Volleyball Gear terms, explained

Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.

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Antenna: The flexible rods on the net above each sideline. The ball must cross between them. Read the guide →

Ball pressure: The air pressure in a volleyball, printed on the ball and checked with a gauge. Read the guide →
Boundary lines: Lines that mark the court on sand or grass. Read the guide →

Dig: A defensive pass of a hard-driven attack, often made low to the floor. Read the guide →

Figure-six strap: An ankle-brace strap pattern that crosses around the foot and ankle; follow the maker’s fitting directions. Read the guide →

Gum rubber outsole: A soft rubber sole that grips indoor courts. Read the guide →

Lace-up ankle brace: An ankle brace that closes with laces so the wearer can adjust tension across the brace. Read the guide →
Laminated ball: A ball with glued panels for a consistent surface, used for most match balls. Read the guide →
Libero: A defensive specialist in indoor volleyball who wears a different jersey and has special substitution rules. Read the guide →
Lightweight youth volleyball: A youth ball made with lighter materials; some programs use an adult-size ball in a lighter construction. Read the guide →

Net height: The height of the top of the net at center court: 2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women. Read the guide →

Rally scoring: A scoring system in which a point is scored on every rally, whichever team served. Read the guide →

Sand socks: Beach sports socks that add a layer between the foot and sand; construction and fit vary by model. Read the guide →
Setter: The player who usually takes the second contact and sets the ball for attackers. Read the guide →
Side out: Winning a rally on the opponent's serve, which also wins the right to serve. Read the guide →
Spike trainer: A practice aid that holds a volleyball in place for repeated hitting-form drills. Read the guide →