Find in this article an exhaustive terminology of all the words used during a Spikeball game.
Service line
Imaginary line of 6 steps that surrounds the net.
Net
The centerpiece of spikeball. The ball is played outside the net to change possession.
A pocket is the space between the net and the rim. The area on the net where the ball is most likely to bounce and be receptive to a spike.
Rim
The net support system. Contact with the edge results in a violation
Spike
The act of hitting the ball off the net with force and intent to score a point.
Serve
The act of starting a rally by hitting the ball onto the net.
Rally
A sequence of plays in which the ball is hit back and forth over the net between the two teams.
Set
A sequence of rallies won by one team, resulting in a point being scored.
Game
A sequence of sets won by one team, resulting in the team being declared the winner.
Sideout
The act of winning a rally after the other team has served, resulting in the opportunity to serve.
Ace
A serve that results in an immediate point, without the opposing team being able to touch the ball.
Double bounce
A rally in which the ball touches the net twice on the same team’s side before being hit over the net. This results in a point for the opposing team.
Block
A defensive play in which a player jumps and hits the ball back over the net before it can bounce on their side.
Roll shot
A shot in which the ball is hit softly and rolls along the ground, making it difficult for the opposing team to return.
Lob
A high, arcing shot that is used to try and catch the opposing team off guard.
Forehand
A shot hit with the front of the hand, typically used for serves and spikes.
Backhand
A shot hit with the back of the hand, typically used for defensive plays or shots that require more finesse.
Split step
A footwork technique used by players to prepare for a shot, involving a small hop and a shift in weight.
Communication
Verbal or nonverbal cues between team members to coordinate play and anticipate the movements of the opposing team.
Dive
A defensive play in which a player leaps and stretches their body to try and reach a ball that is out of their normal range.
Reach
The act of extending one’s body to try and reach a ball that is out of their normal range.
Overhead pass
A pass made with an overhead motion, typically used when the ball is high in the air.
Setter
The player on a team who is responsible for setting up their teammates for a spike.
Hitter
The player on a team who is responsible for hitting the ball over the net, typically with the intention of scoring a point.
Libero
A defensive specialist on a team who is responsible for playing the back row and receiving serves.
Rotation
The act of moving players around the court in a predetermined order, typically to allow for more balanced play and to maximize the team’s strengths.
Zone defense
A defensive strategy in which players are assigned to specific areas of the court rather than specific opponents.
Transition
The act of moving from offense to defense, or vice versa, after a point has been scored or a rally has been won.
Fake
A deceptive move used to mislead the opposing team, often involving a fake spike or a fake pass.
Dink
A soft, controlled shot used to keep the ball in play and set up a scoring opportunity.
Cut shot
A shot hit with spin and angle, often used to redirect the ball and catch the opposing team off guard.
Roll shot
A shot hit with spin and angle, often used to redirect the ball and catch the opposing team off guard.
Blocking
The act of jumping and positioning the body to deflect a shot or disrupt the opposing team’s offense.
Spiking
The act of hitting the ball with power and force, often with the intention of scoring a point.
Passing
The act of receiving a serve or a shot and hitting it back over the net to a teammate.
Dig
A defensive play in which a player makes a diving save to keep the ball in play.
Setter dump
A play in which the setter hits the ball over the net for a point, rather than setting it up for a spike.
Free ball
A shot that is hit softly and is not intended to be a spike, giving the opposing team time to set up their offense.
Quick attack
A fast-paced offensive play in which the setter sets the ball to a hitter for a quick spike.
Slice shot
A shot hit with a slicing motion, often used to create spin and confuse the opposing team.
Cover
The act of positioning oneself to defend a shot or to prevent a ball from going out of bounds.
Box out
The act of positioning oneself to prevent the opposing team from getting to the ball.
Foul
An infraction of the rules, such as a net violation or an out-of-bounds shot, resulting in a point for the opposing team.
Jump serve
A serve hit with an upward motion, often used to add power and disguise the direction of the serve.
Float serve
A serve hit with little or no spin, often used to confuse the opposing team and make the ball more difficult to pass.
Topspin serve
A serve hit with a forward, downward motion, often used to add pace and make the ball more difficult to return.
Slice serve
A serve hit with a side-to-side motion, often used to add spin and disguise the direction of the serve.
