In volleyball, setters play a crucial role in orchestrating the team’s offense on the court. A significant aspect of their role involves communicating with spikers about the plays to execute during a rally. This communication is often achieved through the use of hand signals.
These hand signals are essential for setters to convey their plans for the upcoming attack to their teammates discreetly and efficiently. Each type of set is associated with a unique hand signal, allowing players to understand the intended strategy without verbal communication.
Remember, volleyball hand signals used by setters may vary internationally. However, they generally fall into three primary categories:
- Front Row Attack Hand Signals
- Back Row Attack Hand Signals
- Combination Attack Hand Signals
Hand Signals For Front Row Attacks
Left Side Attacks Hand Signals (Outside Hitter)
On the left side of the volleyball court, you’ll typically encounter four different types of sets: 4, Hut, Go, Rip. These are generally targeted for the outside hitter to attack.
4
When a setter displays four fingers to the left side hitter, it communicates that the hitter should prepare for a high ball set to Zone 4.
Hut
The “hut” signal, indicated by a single slash across the chest, represents a slightly faster version of the “4”.
It signals a quicker tempo and a lower-arching high ball set to the outside.
Go
The “go” signal is shown by forming a gun symbol with your index and middle fingers and thumb. This represents an attack that’s faster than both the “4” and the “Hut,” characterized by a rapid tempo for an outside attack.
In this scenario, the outside hitter should be on the second step of their approach as the setter makes contact with the ball.
32 / Rip
The signal for a “32” or a “rip” is conveyed by forming an arch with your hand.
This type of set, known as either a “32” or a “rip,” is a quicker and slightly shorter outside high ball set, strategically placed between positions 4 and 3.
Right Side Attacks Hand Signals (Opposite Hitter)
On the right side of the court, common plays including: 5, Back 2, Red. These plays are typically executed by the opposite hitter.
5
To indicate a “5”, the setter holds up all five fingers.
This signal calls for a high ball set to the far right side of the court, near the boundary lines.
Back 2
To signal a “Back 2,” the setter holds up their pinky and ring finger.
This set is directed behind the setter to the right side attacker, with the ball ideally positioned between positions 3 and 2.
Red
A “Red” set in volleyball, signaled by the setter’s closed fist, is a lower and faster version of the “5” set.
This specific hand signal communicates a strategic play to the right-side attacker, differentiating it from the higher and slower “5” set.
Middle Attack Hand Signals
The middle blocker usually runs quick attacks through the center of the court: 1, Push 1, Back 1, 3/Shoot, Slide. There’s also the 2 AKA a meter ball.
1
A “1” is indicated by holding up 1 finger.
This is a standard quick set to the middle blocker in front of but close to the setter.
Push 1
The signal for a “Push 1” is made by bending your index finger.
This represents a quick set that’s slightly off-center, positioned further to the left than a standard “1” set.
Back 1
A “back 1” is indicated by holding up your pinky finger.
Similar to a “1”, this play involves a quick set to the middle blocker, but it’s executed behind the setter instead of in front.
3 / Shoot
The hand signal for a “3” or a “shoot” is shown by either holding up three fingers or forming a gun symbol with the index finger and thumb.
This signal represents a quick attack that is pushed further to the left of the setter than a Push 1, commonly known as either a “3” or a “shoot”.
Slide
The signal for a “Slide” is indicated by making a shaka sign, where the thumb and pinky finger are extended.
In this attack, the middle blocker starts from the middle or left side of the court and moves to the right to hit the ball, which is typically set 3-4 feet above the net.
The distinctive feature of a slide is that the attacker usually jumps off one leg to execute the hit.
2
The signal for a “2” is shown by holding up two fingers.
This represents a high ball set to the front middle of the court. A faster and lower variation of this set is known as a Meter Ball.
Hand Signals For Back Row Attacks
The method for signaling back row attacks in volleyball is straightforward.
The setter uses their chest to represent the back row of the court and draws a line with their hand to indicate the specific attack spot for back row hitters.
For a clear understanding of the various attack positions in the back row, refer to the image below which provides an overview of these spots on the court.
Pipe
A “pipe” is indicated by drawing a line down the middle of your chest.
