right to serve after being on the receiving end, they will rotate from their zone in a clockwise direction around the court. Even though each player on the team must have rotated to another spot on the court, once the ball is served the players are free to move zones again. So, let's say I'm zone 3 in the spoiler and I've just rotated to zone 2. Once the ball is served, I am free to move back to 3 as long as whoever is there moves first. If a setter has rotated to backrow, this is what they'll usually do.
  
  Spoiler: Rotations

  
  
  Finally, a team can only touch the ball three times before sending it to the other side of the court. Anymore than three will result in them being called for a violation, and the other team will be awarded a point. As the name of the roleplay states, the main three touches are usually a pass, a set, and a spike.
  
• 
  Next up on the guide are the positions in volleyball. I'll split up the positions into spoilers, so you can immediately go to the position you want to read about.
  
  
  Spoiler: Setter

  Essentially the most important player on the court, the setter is basically the "quarterback" of the operation. They run the team's offense and decide which hitter the ball will go to, or if it will even go to a hitter at all. Their primary job is to accurately "set" the the second touch of the ball to an opposite, outside hitter, or middle blocker so that they can attempt to score a point. Because of this duty, setters need to have good communication skills and must be able to make quick decisions in the small window they have as the ball comes to them.
  
  Though beforehand a setter may use hand signals that they created to let their team know what they're going to do or who they will set before each serve. Here is an example of some setter signals in game:
  
  
  Setters need to be able to put the ball in the perfect spot so that the hitter can slam it onto the other side of the court. Most setters can't constantly be consistent, but it is an elite factor if they can. Since they are able to play front and back row, setters also need to always be prepared to have to block, dig, or receive the ball if their team cannot do so for them.
  
  Setting a volleyball - First, gif examples. Here is the real life example:
  
  
  
  One setting variation is the jump set, which obviously is when the setter jumps while setting. This can make the ball move faster through the air or allow for dumps, and that can make blockers more cautious of getting caught off guard by a dump, which would make them put focus on the setter as well. That would leave some attention off of the hitters, which can cause blocks with bad reaction timing. This is an advantage for the hitters. Jump setting can also allow the setter to set to their middle faster, creating better quick attacks.
  
  Here is an example of that, and also a back set. A backset is, once again obvious, a set that goes backwards. Usually towards the opposite hitter.
  
  Now for the anime examples(for those of you who prefer them):
  In order - Front Set, Jump Set, Back Set.
  
  Written explanation: Make a diamond with your two forefingers and thumbs, then spread your hands apart so they are wide enough apart that your palms will not touch the volleyball in between your hands, but close enough together so that you can hold the ball with both thumbs, pointer fingers and middle fingers. Then use your fingers to thrust the ball in the direction you wish to set to. (from betteratbeach.com) Please do more thorough research on setting if you wish to have an extremely advanced setter character. Only three things in that nature will be discussed in this guide.
  
  The final move I'll be discussing in this, the dump. A dump is where instead of setting it, the setter just tips the ball over the net. This catches the opposing team off guard and can result in points. A dump looks like this:
  
  When the ball is served, the setter usually moves to zone 3 to set. But, they can move to any zone to set their hitters.
  
  Spoiler: Outside Hitter

  An outside is the left-side hitter of the court and is essentially the main attacker on offense. The go-to hitter, you could say. Outside hitters need to have a great jumping ability, versatility, and must be able to adjust to sets coming from anywhere on the court. Though offense may be their main specialty, outsides also work with the middle blocker to block hitters or get the ball to touch their hands.
  
  Outside hitters play front and back row, which means they need to have defensive capability. When outsides are on defense, it is very useful if they call out who is going to hit from the other side of the net. Outsides are usually right handed.
  
  Examples of an outside playing:
  
  Asahi from "Haikyuu!!!" is an amazing example of an elite outside hitter.
  
  When the ball is serves, outsides usually move to zone 4 to prepare to spike.
  
  Spoiler: Opposite Hitters

  The opposite hitter. Players who have this position need to have a good combination of defense and offense in their arsenal of skills. As a hitter, this once again means that they need to have a decent jumping ability, volleyball knowledge, and hitting power. Many famous opposite hitters such as Yuji Nishida and Tijana Bošković are extremely hard hitters and can slam past or through blocks to attempt to score.
  
  Opposites are responsible for hitting, passing, blocking, or digging the ball while in the back row because of where their spot is on the court, right side of the front row, and they must also be prepared to fill in for their setter if necessary. (if the setter passes the ball on the first touch, the another player will need to set)
  
  As said before, players of this position need to be decent in both offense and defense. Considering that their zone if in front of the opposing team's outside hitter, which as said before is a setter's go-to hitter, opposites will need to be decent blockers and work alongside their middle to stuff spikes.
  
  An examples of an amazing opposite hitters is Yuji Nishida, the starting opposite for Japan's official men's volleyball team.
  
  When the ball is served, an opposite usually moves to zone 2 to prepare to hit.
  
