If you are new to volleyball, you may hear players and coaches use words like quick, slide, pipe, bic, 31, D, and back-1 during a match. At first, these names can sound confusing.
They are simply short names used to describe different attacking options and set locations. Once you understand where each attack goes and how the hitter approaches the ball, volleyball becomes much easier to follow.
Volleyball teams use these attack names to communicate quickly. Instead of explaining an entire play during a rally, a setter can call one short word or number, and the hitters know what to expect.
In this guide, we will look at 12 common volleyball attack names and set calls, what each one means, and when teams usually use them.
One important thing to remember is that volleyball terminology is not exactly the same everywhere. A “1” may mean a quick set to one team, while another team may use a slightly different name or timing. The names below follow widely used indoor volleyball terminology.
What Is a Volleyball Attack?
A volleyball attack is an offensive action used to send the ball over the net and put pressure on the other team.
The most familiar attack is the spike, where a player jumps and hits the ball forcefully into the opponent’s court. However, an attack does not always have to be a hard hit.
A player can also tip the ball, hit an off-speed shot, attack from the back row, or use a quick attack close to the setter.
The setter usually decides which attacking option to use based on the quality of the pass and the position of the blockers.
That is why you will hear setters calling short names such as “one,” “slide,” “pipe,” or “D.” These calls tell attackers where and how the ball is likely to be set.
12 Volleyball Attack Names You Should Know
Here are 12 common attack names that you will hear in competitive indoor volleyball.
1. One or Quick
The one, often called a quick, is one of the fastest attacks in volleyball.
The setter sends a low set directly in front of them, usually to the middle hitter. The middle blocker starts the approach before or around the time the setter contacts the ball.
Because the set is quick and low, the hitter has very little time to wait for the ball. The goal is to attack before the opposing blockers can get into position.
A quick attack also gives the setter a useful way to make the opposing middle blocker hesitate. If the middle blocker follows the quick hitter, the setter may have a better chance of creating a one-on-one matchup somewhere else.
The exact height and timing of one can vary between teams. Some teams use different tempos depending on their offensive system.
Usually used by: Middle hitter
Location: Directly in front of the setter
Main purpose: Fast attack that can beat the block
2. Back-1
A back-1 is similar to a quick one, but the attack happens directly behind the setter.
The middle hitter moves behind the setter and attacks a fast set. Because the ball travels behind the setter, it can force the opposing middle blocker to read another direction.
The timing is important. The hitter and setter need to be on the same page because the ball arrives quickly.
A well-run back-1 can also work as part of a combination play, where another hitter attacks in a different area at nearly the same time.
Usually used by: Middle hitter
Location: Behind the setter
Main purpose: Quick attack that changes the blocking angle
3. Two
The two is a higher set in the middle of the net.
Compared with a quick one, the two gives the hitter more time to see the block and prepare for the attack. It is still a middle attack, but it is easier to run when the pass or set is not perfect.
A two can also be used in combination plays. For example, an outside or opposite hitter may approach toward the middle while the middle hitter runs a different attack.
This forces blockers to make decisions quickly.
The exact height of a two depends on the team’s system, but it is generally higher and slower than a quick one.
Usually used by: Middle hitter or another attacker in a combination play
Location: Middle of the net
Main purpose: Reliable middle attack with more time for the hitter
4. 31 or Gap
The 31, also called a gap, is a fast set between the middle of the net and the left side.
The middle hitter moves slightly toward the outside rather than attacking directly in front of the setter.
This attack can be very useful because it changes the position of the hitter. Instead of giving the blocker an easy read on a traditional middle attack, the 31 makes the blocker move farther across the net.
The 31 is often used when a team wants to create space between its middle and outside attacks.
Usually used by: Middle hitter
Location: Between the setter and outside hitter
Main purpose: Move the block and create attacking space
5. Slide
The slide is one of the easiest volleyball attacks to recognize.
Instead of taking off from two feet, the hitter usually uses a one-foot takeoff while moving laterally along the net. The set is normally sent behind the setter toward the right side.
The hitter runs, jumps from one foot, and attacks while moving toward the right side of the court.
The slide can be difficult for blockers because the hitter is moving in a different direction from a traditional middle attack. It also gives the offense another way to use a middle hitter or other attacker on the right side.
Timing is especially important with this attack.
Usually used by: Middle hitter or right-side attacker
Location: Right side of the net
Main purpose: Create movement and make blocking more difficult
6. Pipe
A pipe is a back-row attack from the middle of the court.
The attacker approaches from behind the attack line and jumps from behind the line before contacting the ball. The set is delivered toward the center of the court.
