1. Understanding Positions & Alignments
Understanding player positions and alignments is an important part of understanding how volleyball is played. Teams submit line-ups with their service order for each set, and that service order needs to be maintained throughout the match. But, players are permitted to move around to different positions when the ball is in play as long as they go back to their original positions in the service order to start each rally. As each team rotates through its service order during the match, knowing which players can play which positions can be a challenge for referees. Let’s take a look at player positions and alignments and the associated rules.

2. Alignments – Why Do We Care?
Alignment Premise
Players must be in proper positions at the moment of service contact.
Why?
Teams want their players in a variety of positions for both defensive and offensive purposes:
Different hitters/blockers
Front row/back row
Different passers/serve receivers
Why do we care about service order and alignments? Because the rules require players to be in their proper positions at the moment of each service contact. This is true for the serving team AND the receiving team.
Players occupy a variety of offensive and defensive positions. Some are considered “outside hitters” and, during offensive plays, they attack from the left-front side of the court. Others are middle blockers, and they will primarily occupy the center-front position to help block at the net during defensive plays or attack at the net during offensive plays. And, of course there are also right-side hitters who attack from the right-front side of the court.
As the teams rotate through their service order, each team will always have three players in the front row and three players in the back row, and obviously those players change each time the team rotates.
For the receiving team, some players are designated as “primary passers” because the coach wants those players to receive the serve to set up their first offensive play. Other players are defensive specialists who only substitute into the back row to help with passing and digging the ball during rallies. And the Libero player, who is a defensive specialist, can replace only a back-row teammate as well, and these “replacements” aren’t counted as substitutions.
With all of this player movement, it can be confusing trying to keep track of who should be where.

3. Positions – Rule 6-4-1 Basics:
Three front-row players: left front (LF), center front (CF) and right front (RF).
Three back-row players: left back (LB), center back (CB) and right back (RB).
NFHS Rule defines the basic court positions:
Three front-row players: left front (LF), center front (CF) and right front (RF)
Three back-row players: left back (LB), center back (CB) and right back (RB).

4. Positions – Rule 6-4-1 LF CF RF LB CB RB Net Attack Line
Here’s a graphical representation of Rule showing the actual court positions in relation to the net. LB CB RB

5. Positions – Rule 6-4-3
At the moment of serve, all players, except for the server, shall be within the team’s playing area and may be in contact with the boundary lines or center line, but may not have any part of the body touching the floor outside those lines.
NFHS Rule further clarifies that:
At the moment of serve, all players, except for the server, shall be within the team’s playing area and may be in contact with the boundary lines or center line, but may not have any part of the body touching the floor outside those lines.
This rule applies to BOTH teams. The current server is exempt from this rule, but her five teammates and all six players on the receiving team must abide by this rule. It is important to note that the court boundary lines are part of the court. Therefore, it is LEGAL for a player to be touching one of these lines at the moment of the serve. However, if any part of the body is touching the floor outside those lines at the moment of the service contact, this is a position fault.

6. Positions – Rule 6-4-3 OK RF CF OK LF CB LB NO OK WHEN SERVING RB
Here is a graphical representation of Rule 6-4-3, using the serving team as an example.
Some important notes:
The LF (left-front) player is just touching the left sideline. This is LEGAL (marked “ok” in the green circle).
The RF (right-front) player is just touching the center line. This is also LEGAL (marked “ok” in the green circle).
The LB (left-back) player is straddling the left sideline. This is ILLEGAL (marked “no” in the red circle).
The RB (right-back) player is the server, who is exempt from this rule since a server must be positioned outside the court in the service zone behind the end line (marked “OK when serving” in the yellow circle). CB LB NO OK
WHEN
SERVING RB

7. Positions – Rule 6-4-3
At the moment of serve, all players shall be in correct serving order.
A right-side player must be closer to right sideline than corresponding center player.
A left-side player must be closer to left sideline than corresponding center player.
A front-row player must be closer to center line than corresponding back-row player.
Determined only by foot position.
NFHS Rule further states that:
At the moment of serve, all players shall be in correct serving order. (This is based upon the line-up submitted by the coach prior to the start of the set.)
A right-side player must be closer to right sideline than corresponding center player.
A left-side player must be closer to left sideline than corresponding center player.
A front-row player must be closer to center line than corresponding back-row player.
Determined only by foot position.
Let’s take a closer look at the last point regarding foot position…

