VOLLEYBALL ATTACK NAMES AND SET CALLS
Each volleyball attack name has its own characteristics and timing. Coaches, setters, and hitters need to know each of these attack names as they communicate with each other before and during each rally. Different teams may have different names for some of these attacks, but this article will explain and show examples of the most common volleyball attacks with the most common name for each.
Set Name – GO
A “Go” is an in-system fast-paced 2nd-step tempo set to the outside hitter on the left side of the court. This is one of the most commonly used volleyball attack names.
“2nd-step” means the attacker is on the second step of her approach as the setter is setting the ball.
For a more in-depth analysis of 2nd-step sets, watch our “Set tempo” video series on GMS+.
Set Name – HUT
A “Hut” is a high out-of-system 1st-step (or slower) tempo set to the outside hitter on the left side of the court.
“1st-step” means the attacker is on the first step of her approach as the setter (or another player) is setting or bump setting the ball. This is a higher, slower set.
For a more in-depth analysis of 1st-step sets, watch our “Set tempo” video series on GMS+.
Set Name – RED
A “Red” is an in-system fast-paced 2nd-step tempo set to the opposite hitter on the right side of the court.
For a more in-depth analysis of 2nd-step sets, watch our “Set tempo” video series on GMS+.
SET NAME – 5
A “5” is a high out-of-system 1st-step (or slower) tempo set to the opposite hitter on the right side of the court.
For a more in-depth analysis of 1st-step sets, watch our “Set tempo” video series on GMS+.
Set Name – GAP / 31
A “Gap” or a “31” is an in-system 3rd step tempo set to the middle attacker in the area between the left sideline and the middle of the court.
“3rd-step” means the attacker is on the third step of her approach as the setter is setting the ball.
For a more in-depth analysis of middle attacker tempo sets, watch our “Set tempo” video series on GMS+.
Set Name – 1
A “1” or a “Quick” attack is an in-system 3rd or 4th-step tempo set to the middle attacker directly in front of the setter. Different teams run this play at different tempos. A 3rd-step quick attack is slower than a 4th-step quick attack. Some programs may call this volleyball attack name simply a “quick.” Each tempo has its own pros and cons, which you can see in our “Set tempo” video series on GMS+.
Set Name – BACK-1
A “Back-1” is an in-system 3rd or 4th-step tempo set to the middle attacker directly behind the setter.
Set Name – 2
A “2” is a higher 2nd-step tempo set to an attacker in the middle of the court.
This attack can be set to a middle blocker, or to an outside hitter or opposite during a combination play.
Set Name – SLIDE
A “Slide” is a 2nd heading into 3rd-step tempo back set to the middle attacker jumping off of one foot one foot on the right side of the court. The tempo changes slightly depending on where the setter is when she is contacting the ball. Learn about slide timing in our “Set tempo” video series on GMS+.
Set Name – BIC
A “Bic” is an in-system 2nd or 3rd-step tempo set to a back row attacker in the middle of the court.
An in-system big is a 3rd-step set. You can run a slower version of the bic using 2nd step timing.
Set Name – D
A “D” is a 2nd-step tempo set to a back row attacker on the right side of the court.
An in-system D is a 2nd-step set. An out of system D is a 1st-step.
Volleyball attack names for setters
SETTER DUMP
A “Setter Dump” is a one-handed 2nd-contact attack by a front row setter attempting to score a kill instead of setting that second contact to one of the available attackers.
For a more in-depth analysis of setter dumps, watch our “Setter dump” video on GMS+, taught by the AVCA coach of the year.
SETOVER
A “Set-over” is a set by a front row or back row setter on the 2nd-contact that goes over the net, attempting to score a kill by landing the set-over in an empty part of the opponent’s court.
For a more in-depth analysis of setovers and how to execute it, watch our “Setover Keys & Techniques” video on GMS+.