The pipe is useful because it gives the setter another attacker in addition to the front-row players.
For example, an outside hitter may attack from the left while a middle-back player approaches for a pipe. The opposing blockers now have more attacking options to consider.
A back-row attacker must follow the rules for attacking from behind the attack line. Under standard indoor volleyball rules, the player must take off from behind the 3-meter attack line when completing a back-row attack.
Usually used by: Back-row attacker
Location: Middle back, behind the attack line
Main purpose: Add another attacking option to the offense
7. Bic
The bic is another back-row middle attack.
It looks similar to a pipe, but the bic is generally faster and lower. The hitter attacks from the middle-back area while approaching from behind the attack line.
The main difference is often the speed and height of the set. A pipe may be set higher, while a bic is commonly used as a faster back-row attack.
Different teams can use these terms slightly differently, so it is always useful to learn your team’s exact definition.
The bic is often combined with a quick middle attack or another offensive play to make the blockers choose between multiple attackers.
Usually used by: Back-row attacker
Location: Middle of the court
Main purpose: Fast back-row attack
8. D
The D is a back-row attack from the right side.
Instead of attacking from the middle like a pipe or bic, the back-row attacker moves toward the right side of the court.
This gives the setter another way to use the back row when the front-row attackers are being heavily blocked.
The D can be especially useful when a team has a strong back-row attacker who can hit effectively from the right side.
Because the attacker is in the back row, the player must take off from behind the attack line before attacking the ball above the net.
Usually used by: Back-row right-side attacker
Location: Right side behind the attack line
Main purpose: Create another attacking lane from the back row
9. Go
A Go is a fast set to the outside hitter on the left side.
Compared with a traditional high outside set, the Go is faster. The outside hitter starts the approach earlier and attacks a quicker ball.
The goal is to give the outside hitter a better chance of attacking before the opposing block is fully formed.
The exact timing can vary between teams, but the Go is generally considered an in-system attack used when the setter has a good pass to work with.
Usually used by: Outside hitter
Location: Left side
Main purpose: Faster outside attack
10. Hut
The Hut is another common outside set.
It is generally a higher and slower outside attack than a Go. This gives the outside hitter more time to adjust to the ball and read the block.
That makes the Hut useful when the pass is not perfect or when the setter needs a dependable option on the outside.
You may also hear teams use different names for similar outside sets. Volleyball terminology can change from one team, coach, or level to another.
Usually used by: Outside hitter
Location: Left side
Main purpose: Give the outside hitter a dependable attacking option
11. Red
A Red is a fast attack set toward the right-side attacker.
The right-side hitter attacks a relatively fast ball, which can put pressure on the opposing middle and outside blockers.
Like the Go, the Red is most useful when the team is in a good offensive position and the setter has enough control to run a faster attack.
The exact location and timing can differ between teams, so players should always learn the specific calls used by their coach.
Usually used by: Opposite or right-side hitter
Location: Right side
Main purpose: Fast right-side attack
12. Setter Dump
A setter dump is different from most of the attacks on this list because the setter becomes the attacker.
Instead of setting the ball to a hitter on the second contact, the setter sends the ball over the net, usually into an open area.
A setter dump can catch the defense off guard because defenders often expect the setter to send the ball to one of the hitters.
The setter may push the ball over with one hand or use another controlled attacking motion.
The key is timing. If the defenders are expecting a set to the outside or middle, a well-placed setter dump can score quickly.
A setter attack is generally referred to as a set attack when the setter attempts to score rather than setting the ball to a teammate.
Usually used by: Setter
Location: Depends on the setter’s position
Main purpose: Surprise the defense with a second-contact attack
Volleyball Attack Names
| Attack Name | Common Attacker | Main Location | Basic Idea |
|---|---|---|---|
| One / Quick | Middle | In front of setter | Very fast middle attack |
| Back-1 | Middle | Behind setter | Fast attack behind setter |
| Two | Middle | Center | Higher middle set |
| 31 / Gap | Middle | Between middle and outside | Fast set toward the left |
| Slide | Middle/Right side | Right side | One-foot lateral attack |
| Pipe | Back-row attacker | Middle back | Back-row middle attack |
| Bic | Back-row attacker | Middle back | Faster, lower pipe-style attack |
| D | Back-row attacker | Right back | Back-row right-side attack |
| Go | Outside | Left side | Faster outside set |
| Hut | Outside | Left side | Higher outside set |
| Red | Opposite | Right side | Fast right-side set |
| Setter Dump | Setter | Setter’s position | Setter attacks on second contact |
What Is the Difference Between a Set and an Attack?
