Service Zones and Base Defense

These are the service zones we discussed last week.

As noted above:

1 - The net is represented by the line at the top of the box;

2 - the "I" is the first server to a side, unless that team is set to receive the serve first.

This is what will often be referred to as "base defense", or "home", or, simply "defense".

Here is an identification of terms:

L = Libero *
M = Middle hitter/blocker
OH = Outside Hitter **
RS = Right Side Hitter ***
S = Setter

* - the libero may sometimes be referred to as a defensive specialist; the libero may only enter the game for a back row player, and is subject to two other limitations, which will be discussed in practice.

** - the outside hitter is sometimes called the left side hitter, or more commonly, the "strong side" hitter.

*** - accordingly, the right side hitter is often called the "weak side" hitter.

1. The two outside hitters will always play defense on the left side of the court. The front row hitter will be at the net acting as a blocker, while the back row player will play left back defense.

2. The middle blocker will always be the blocker in service zone 3; the libero will always play defense in middle back.

3. The setter and the right side hitter will always be responsible for defense on the right side of the net. As with the outside hitters, the front row player will block, and the back row player will play right back defense.