Volleyball teams line up with three front row players and three back row players, but they are in constant motion via the various serve receive formations, offensive systems and defensive systems and formations. Volleyball rules limit the role of back row players near the net and limit the options for receiving players during the serve.
Serve Receive Positions
Teams may use a variety of serve receive formations, including variations of the "U" and "W" formations. In many cases, only the setter is above the 10-foot line and near the net. In other cases, all six players are behind the line to receive the serve. Players are not allowed to block or spike the opponent's serve at the net.
Hitting Positions
Once teams receive the serve, they shift into their offensive plays. Teams may attack with an outside hitter or a middle hitter at the net, depending on the play. Ideally, the setter is close to the targeted hitter. There are many types of sets, with varying heights and directions. There are many types of hits as well, from the power spike to the tip. Deception at the net can be as effective as power at the net.
Blocking Positions
Defensive teams read the ball movement by the attacking team and anticipate who will hit the ball and where it will be hit. Blockers attempt to thwart those hits at the net and their teammates protect the rest of the court. Blockers move along the net according to their read within their defensive scheme. Depending on the defensive scheme, one of the front row players may rotate to a coverage area behind the 10-foot line. Rotational, man up and perimeter defensive schemes come in myriad variations.
Back Row Player Limitations
Back row players cannot move up to the net and attack. They must complete their leap for an attack from behind the 10-foot line.
References
- Strength-and-Power-for-Volleyball.com: Rotational Defense for Volleyball
- Strength-and-Power-for-Volleyball.com: Man Up Defense
- Strength-and-Power-for-Volleyball: Volleyball Formations
- Volleyball-Training-Ground.com: 6-2 Offense Revealed with Tips and Strategy
- VolleyballAdvisors.com: Basic Volleyball Rules
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