8. Positions – Rule 6-4-3 OK CF CB NO LB LF
Here are two examples of front-row/back-row positions where a position fault/overlap may occur.
[CLICK] In the first graphic, the CF (center-front) player has a part of a foot closer to the center line than the CB (center-back) player. [CLICK] This is a LEGAL position.
[CLICK} In the second graphic, the LB (left-back) player has a part of a foot closer to the center line than the LF player. [CLICK] At the moment of the service contact, this is ILLEGAL and should be whistled as a position fault (or illegal alignment).
NOTE: When whistling this position fault, the second referee should indicate the two players at fault and may need to clarify that the LF player must have at least a part of a foot closer to the center line than the LB player.

9. Positions – Rule 6-4-3 LF CF NO OK RB CB
Here are two examples of adjacent positions and the potential for a position fault/overlap.
[CLICK] In the first graphic, the LF player is closer to the left sideline than the CF player. [CLICK] This is a LEGAL position.
[CLICK] In the second graphic, the CB player is closer to the right sideline than the RB player. [CLICK] At the moment of service contact, this is ILLEGAL and should be whistled as a position fault (or illegal alignment).
NOTE: When whistling this position fault, the second referee should indicate the two players at fault and may need to clarify that the RB player must have at least a part of a foot closer to the right sideline than the CB player. CB

10. Positions – Rule 6-4-3 OK CF CB OK LB CB RB DON’T CARE
And here are two more graphics depicting unusual but LEGAL alignments:
[CLICK] In the first graphics, the CF player has part of one foot closer to the center line than the CB player. [CLICK] This is a LEGAL position.
[CLICK] The CF player also has one foot behind the feet of the CB player. [CLICK] This is NOT a fault, and we don’t care that one foot is completely behind the CB player. We are only concerned that the CF player has part of one foot closer to the center line than either foot of the CB player.
[CLICK] In the second graphic, we have all three back-row players “stacked” around one another. This can look confusing, so we simply need to confirm that the left-side and right-side players have at least part of one of their feet closer to their respective sidelines than the CB player. The RB player has a one foot one either side of BOTH the CB and LB players. So ask yourself, What is the rule requirement? The RB player must have at least part of one foot closer to the right sideline than the CB player. Has that requirement been met? YES! [CLICK]
Similarly, the LB player must have at least part of one foot closer to the left sideline than the CB player. Has that requirement been met? YES. So although this may look confusing, it is LEGAL. CB RB

11. Making The Call – Part I Whistle upon service contact.
Server is not at risk.
R1 judges serving team alignment.
R2 judges receiving team alignment.
Use discreet signals to help one another, if needed.
In order to call position faults/illegal alignments/overlaps, there are a few key points to remember:
Whistle upon service contact. A position fault cannot be called until the ball has been contacted for service! If you whistle before the ball has actually been contacted – even though the R1 has already whistled to authorize the serve – NO FAULT HAS OCCURRED. The contact of the ball for service is the key.
Server is not at risk. Remember that no matter where the server lines up along the end line in the service zone, a server is never at risk for being called for an overlap/illegal alignment.
R1 judges serving team alignment. The first referee is responsible for the serving team. This can be a challenge since the R1 does not use a line-up card. Memorization techniques are necessary. We’ll discuss these in a little while.
R2 judges receiving team alignment. The second referee is responsible for the receiving team. The line-up card can help, and so do memorization techniques and assistance from the scorer.
Use discreet signals to help one another, if needed. In the event that the R2 identifies a position fault on the serving team, a discreet signal to the R1 is the best method to communicate this. Likewise, the R1 may have a better view of some position faults than the R2. Again, the R1 should offer a discreet signal to help the R2 make this call. A pre-match discussion between the referees should cover this topic so that they communicate clearly with one another.

