ROTATION 6 IN VOLLEYBALL
Rotation 6 is another fairly simple formation with little movement required for the Setter and the two front row attackers.
Below are the starting, “base” positions for each athlete in rotation 6.
Bold & Underlined Text = Front Row Players
In Rotation 6, the M1’s spot is zone 1 (replaced by the libero) followed by the Setter, the H1, the M2, the Opposite, and the H2.
Below is also a detailed video explanation outlining athlete positioning and overlap rules for rotation 6 in volleyball.
ROTATION 6 – TRADITIONAL SERVE-RECEIVE OPTION
Player Assignments by Position:
S: Starts in Zone 2 or 3
H1: Passes in Zone 5 and hits Gos
M2: Starts in Zone 4 and hits Gaps/Quicks or Slides
OP: Moves back to the end line and doesn’t pass
H2: Passes in Zone 6
L: Passes in Zone 1
Advantages/Benefits:
- The Setter can start in the perfect spot without worrying about any overlap rules violations.
- The M2 has a few different offensive options, both of which are easy to hit from this starting spot.
- The H2 is in a position to hit a Pipe from the back row.
- The Opposite is in a position to hit a D from the back row.
- The Opposite can help call “in” or “out” for the three passers.
Disadvantages/Drawbacks:
- The Libero is not passing in the middle of the court, which would be disadvantageous if the Libero is the best passer.
- Opposing teams can attempt to wear down the H1 by serving every ball to her.
Important Overlap Rules Considerations:
- The M2 must be to the left of the H1.
- The H1 must be in front of the H2.
- The Opposite must be to the left of the H2.
ROTATION 6 – Opposite Passing Option w/out H1 Passing
Player Assignments by Position:
S: Starts in Zone 2 or 3
H1: doesn’t pass and hits on left
M2: Starts in Zone 4 and hits Gaps/Quicks or Slides
OP: Passes in Zone 5
H2: Passes in Zone 6
L: Passes in Zone 1
Advantages/Benefits:
- The H1 doesn’t need to pass and only needs to focus on attacking.
Disadvantages/Drawbacks:
- The Opposite won’t be available as a back row D attacker.
Important Overlap Rules Considerations:
- The M2 must be to the left of the H1.
ROTATION 6 – Opposite Passing Option w/out H2 Passing
Player Assignments by Position:
S: Starts in Zone 2 or 3
H1: Passes in Zone 5 and hits Gos
M2: Starts in Zone 4 and hits Gaps/Quicks or Slides
OP: Passes in Zone 6
H2: Moves back to the end line and doesn’t pass
L: Passes in Zone 1
Advantages/Benefits:
- The H2 can help call “in” or “out” for the three passers.
Disadvantages/Drawbacks:
- The Opposite mostly likely won’t be available as a back row D attacker.
Important Overlap Rules Considerations:
- The H2 must be between the Opposite and the Libero.
Setter Dump
Setters playing in the front row are allowed to attack second balls in hopes to catch the opposing defense off guard. Setter attacks can be very effective, when used correctly and not overused.
A good setter dump gives the opposing blockers and defenders something to worry about in addition to the front row Outside Hitter and Middle Attacker. The might help lead to the front row hitters having opportunities to attack against a weaker block, because those blockers might be too focused on defending a setter dump.
In addition to this, the opposing back row defenders might be out of position if they’re creeping up towards the net to dig a potential setter dump.
The threat of a setter dump, as well as the proper execution of one, can be a valuable part of your offense in Rotations 4, 5, & 6.
Earlier Posts in this Series