Sport Games
Volleyball Systems + Mechanics
By Kasey Jones, MFA
The origins of volleyball have humble beginnings. Founded by William G. Morgan, who worked at a local YMCA, he wanted to create a game that combined the skills of basketball and badminton with the rules of baseball. Originally named “mintonette,” volleyball earned its name from the repeated action of the ball going back and forth over the net, also known as a volley. Since then, volleyball has evolved to become one of the most popular sports played by youth and adults alike. It has grown into an official collegiate sport, both indoor and beach, and an Olympic event.
Before we dive into the systems and mechanics of the game, let’s first define what a system is and what mechanics are as they pertain to games. In games, systems are the structures or frameworks that define how gameplay progresses. These can include things like scoring, player turns, or rule enforcement. Mechanics are the individual, repeated actions or verbs a player uses during gameplay—the core operations of the game. Core mechanics are essential in mastering a game and should be integral in training athletes.
Systems in Volleyball
Volleyball employs several systems that govern how the game is played. These include:
- Point-based System – In volleyball, the match is structured around a scoring system, where teams accumulate points by successfully executing specific actions, such as getting the ball to land on the opposing team’s side. Every rally results in a point, making every action count.
- Turn-based System – Teams alternate turns between offense and defense after every rally. The structure of volleyball ensures that each team has a fair and balanced opportunity to attack or defend.
- Chance System – Volleyball also has elements of unpredictability. The ball may hit the tape of the net, a serve might be affected by the wind in beach volleyball, or unexpected deflections can create unique gameplay scenarios. These elements of chance add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the sport.
Mechanics of Volleyball
The mechanics of volleyball are the fundamental actions players perform repeatedly throughout the game. These include:
- Forearm passing (also known as bumping)
- Setting
- Serving
- Spiking (or attacking)
- Blocking
- Defending
- Receiving
- Reading the game
- Reacting to plays
- Jumping and diving
Each of these mechanics can be practiced in isolation, but to truly master them, they must be integrated into a game-like environment.
Training with Systems and Mechanics in Mind
When training for volleyball, it’s crucial to recreate the systems and mechanics of the game in practice. This allows players to practice “in-system” to simulate real gameplay. John Kessel, who wrote for USAV youth volleyball, said, “The game teaches the game.” What he means is that effective learning comes from training within game-like scenarios where players can apply the mechanics under the pressures and structure of the sport.
Point-Based System in Practice
Incorporating a point-based system into practice helps athletes track their performance, measure success, and simulate the competitive nature of actual gameplay. Here’s why it’s effective:
- It provides competitive motivation, as players can see quantifiable results.
- It highlights individual proficiency, revealing who is excelling in specific mechanics.
- It identifies areas for improvement for both individuals and the team.
- It recreates the high-stakes environment of a match, preparing athletes for real competition.
Turn-Based System in Practice
Setting up drills that alternate between offense and defense, or allow teams to take turns executing specific mechanics, reinforces the structure of the game. It creates a flow where players practice in realistic, timed sequences.
Elements of Chance in Training
Finally, chance is an inherent part of volleyball, and training should acknowledge that. Practicing with elements of unpredictability—like adding random challenges to drills or reacting to unexpected deflections—conditions athletes to stay adaptable and mentally agile. The focus is on preparing athletes for the unexpected.
Evolving Training Techniques
Traditional volleyball training has often focused on isolated skill development. While this has its place, it’s important to recognize that volleyball is a dynamic, ever-changing game. For example, you rarely receive a perfect feed in a match, so over-relying on this type of drill won’t fully prepare athletes for real situations. Instead, incorporating live-game situations where athletes must read and react prepares them for success when they step onto the court.
In conclusion, volleyball is a game of systems and mechanics that intertwine to form the core structure of gameplay. Effective training must simulate these systems, not just isolated skills, to produce well-rounded, game-ready athletes.