12. Making The Call – Part I OK FOR SERVING TEAM LB CB RB
As we just mentioned, the server is NEVER at risk for a position fault.
[CLICK] In this graphic, the CB is closer to the right sideline than the server in RB position. [CLICK] Since the server is exempt from a position fault in this situation, NO FAULT has occurred. LB CB RB
We don’t consider the server’s
position when judging alignment

13. Making The Call – Part II
Illegal alignment often involves the receiving team.
“Even” is technically illegal. It’s sometimes difficult to be 100% certain at service contact. Consider a warning in this case.
Do not “patrol” the sidelines to determine if players overlap illegally; view alignments from normal R2 position.
A warning when it’s close is acceptable. Make the call if a fault has occurred.
Here are a few more tips and suggestions to help with calling position faults:
Illegal alignment often involves the receiving team. This is because the receiving team passers are trying to position themselves to cover as much of the court as possible to receive the serve. As they move around, they may be at risk for overlapping with a teammate.
“Even” is technically illegal. It’s sometimes difficult to be 100% certain at service contact. Consider a warning in this case. As an example: when the LB and CB each have a foot positioned so that they are roughly an equal distance from the left sideline, this is technically illegal because the rule requires the LB to be closer to the left sideline. HOWEVER, at the moment of the service contact, players are often quick to shuffle their feet as they begin to move. It is often very difficult to be 100% certain that the players were in illegal positions. In this case, it is better to offer a warning to the players (through the coach) that the two players are very close to overlapping. Do this during the next dead ball.
Do not “patrol” the sidelines to determine if players overlap illegally; view alignments from normal R2 position. It is not appropriate for a second referee to “walk down the sideline” to get a better look at players’ feet positions. Doing so puts the R2 out of position to transition for the first rally, particularly when no position fault has occurred. Position faults should be judged from the “normal” R2 starting position near the net post.
A warning when it’s close is acceptable. Make the call if a fault has occurred. When we are 100% certain a fault has occurred, it must be whistled. If there is any doubt, especially when the players are “close,” a verbal warning/reminder is appropriate and acceptable.

14. Making The Call – Part III
Preventive officiating:
Player standing slightly out of bounds.
Close call with player leaving early.
Do NOT make “gotcha” calls.
Signal is a circular motion of the entire hand with the arm extended.
Preventive officiating can be helpful with position faults. When a player is getting in her ready position, she may not realize that part of her foot is barely over the edge of the sideline, OR sometimes a back-row setter over-anticipates the service contact and moves a fraction of a second before the ball is contacted – in this situations, it is best to NOT make a “gotcha” call. It will appear that we were waiting to “catch” the player committing a fault instead of showing that we understand the spirit and intent of the rules.
Lastly as a reminder – the signal for a position fault is shown by extending the arm on the side of the team at fault, hand open, palm facing the floor, and making a circular motion. No more than two circular motions are necessary. After making the signal, indicate the players at fault. This may include verbal notification to the coach.
Now let’s take a look at some common alignment issues, particularly related to the receiving team passers and their setter.

15. Right-back Alignment LF CF RF LB CB RB
First a quick reminder using the RB position to demonstrate where alignment issues may occur. Keep in mind this is only for the RB position:
The RB is at risk for overlapping ONLY with the RF player or the CB player. The RB can NEVER be at risk for overlapping with the other three players – LB, LF, CF.
This is true for all four “corner” positions in this diagram. So, the LF is at risk for overlapping ONLY with LB and CF; the RF ONLY with CF and RB; and the LB ONLY with CB and LF. LB CB RB

16. Center-back AlignmentLF CF RF
Here’s another example showing the potential overlap situations for the CB player.
While the RB player (or any “corner” position) has only two teammates with whom an overlap might occur, the CB player has three potential overlaps: with the LB, RB and CF players. Incidentally, the same is obviously true with the CF player: potential overlap with the LF, RF and CB players. LB CB RB

17. Right-back Setter #1 LF CF RF RB LB CB POTENTIAL RF/RB ALIGNMENT ISSUE
So let’s start with a back-row setter on the receiving team…
[CLICK] In this scenario, we see a typical serve receive pattern in which the setter occupies the RB position. She lines up directly behind the RF player. [CLICK] Although the alignment in this diagram is LEGAL, this “RF/RB combination” can present a potential for an alignment issue. All other player positions in this diagram are legal and do not present any concern for a position fault/overlap.
POTENTIAL RF/RB
ALIGNMENT ISSUE

