Volleyball Notation System
Master TacticalVolley's comprehensive rating system for accurate volleyball statistics tracking. Learn when and how to use each rating for maximum insight.
Quick Rating Reference
- •Reception flies directly back over net
- •Set goes into the net or out of bounds
- +2 more examples
- •Setter must scramble to reach ball
- •Only forearm pass possible
- +2 more examples
- •Setter can use hands but must move
- •Attacker can swing but limited angles
- +2 more examples
- •Setter uses hands without moving
- •Attacker has all angles available
- +2 more examples
Action Types & Ratings
Successful serve that doesn't result in a direct point
Direct point from serve (opponent cannot return)
Serve fails (net, out, foot fault, etc.)
Ball returned directly to opponent's side. Not savable by any teammate. Incorrect defensive position.
Setter must move significantly and can only use forearm pass (bump). Emergency situation.
Setter can use overhead contact (hands) but needs to move. Playable but requires adjustment.
Perfect ball trajectory to setter's optimal position. All offensive options available.
Ball mishandled, goes into net, out of bounds, or creates illegal contact. No attack possible.
Ball not truly attackable but may be savable with tip or emergency contact over net.
Ball is attackable but sometimes too inside or imperfect. Attacker not at 100% potential.
Beautiful pass allowing attacker to hit all angles with full power and precision.
Attack successfully defended by opponent
Direct point from attack
Attack error (net, out, blocked, etc.)
Successful block resulting in a point
Block contact that slows or deflects the ball
Ball returned directly to opponent or hits ground immediately. Not savable by any teammate.
Setter must scramble and can only use forearm pass. Emergency situation.
Decent dig, setter can use overhead technique but must move to get into position.
Perfect dig to setter's ideal position. Setter uses hands without moving, full offensive system available.
Any rule violation resulting in immediate point loss
Examples:
- •Net violation
- •Double contact
- •Lift/carry
- •Rotation error
- •Penetration under net
- •Backrow attack violation
Context-Based Rating Examples
Ball flies directly back over net
Dig is hard but barely controllable - setter must scramble
Good dig, setter can use hands but must move quickly
Perfect dig with soft hands, setter in ideal position
Even a rating 1-2 dig against a hard spike is valuable
Miss the ball completely or mishandle it
Get to ball but poor technique - setter must move
Good read and technique, setter can use hands
Perfect read, soft hands, ideal setter position
Higher expectations for dig quality against soft attacks
Ball flies directly back over net or out of bounds
Ball contacted but goes far from setter - emergency
Ball reaches setter area but setter must move
Perfect reception directly to setter's optimal position
Focus on ball trajectory and setter positioning
Best Practices
- Establish standards early: Set clear criteria in the first few points and stick to them
- Context matters: A rating 2 dig against a hard spike might be more valuable than a rating 3 dig against a tip
- Team level adjustment: Adjust expectations based on your team's skill level
- Document decisions: Keep mental notes of borderline calls for consistency
- Too generous: Giving rating 3 for actions that are merely "good"
- Ignoring context: Not considering the difficulty of the opponent's action
- Inconsistent standards: Changing rating criteria throughout the match
- Result bias: Rating based on the outcome rather than the quality of the action
Ready to Practice?
Now that you understand the notation system, practice with our interactive tutorials and start tracking your team's performance with precision.