I’ll never forget my first volleyball practice in middle school. During the rally, our coach shouted, “We need a side out!” I had no clue what he was talking about.
Was it a secret play? A move in the rotation?
Everyone else seemed to get it, but I was confused.
After the match, I asked someone. That’s when I found out how important a “side out” is in volleyball.
Back then, the term was used all the time because volleyball used a different scoring system. Today, most games use rally scoring, but “side out” is still part of the sport’s language. Whether you’re a new to volleyball or an old-timer, learning this term can give you more appreciation for the sport.
In this article, I’ll explain what side out means, how it was used in the past, and why it’s still relevant today.
What Does Side Out Mean?
“Side out” is like passing the turn in a game. When one team serves and loses the point, the other team gets to serve next. That’s all it means!
In the old days, only the serving team could score points. If the other team won the rally, they just got the serve (the “side out”) but no point. Now, with modern rules, every rally scores a point no matter who served.
Easy way to remember:
- Old rule: Side out = get the serve back
- Today: Side out = win the serve back (but you also get a point)
History of Side Out Scoring in Volleyball
In volleyball’s early days, the scoring system was known as side out scoring. Only the serving team could score a point. If the receiving team won the rally, they didn’t score—they just got to serve next.
This made volleyball matches long and unpredictable. Teams could play for a while without either one adding to the score. On one hand, it created suspense. On the other hand, it made scheduling matches for TV difficult.
When Did Volleyball Stop Using Side Out Scoring?
In 1999, the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) implemented rally scoring to make matches faster and more viewer-friendly. With rally scoring, every play results in a point, which speed-up the game and makes it more exciting for fans.
Comparison: Side Out vs. Rally Scoring
Here’s a simple comparison of the two systems:
| Feature | Side Out Scoring | Rally Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Who can score a point? | Only the serving team | Either team (server or receiver) |
| What happens after a rally win? | Gain serve (if receiver) | Point awarded + next serve |
| Game duration | Longer and less predictable | Shorter and more consistent |
| Used today? | Rare (recreational) | Yes (professional and competitive) |
| Strategy focus | Serve and defense | Balanced play and pressure |
This makes it clear how the game evolved—and why side out still has meaning today.
How Side Out Works in Modern Volleyball
Even with rally scoring now in place, the idea of a side out still matters. When your team is receiving the serve and wins the rally, you get a point and take over the serve. This change is still called a side out.
Coaches will yell, “Let’s get a side out!” to stop the opponent’s momentum. It’s about more than the serve—it’s about taking back control of the match.
In high-level volleyball, teams aim for a side out rate of over 60%. That means they win more than half the rallies when the other team is serving. It shows strong teamwork, accurate passing, and smart attacking.
How to Improve Your Team’s Side Out Game
To get better at side outs, your team needs to focus on a few key areas.
First, work on communication. Before the serve, players should be talking—calling out positions, talking about who’s covering short balls, and staying alert.
Next, passing is everything. A perfect pass makes it easier for your setter to run the offense. If the ball goes straight to the setter’s hands, you can run any type of play—quick attacks, slides, or outside hits.
Speed also matters. Teams that move quickly from pass to attack are harder to defend. The goal is to catch the other team unprepared. Use quick sets and mix up your attacks so the blockers can’t predict where the ball is going.
And don’t forget the mental part of the game. Teams that side out well are calm under pressure. Even if they’re down by five points, they stay focused and push for the next rally.
Try running drills where one team can only score off a side out. That keeps players focused on serve-receive and builds that muscle memory.
FAQs About Side Out in Volleyball
Do teams still use side out scoring?
Not usually. Most games now use rally scoring, but players still talk about side outs.
What does side out mean with rally scoring?
It means your team won a point while receiving and now gets to serve.
Why is side out important?
It stops the other team’s scoring run and gives your team a chance to serve.
What’s a strong side out percentage?
Around 60–70% is considered excellent. It shows your team can handle pressure.
Is “side out” used in beach volleyball?
Yes. Beach volleyball also uses rally scoring, but the term is still used for momentum shifts.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what a side out is helps you understand the flow of the game. It’s a big part of volleyball, even if the rules have changed. When a team earns a side out, they stop the other team’s streak and take over. In tight games, that shift can decide the winner.
Whether you play or just watch, notice the side outs. They often mark the moments that change the direction of a match.