Guides

Short answers first, details underneath. Read them in order, or jump to what puzzles you.

1. 1 The positions Setter, outside, middle, opposite and libero: what each one does.
2. 2 How rotation works The six zones, rotating clockwise, and why you switch after the serve.
3. 3 The overlap rule Who must stand behind or beside whom at the serve, and the 2025 change.
4. 4 Offensive systems: 6-6, 4-2, 6-2, 5-1 6-6, 4-2, 6-2 and 5-1: who sets, and how many attackers you get.
5. 5 Serve-receive formations The W, four- and three-player formations, and who takes the seams.
6. 6 Defensive systems Perimeter, rotational and middle-up defense, blocking and coverage.
7. 7 The libero What the libero may and may not do, and how replacements work.
8. 8 Substitutions, time-outs and scoring Six substitutions per set, time-outs, scoring and the serve.
9. 9 From beach to indoor Coming from the sand? What changes, and how to learn your role fast.
10. 10 Glossary: English–Hungarian Volleyball words in English and Hungarian, side by side.

Rules follow the FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025–2028. Your league may differ. Official FIVB rules