What is a pancake in volleyball?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 14, 2026
A pancake in volleyball is a defensive dig that is a one-handed dive to the floor with an extended arm and palm flat on the floor. The goal is for the ball to hit the top of the hand and bounce up for another player to pass. A player should master diving and sliding before using this technique.
What does it mean to pancake in volleyball?
So what is a pancake in volleyball? The pancake is a one-handed dive dig that's a last ditch effort to keep the ball in play. #7 gets the pancake while #9 moves to assist. The pancake is a very specific dive and players should master sliding and diving before progressing to try this particular move.
How many steps is a volleyball pancake?
There are eight steps to properly set up for, and execute, an effective pancake dig. It is important to remember that the risks of the pancake are not worth it if there are no teammates around to carry on the play after the ball pops up.
What does a pancake look like in volleyball?
Land with one arm stretched forward.
As you dive, stretch one arm out as far as you can. Keep your hand flat with your palm down, as though you were high fiving the floor. Aim to land with this hand pressed flat against the floor, exactly where the ball is about to land.
What are spikes in volleyball?
In [[voll...... eyball]], spiking is the offensive play where a player slams the ball sharply downwards over the net and into the opposing court, making it difficult for the opposing team to recover the ball.
27 related questions foundWhat does ACE mean in volleyball?
A service ace (SA) is a serve that results directly in a point. A service ace is awarded to a player: (1) If the serve strikes the opponent's court untouched. (2) If the serve is passed by the opponent but cannot be kept in play. (3) If the referee calls a violation on the receiver (i.e., lift, dou- ble hit).
Is a pancake a dig?
A pancake in volleyball is a defensive dig that is a one-handed dive to the floor with an extended arm and palm flat on the floor. The goal is for the ball to hit the top of the hand and bounce up for another player to pass. A player should master diving and sliding before using this technique.
What is a dolphin dive in volleyball?
Often called the swan dive, or sometimes the volleyball dolphin dive, this is a technique used in volleyball to keep the ball alive in difficult situations. In defense, when the ball is travelling low to the ground, sometimes it isn't possible to rely on the 5 Skills of Volleyball to play the ball up or over.
What is a dink in volleyball?
Tipping the volleyball, also known as dinking, is a move that can help to hit the ball into open gaps on the opposing team's court. There are two specific ways to tip or dink a volleyball; one uses your fingertips and the other uses your knuckles.
Does a block count as a touch in volleyball?
A block or touch of the ball at the net does NOT count as one of a team's three hits. The first hit of the ball after a block may be executed by any player, including the player who made the block, and is considered the first of the three hits.
Who is volleyball libero?
Per the NCAA rules book for women's and men's volleyball, the libero is strictly a back-row player and can only be replaced by the same player it replaces. Also, a coach can only designate one libero per set. For most teams, the libero is not a starter.
Is it illegal for the same player to contact the ball twice in a row?
A ball may be played three times on one side providing the same player does not touch the ball twice in succession. EXCEPTIONS: A. A ball hit simultaneously by two team mates is considered as one hit, and either player may contact the ball a second time.
How do you do the dove in volleyball?
Volleyball Tips: How to Dive
- Step 1: Take 1 to 2 steps. ...
- Step 2: Step to the side into a deep lunge position and drop your torso to your knees. ...
- Step 3: Once you're in your deep side lunge position and dropping lower, get your hands out in front of you so you're ready to get under the ball and make the pass.
What is sideout in volleyball?
Definition of side-out
: the termination of a team's right to serve (as in volleyball)
What is Roofing in volleyball?
“Roofing,” or reaching beyond the net is illegal. a. By definition roofing is an interference where a defending player or blocker makes contact on a playable ball while it is still on the other side of the net.
What happens if a serve hits the net and falls and lands on the opposition side?
A served ball that hits the net does not result in the service team losing its serve. The net serve is considered in-play, unless 1) it does not continue over the net or 2) lands outside the opposing team's court-side untouched by the opposing team.
What is the proper way of blocking in volleyball?
Blockers should be in a ready position to block with arms up, with elbows out in front of you, and their palms facing the net about eye level. Players should be ready to jump and block the ball at any second because the ball can come over unexpectedly.
What is the player who specializes in defense called?
A libero, also known as a defensive specialist, is a position in indoor volleyball characterized as consistent, quick, and an excellent ball handler. Liberos remain in the game at all times, and are the only players on the court not limited by the number of rotations.
What does blocking mean in volleyball?
Blocking is a skill wherein the player deflects the ball from the opponent. The goal is to prevent a successful attack and the other team from scoring a point. The blocker's job is to block the spiked ball so that it goes back to the opposing team's side of the court. Blocking is a defensive play.
Is it legal to kick the volleyball?
Of all the rules in Volleyball, ball handling is probably the most misunderstood. The ball is allowed to touch any part of the players' body from head to toe as long as the contact is legal. Yes, a player can kick the ball, which is a legal contact.
Can you double hit a serve?
Acceptable Double Hits
When the opposing team sends hard hits, such as during a serve or a spike, double hits are acceptable. In a serve receive play or while digging -- or falling quickly to your knees to hit the ball before it touches the floor -- double hits are allowed.
What part of your body do you use the most in volleyball?
Your upper body is where a lot of essential volleyball action happens. Your biceps and forearms engage to move your arms during any ball-hitting action like the serve or receiving, setting, passing and spiking. Your chest engages during forceful forward and upward arm movements.