How to Read a Volleyball Court

Success on the volleyball court often depends on the player's ability to read the positions of the opposing team. A basic knowledge of the volleyball rotation system will help you keep track of which players will be holding each position. Understanding offensive zone play and reading the positions of the players will allow you to launch an effective defense. Read on to learn how to read a volleyball court.

Instructions

  1. Learn Basic Volleyball Rotation

    • 1

      Watch a volleyball game to see player rotation in action. The serving player is said to be in position number 1.

    • 2

      Locate the "attack line". This is the line on the floor about 10 feet back from the net. The player standing on the left of this line is in position number 2.

    • 3

      Find the opposing player standing at the center of the net. This player is in position number 3.

    • 4

      Find player number 4 standing to the right of player number 3 at the net.

    • 5

      View the back court to find players number 5 and 6. Player number 6 is standing just to the right of the server.

    • 6

      Watch as player number 2 moves into the serving position the next time service comes back to his team. All other player will rotate into the next lowest numbered position.

    Learn to Read the 4-2 Formation

    • 7

      Familiarize yourself with the 4-2 offensive line-up. This line up uses four hitters and two setters.

    • 8

      Watch the opposing team to see which players are setters. In the 4-2 formation, the setters will occupy the center court positions.

    • 9

      Adapt your play to foil the 4-2 offense. Since you now know who the other teams setters are, you can aim your shots at these less skilled hitters.

    Watch for a 5-1 Offensive Formation

    • 10

      Observe the opposing teams play to look for a 5-1 set up.

    • 11

      Identify the setter. A 5-1 formation will use only one setter, who will move from the front to the back depending on the rotation.

    • 12

      Frustrate the other team by aiming your shots at their setter. With one setter doing all the work, she may tire more quickly.