  Spoiler: Middle Blocker

  The middle blocker, also referred to as the middle hitter, is often the tallest player on the team, (*cough* mika *cough*) but does not necessarily have to be. Players with great leaping ability may play a middle blocker, and even you can't jump high, players may use "soft blocks" to stop a spike. (see the advanced blocking guide for more information)
  
  The middle blocker is the known for being the team's first line of defense against spikes from the opposing team. They need to able to rapidly read the movements of the setter and hitters then quickly raise their hands above the net to attempt a block. They can also "penetrate" the net, which is when a blocker reaches over to block without directly touching it. Middle blockers also should have quick feet and reflexes to notice even the slightest change in where the ball is going or how the hitter is going to attempt to kill it.
  
  Now with hitting, middle blockers are usually set for quicks. A quick is when the ball leaves the setter's hands at either a fast speed or a short distance to a hitter so that they can hit it over the net. With middles, quicks are even faster because there is less of a gap between them and their setter. In this gif, 5 in yellow is the middle blocker spiking only a second or two after the ball leaves the setters hand.
  
  Middle blockers are also used as decoys much of the time, which can lead to them being set less, but is worth it in the end. A decoy is when a player jumps and pretends to spike. This may get blockers to jump as well, which cause them to not be able to block the real player who is actually spiking block the actual hitter.
  
  In the gif below, we see #10 jump up in the air looking like he's going to hit the ball. This makes the blocker in front of him jump, but then the ball goes to #9 instead, who freely spikes it. This was not an intentional decoy though, this was an accident. #10 jumped expecting the ball to come to him, but it went over his head to his teammate. This happens a lot in volleyball yet is still a convenient tactic.
  
  
  Example of a block:
  
  
  When the ball is served, middles usually go to zone 3, but if the setter is there, they can go to the setter's side. (between 4 and 3 or between 3 and 2)
  
  
  Spoiler: Libero

  The libero. These players are the best passers on a volleyball team. They have great ball control, keen reaction speed with good reflexes, which all helps them to excel in defense. Liberos often cover a large area of the court when it is time to receive a serve, and the more court that they take up, the better the hitters can concentrate on getting into position to spike the ball.
  
  For majority of teams, their libero is not a starter player. Usually at the beginning of a game before the first serve, the libero will replace a starting player by subbing themselves in. Only when the ball is not in play can a libero come up to the sideline, which is between the end line and the attack line, to sub themselves into the game for the player they are coming in for. A sub is when one player enters the court as a replacement for another on their teams. Each team has a limit of 12 substitutions per set --two for each players-- that must be used for both of the swapping players. But this does not apply to the libero. A libero may sub themselves into the game an unlimited amount of times. Usually, the middle blockers are the ones who they sub out. And when a libero is switching with a player, it does not count as a substitution for that player. Once a libero goes in for a player, they must only continue to go in and out for that same player.
  
  The libero position has limits to a players capabilities, otherwise it would be utilized much differently. Liberos cannot jump and attack (spike) the ball if it is above the net, they cannot perform an overhead set from in front of the attack line, and they are not allowed to block. Emphasis on the part where I said that they cannot jump while spiking or moving their feet. Just a standing spike is fine, and these rarely occur.
  

  Spoiler: Court Diagram

  

  
  In a tournament or match, once a player is chosen as the libero, they are designated libero for the entirety of that event. The only times a libero can be changed is in the case of an injury or sickness. And if this happens, teams may choose player to remain as the libero for the remainder of the tournament or match.
  
  Liberos must wear a jersey that is a different color from the rest of their team. This allows the referee to be able to differentiate them from the other positions and keep track of the amount of times they come in and out of the game.
  
  A vocal and communicative libero is elite on the court. Helping the outside hitter call out hitters or saying, "I got it!" when the ball is coming onto court can allow the rest of the team to focus on their primary responsibilities. Liberos should also be doing whatever possible to keep the ball from hitting the ground, such as digging or diving for the ball. A dig is when a player successfully passes a spike from the opposing team, and a dive is a type of dig where a player throws their body in the air in an attempt to save the ball and get it to hit a part of their body. (usually their forearm) There are a few variations of a dive that will be in the advanced defense guide. Digging and diving is not limited to just the libero. Any player or position may do these to keep the ball up.
  
  
  This gif example here can count as a dive and a dig example, but because I cannot fit too many files onto this, I suggest you research some more visual examples yourself.
  
  
  Liberos typically sub themselves in when a middle blocker is in zone one, and then sub out with that same middle blocker once it's time to rotate from zone 5.
  
  Spoiler: Defensive Specialist

  Last but not least, the defensive specialists, also called a DS. Just like the libero, a DS excels in defensive technique and strategy, but they have more capabilities and less restrictions than that of a libero.
  
  Defensive specialists do not have to wear a different colored jersey than the rest of the team as a libero does. They function as a normal member of the team and their substitutions count when they enter and leave the court. The libero may not be able to spike the ball from above net height, but a DS can. In fact, they are usually skilled in back row hitting (attacking from behind the 10 foot line). Whereas the libero cannot, DS's can play through all rotations, meaning that they are not limited to being a back row player if they are not subbed out. And finally, the amount of time that they play. Liberos are always seen coming onto court in any game moments, but a DS usually only plays when things are beginning to get rough or if the team they are going against is very strong. This means that defensive specialists do not get much game time, and some players fear that. But when the game isn't going too well for their team, the DS is there to come and hopefully even the odds.
  