You may notice that some names in this article describe the set, while others are commonly used to describe the attack.
The two terms are connected, but they are not exactly the same.
A set is the ball delivered by the setter to a particular location for an attacker.
An attack is what the hitter does with that ball. The hitter may spike, tip, roll shot, or use another attacking technique.
For example, a setter may call a “pipe.” The setter then delivers the ball to the middle-back area, and the back-row attacker jumps from behind the attack line to attack it.
This is why volleyball players often use set names and attack names almost interchangeably during conversations about offense.
Why Do Volleyball Teams Use Attack Names?
Attack names make communication much faster.
Imagine a setter trying to explain a play during a rally:
“Middle, move behind me, outside start your approach, and back-row attacker come through the middle.”
There is no time for that.
Instead, a setter can call a short name or number. The players already know their responsibilities.
These calls also help teams build combination plays.
For example, a middle hitter might run a 31 while another hitter runs a 2. Both attackers can approach at nearly the same time. The opposing blockers must quickly decide which player to follow.
That uncertainty can create a better hitting opportunity.
How Attack Tempo Changes Volleyball Offense
You may also hear coaches talk about first-tempo, second-tempo, and third-tempo attacks.
These terms describe when the hitter begins the approach in relation to the setter’s contact with the ball.
Fast attacks require better timing between the setter and hitter. The quicker the attack, the less time the blockers have to react.
Slower attacks give the hitter more time to adjust but also give the defense more time to organize.
This is why a team does not simply use the fastest attack on every play. The setter chooses the attack based on the pass, the position of the blockers, and the team’s offensive plan.
How Beginners Can Learn Volleyball Attack Names
You do not need to memorize all 12 names in one day.
Start with the most common ones:
One, two, slide, pipe, bic, and D.
First, learn where each ball goes.
Then learn who normally attacks it.
After that, watch how the hitter moves before the setter contacts the ball.
For example, when learning a pipe attack, focus on three things:
- The hitter starts behind the attack line.
- The approach comes from the middle-back area.
- The hitter jumps behind the attack line and attacks the set.
Once you understand the movement, the name becomes much easier to remember.
You can also watch a volleyball match and focus only on the setter. Try to identify where each set goes before watching the hitter.
That is a simple way to improve your volleyball knowledge.
Do All Teams Use the Same Attack Names?
No.
This is one of the most important things to understand.
Volleyball does not have one universal naming system for every offensive play. Different coaches and programs can use different words, numbers, or signals for similar attacks.
For example, one team might call a fast middle attack a 1, while another team may simply call it a quick.
The same idea applies to other attacks.
So if you join a new volleyball team, do not assume that every coach uses the same terminology you learned somewhere else. Ask what each call means in that team’s offense.
Final Thoughts
Learning volleyball attack names can make the game much easier to understand.
The one, back-1, two, 31, slide, pipe, bic, D, Go, Hut, Red, and setter dump are useful terms to know, especially if you want to understand how setters and hitters communicate during a match.
You do not have to memorize every number and name immediately. Start by learning where the ball goes and which player normally attacks it.
Once you understand the basic locations, you can begin learning the timing and movement behind each play.
And remember, volleyball terminology can vary between teams. The name matters less than understanding the actual movement, location, and timing of the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common volleyball attack names?
Some of the most common names include quick or one, two, slide, pipe, bic, D, 31, Go, Hut, and setter dump. The exact terminology can vary between teams.
What is a 1 in volleyball?
A 1 is usually a quick middle attack. The setter delivers a low, fast ball in front of the setter, and the middle hitter attacks it quickly.
What is a pipe attack in volleyball?
A pipe is a back-row attack from the middle of the court. The hitter must take off from behind the attack line when making a legal back-row attack.
What is a bic in volleyball?
A bic is a fast back-row attack through the middle of the court. It is similar to a pipe but is commonly run with a lower and faster set.
What is a slide attack in volleyball?
A slide is a one-foot attack in which the hitter moves laterally along the net and attacks a set toward the right side. It is commonly used by middle hitters and right-side attackers.
What is a D set in volleyball?
A D is a back-row set toward the right side of the court. It gives the setter another attacking option when using a back-row player.
What is a setter dump?
A setter dump happens when the setter attacks the ball on the second contact instead of setting it to another player. It is often used to surprise defenders who are expecting a normal set.
Are volleyball attack names the same on every team?
No. Volleyball teams can use different names for similar sets and attacks. Always learn the terminology used by your coach and teammates.