This hand signal communicates a back row attack that is executed through the center of the court, typically involving a powerful hit from behind the front row players.
A
The signal for an “A” ball is made by drawing a line across your upper chest near your right shoulder.
This type of attack, known as the “A” ball, is a rare back row attack originating from the back/left side of the court (position 5), serving as the mirror opposite of a D ball.
B
To signal a “B” in volleyball, the setter draws a line down the middle of their right chest muscle.
This gesture is positioned between the signals for an “A” and a “pipe”, mirroring the B attack’s placement on the court, which occurs between positions 6 and 5.
The B attack (also known as the B Ball) is a back-row offensive move executed between the left sideline and the midline of the court. This strategy involves a back-row player launching an attack from this specific court area.
C
The C attack is a back-row offensive move executed between the right sideline and the court’s midline.
To signal a C attack, a player draws a line down the middle of their left chest muscle, indicating the attack’s position C as on the image above.
The C ball, which occurs between positions 6 and 1, is a relatively rare back-row attack strategy.
D
To signal a “D” in volleyball, the setter draws a line over their upper chest near the left shoulder. Sorry if the gif is too fast…
This hand signal calls for a back row attack on the right side, typically executed by the opposite hitter.
Back Row Quick Attack (BIC)
The Back Row Quick Attack, commonly known as BIC, is a faster and lower version of standard back row attacks. To signal a BIC, the setter makes a fist and flicks their thumb, similar to igniting a lighter.
This gesture is combined with the usual back row play signals (A, B, C, D, pipe) to indicate the increased speed of the attack
The BIC signal is a key component in volleyball for back row attacks, can be integrated with other back row attack signals such as Pipe, A, B, C, and D. To do this, the setter combines the BIC signal with a line drawn across the chest, indicating the specific area for the ball set.
At higher levels of volleyball, the BIC is often assumed, with back row attacks typically executed quickly. Hence, elite players might simply refer to a BIC pipe as a pipe.
For those playing at lower levels, understanding these hand signals is beneficial, even if there’s no distinction between back row attack tempos in their games. This knowledge ensures players are prepared and not surprised when encountering these signals in play.
Hand Signals For Combo Attack
Setters sometimes opt for combination plays, where attackers execute unconventional attacks in a concentrated area of the court.
Typically, the outside hitter attacks from the left, the opposite from the right, and the middle from the center.
However, in a combo play, both the middle and a wing attacker strike from the court’s center, aiming to bewilder the opposing blockers.
X Combo Attack
One such strategy is the “X” Combo Attack, signaled by the setter crossing their index and middle fingers.
This play, also known as a Tandem Attack, involves the middle blocker and a wing spiker. The middle blocker usually executes a quick attack, while the wing spiker opts for a 2, Back 2, or 32.
The “X” Combo Attack gets its name from the intersecting approach paths of the two attackers, resembling the shape of an “X”.
Double Quick Combo Attack
The “Double Quick” Combo Attack is a strategic play signaled by the setter holding up their index and pinky fingers.
This combination play involves simultaneous quick attacks by both the middle blocker and the opposite hitter. Specifically, the middle blocker executes a “1” attack, a quick set close to the setter, while the opposite hitter performs a “Back 1”, which is a similar quick set but executed behind the setter.
Why hand signals?
Setters rely on hand signals to discreetly communicate with spikers, avoiding the risk of exposing their game plan to the opposing team. Verbal communication could easily give away their attack strategies, enabling the opposing blockers to anticipate and counter effectively.
So to maintain this secrecy, setters often use hand signals behind their back or conceal them with their shirt, ensuring only their teammates can see.
In some cases, they might even use a teammate as a shield, allowing the spikers close to or behind them to view the signals while keeping them hidden from the opposition.
Setter Hand Signal FAQ
When a player signals with two fingers, it indicates an angle defense, where the front player dives forward to cover the angle shot. If the front player misses, their partner is responsible for covering the backcourt.
On the other hand, a closed fist signal represents a ball defense strategy.
I use the gesture of showing three fingers to indicate my plan to execute a line dive block. This tactical move aims to deceive the opponent by creating the impression of an open line for a powerful swing.
However, at the last moment, I swiftly dive towards the line, effectively securing a block.