There are three standard formations in volleyball, namely the "4-2", "6-2" and "5-1". The numbers in the names of these formations refer to the number of hitters and setters respectively.
The4-2 formationis often used if the team does not have strong hitter and is common at a lower level of play. In this formation, there are four hitters and two setters. In order to always have a setter in either row, setters will position themselves opposite each other in the rotation.
Front row setters will assume the centre-front position with hitters flanking after service. As there are only two hitters/attackers, the team will have fewer options for offensive plays. However, the setter has the option to hit the ball over the net on the second touch as a surprise attack play.
In the6-2 formation, all three front row players are attackers and a player from the back row comes forward. This formation allows all six players to act as hitters, while having the option of two players being able to choose to act as setters. This is similar to the 4-2 formation, but the back row setter is able to come forward to set.
The advantage of this formation is the ability to maximise offensive plays as there will always be three front-row hitters available. However, it also requires the two setters to be good hitters, especially when they are not setting up plays.
There is only one player who assumes the role of setter in the5-1 formation. The setter will remain in the back row, while the three front row players are attackers. The setter can swap positions with any front row attacker when required. This allows for the team to have the option of having five attackers at any point during a play.
The player opposite the setter in this formation is called the opposite hitter. Opposite hitters do not pass; they stand behind their teammates when the opponent is serving. Using this formation, the team has the option of using the opposite hitter as a third attack option when the setter is in a front row position.
The advantage of this formation is that there will always be three hitters for the setter to pass the ball to; and if the setter plays well, the opponent's blocker may not have enough time to block the play. This increases the chances for the attacking team to make a point. Additionally, the setter can confuse the opponent by jumping and hitting the ball into the opponents’ side during second contact.
The 5-1 formation is actually a mix of the 4-2 and 6-2. When the setter is in the front row, the offense will look like a 4-2 formation. When the setter is in the back row, the offense will look like the 6-2 formation.
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FAQs
There are three standard formations in volleyball, namely the "4-2", "6-2" and "5-1". The numbers in the names of these formations refer to the number of hitters and setters respectively. The 4-2 formation is often used if the team does not have strong hitter and is common at a lower level of play.
What does a 4-2 formation mean volleyball? ›
This offensive system designates four players as attackers, and two players as setters. The two setters start opposite each other, usually in zones 1 and 4. The middles will then be in zones 3 and 6 and the outside attackers will be in zones 2 and 5, following the setters in the rotation order.
What is the W formation in volleyball? ›
At the very basic levels of volleyball, teams utilize a "W" formation serve receive. The "W" formation covers the entire court and utilizes all players, excluding the setter for serve receive. There are three players in the front row and two in the back row.
What is a 33 in volleyball? ›
3: A 3 (also referred to as a 32 or 33) is a shoot set between the outside and middle hitters. Much like a combination of a 1 and a shoot. 1: A 1 (also referred to as a quick) is a low set that is set about 1' above the tape of the net for the middle attacker.
What does a 5 1 formation mean in volleyball? ›
What does "5-1" stand for? "5-1" means 5 attackers and 1 setter. It is one of the most commonly used rotation techniques in indoor volleyball, and variations can be freely applied, especially based on the skillsets of the defending players. In this article, I will explain each of the 6 rotations one by one.
What does O stand for in volleyball? ›
Outside hitter (also called left side) This player is usually responsible for a majority of the hitting from the outside (left front) position. Often, this player is also one of the primary passers in serve receive. There are usually two outside hitters on the court.
What does a 5'2" in volleyball mean? ›
The 5-2: One setter always sets in the front row, one setter always sets in the back row. This creates more variety in plays and strategies. The 4-2: This system is best used for young athletes just starting with the game. The setter is always in the front row to eliminate excessive running and confusion.
What does S mean in volleyball positions? ›
S: Setter L: Libero (sometimes coaches use a triangle for their position on a scouting paper or during practice on a whiteboard) DS: Defensive specialist. Compared to international volleyball, America has more substitutions and you can sub a player more than once.
Can you have libero in 6-2? ›
Practice defensive strategies: In addition to practicing offensive plays, it's also important for the team to practice their defensive strategies. In a 6-2 formation, the libero (the defensive specialist) will typically be responsible for covering more of the court and may be more involved in the team's offense.
Do liberos serve? ›
It is permissible for a libero to replace the player in the serving position. In other words, liberos can serve or not serve depending on abilities, strategy, etc. It is illegal for a front-row player to attack a ball that was “set” overhead (with hands) if the libero is in front of the 3-meter line.
The two most common offensive systems in volleyball are the 5-1 system, which uses five hitters and one setter for all six rotations, and the 6-2 system, which uses a total of six hitters and two different setters, depending on where they are in the rotation.
Are there 3 or 4 sets in volleyball? ›
Matches are played best of five sets. The first four sets are played to 25 points, with the final set being played to 15 points. A team must win a set by two points. There is no ceiling, so a set continues until one of the teams gains a two-point advantage.
Is there 3 or 4 periods in volleyball? ›
Volleyball matches are made up of sets, typically three or five sets. Three-set matches are two sets to 25 points and a third set to 15 points. Each set must be won by two points. The first team to win two sets is the winner of the match.
How many volleyball systems are there? ›
Every year, volleyball teams, whether at the middle school, high school, or collegiate level, must determine the most suitable system of play to enhance their competitiveness. The 5-1, 6-2, and 4-2 systems are among the options available, but the 5-1 and 6-2 are the most commonly used.
What is a 9 in volleyball? ›
In one system I used, it meant a shoot to weak side. In another it was similar to that but a bit higher. In that system a shoot was asked for by a gun symbol in your hand or by name. The only other time I have heard a 9 used is after an off set, when playing 2s, we had a system to tell the hitter how far off the net.
