Scoring system
Volleyball scoring
Volleyball uses rally scoring, in which a point is won on every rally, and matches are decided over a best-of-five sets.
Scoring system
Overview
Volleyball is scored using the rally system, meaning a point is awarded on every single rally no matter which team served. A team scores when the ball lands in the opponent's court, the opponent hits it out, or the opponent commits a fault.
Sets are played to a target score with a two-point winning margin, and a match is won by the first team to take the majority of sets. This makes momentum important, because a run of rallies can quickly swing a set.
How it works
- Under rally scoring, the winner of each rally scores a point whether or not they served.
- A team scores when the ball grounds in the opponent's court or the opponent commits a fault or hits out.
- A standard set is won by the first team to 25 points with a lead of at least two.
- If a match reaches a deciding fifth set, it is usually played to a lower target of 15 points, still won by two.
- The match goes to the first team to win three sets.
Where it’s used
Sports that use volleyball scoring:
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Officiating
- ScorekeeperThe official who keeps the authoritative record of a contest — score, fouls, and statistics — usually seated at a scorer's table beside the timekeeper.
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
- Penalty SignalA standardized hand or flag signal an official uses to announce a foul, penalty, or restart so players, teammates, and spectators can read the call.
Facilities
Positions
- Outside hitterThe outside hitter attacks from the left side of the net and is often a volleyball team’s main scoring option.
- SetterThe setter is volleyball’s playmaker, taking the team’s second contact and delivering accurate sets for hitters to attack.
- Middle blockerThe middle blocker plays in the centre of the net, leading the team’s blocking and attacking with fast, quick sets.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- OppositeThe opposite is a volleyball attacker who plays on the right side of the net, opposite the setter in the rotation, and is often a key scorer.