  Additionally, DS's must have great game knowledge, leadership skills, teamwork, reliability. A DS can move to any zone.
  
• 
  These are links to articles that will teach you a more in-depth and advanced way to play your type position. If you want a character that truly knows the game and different playing styles, I suggest that you read your entire article thoroughly. If you do not understand what is being explained in words, feel free to look up the names of the terms and find something showing a video example. Or, you can shoot me a PM or ask me in the OOC. Any player can check out any guide.
  
  Volleyball Terminology and Rules - Basic Volleyball Rules and Terms
  
  How to Spike a Volleyball - Volleyball Spike - Basics to Volleyball Attacking
  
  Advanced Guide to the types of sets for Setters (all other positions may see this as well) - Volleyball Attack Names
  
  Advanced Guide to Spiking for Hitters - Volleyball Spike Types
  
  Advanced Guide to Blocking - Volleyball Block Types (note: on the part about swing blocking, it says "before blocking a serve". do not pay much attention to that part. you do not block serves in volleyball. that is a foul.)
  
  Not so Advanced Guide to Passing, but you may get something out of this. - Volleyball Passing Types
  
  Guide to Serving (all players should check this one out, and this is for if you don't want to read the serving tab.) - Volleyball Serve Types
  
  
  More links might be added soon.
  
• 
  Here we will discuss the kinds of serves in volleyball. I have left links at the end of each serve section to websites where you can find further instruction on the serve. NOTE that when a player is serving they MUST serve from behind the baseline. Not directly on it or in front of it, because that is a serving fault.. Though if while the ball is leaving a player's hand in a serve and they end up flying forward and onto or in front of the baseline, then it is okay.
  
  1. The Underhand Serve - This kind of serve is typically used by players with little to no experience with serving, and is done by holding the ball in your non-dominant hand and then hitting it with the heel of your other hand. You can perform this with either a closed palm or an open one. (How To Serve A Volleyball Underhand | Better At Volleyball)
  
  2. The Overhand Serve - The overhand serve is another serve used frequently by beginners, though many experienced players do as well, considering it is a "safe serve". A safe serve is a serve that has almost an 100% chance of success, unlike the jump serve and others, which take precision and timing to perform correctly. The overhand serve is done by tossing the ball upwards in a straight line in front of you, then taking a step forward, and finally hitting the center of the ball with your palm. (Volleyball Tips: How to Overhand Serve - Volleyball Tips)
  
  
  3. The Standing Float Serve and the Jump Float Serve: A float serve is a more advanced serve where you hit the ball in a way that reduces the amount of spin on it drastically, causing it to appear as if it is floating across the court. And because of this lack of spin, the ball moves unpredictably, which makes it harder to receive. The float serve is a deadly move in your arsenal, as even the best receivers can be confused by it. The ball can either suddenly fall or spazz out while in the air, and both of these causes it to land in unexpected spots on the court. For standing = (Executing a Float Serve: A Fundamental Volleyball Skill) For jump = (Jump Float Serve In Volleyball And The Proper Footwork)
  
  There are two variations of this serve. One where you stand while hitting the ball and another where you instead jump before making contact. While both make the ball float and change its movements, there are slight differences between them. Jumping while doing a float serve allows the server to hit the ball at a higher contact point, which creates a flatter ball flight angle. Jumping can also reduce the spin on the ball a bit more(if executed correctly). A jump float also gets more movement on the ball and can drop faster, but a standing float can reduce the power of the serve, which makes it drop shorter. And that can force a defender to dive.
  
  
  4. The Jump Serve - Another advanced serve. A jump serve takes place when a player tosses the ball high up into the air, uses their spiking approach to get to it, and then leaps in the air and hits it across the court. This action increases the ball's power and height, making it difficult for the opposing team to receive it. This is done by holding the ball in your non-dominant hand, tossing it high and several feet in front of you, then using an "abbreviated" attack approach (check the how to spike link to find things on approaches), then jumping up and hitting the top back of the ball. This kind of serve is typically combined with topspin serves. Since I cannot put too many files in here, there will be no gif for a jump serve here.
  
  EXTRA: 4.5. - The Jump Topspin Serve - A variation of the jump serve. Topspin serves are used to attempt the be hit with such power and velocity to try to get the ball across the ball across the court as fast as possible and get the ball to the floor before the receiver can get there. By flicking the wrist, you can make the ball curves downwards as it goes onto the opponents court.
  
• 
  Well, this was my (hopefully good) attempt to explain volleyball for this roleplay. My apologies if anything didn't make sense and for any types, or if I missed something that you would have liked to know more about. Once again, if you have anymore questions that you think the answer for cannot be found online, feel free to send me a private message and I will attempt to get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for reading. Stay safe, and I pray that life is going well for you all.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Shark