18. Right-back Setter #2 LF CF RF RB LB CB POTENTIAL LF/CF and
Here is another serve reception pattern. This one is known as a “stack.”
[CLICK] A stack typically occurs when all three front-row players are “stacked” along the left (or right) sideline very close to one another. In the diagram, the left-side stack creates potential LF/CF and RF/CF position faults.
[CLICK] And in addition, it creates another potential position fault/overlap between the RB and RF players.
POTENTIAL LF/CF and
RF/CF ALIGNMENT ISSUES
POTENTIAL RF/RB
ALIGNMENT ISSUE

19. Right-back Setter #3 RF RB LF CF CB LB POTENTIAL RF/RB AND CF/CB
Here is a third common serve receive pattern when the setter is in the RB position. In this pattern, the RB setter “pushes” the RF player up to the net. (This takes the RF player out of the serve reception and places the RB setter near the net in the “target area” where she will run the offense.)
[CLICK] This pattern again creates the potential for a RF/RB overlap.
[CLICK] There is a second potential for overlap as well, and this is probably more common than the RF/RB potential that we just pointed out. This occurs between the CF and CB players, who are both primary passers and occupy the middle of the court. In this diagram, all players are LEGAL, but you can see how one or two steps will position the CB closer to the center line than the CF. LB
POTENTIAL
RF/RB AND CF/CB
ALIGNMENT ISSUE

20. Center-back Setter #1 CF CB LF RF LB RB POTENTIAL RB/CB
Now let’s rotate the setter one position to center back.
One possible serve receive pattern occurs when the CB pushes the CF up to the net, and the LF/RF drop back off the net to help pass.
[CLICK] This creates a couple of possible front row/back-row position-fault scenarios. The CF/CB and the RF/RB are the two most common.
[CLICK] And there is also a possible overlap between the RB and CB in the back row. The CB setter up near the net slides to the right toward the target zone, and the RB slides slightly to the left to help with passing. As a result, they may end up overlapping. RB
POTENTIAL RB/CB
ALIGNMENT ISSUE
POTENTIAL CF/CB and
RF/RB ALIGNMENT ISSUE

21. Left-back Setter #1 LF LB RF CF RB CB POTENTIAL LB/CB POTENTIAL
Next, let’s look at the setter in the LB position. Since the team doesn’t want the setter to receive the serve, the LB setter is pushed forward toward the center front part of the court.
[CLICK] This creates a possible overlap between the LB setter and the LF. The setter may get a little anxious and line up closer to the center line than the LF.
[CLICK] And like the last diagram we just looked at, the CF/CB are primary passers, and they are at risk for overlapping in this scenario.
[CLICK] Also, as the LB slides toward the target area, there is a risk for overlapping with the CB as well.
So the LB setter is potentially at risk for an overlap with the LF and the CB, and the two middle players – the CF/CB – are also an area to watch.
POTENTIAL LB/CB
ALIGNMENT ISSUE
POTENTIAL
FRONT-TO-BACK
ALIGNMENT ISSUE

22. Left-back Setter #2 LF LB CF RF CB RB POTENTIAL LEFT-TO-CENTER
A few slides ago, we talked about the “stack” serve reception pattern when the setter is in the RB position and the front row is stacked down the left sideline. There is a similar-looking serve-receive pattern when the setter is LB, except instead of it being made up of the front-row players, the back-row setter appears to be part of it.
[CLICK] The LB generally lines up directly behind the LF; this can create the potential for an overlap, LF/LB.
[CLICK] The RF drops off the net to pass, and could be at risk for overlapping with the RB.
[CLICK] The LF/CF must also be careful in this “stack” so that the CF isn’t closer to the left sideline than the LF. CB RB
POTENTIAL
LEFT-TO-CENTER
ALIGNMENT ISSUE
POTENTIAL
FRONT-TO-BACK
ALIGNMENT ISSUE

23. Left-front Setter #1 LF CF RF RB LB CB TWO POTENTIAL ALIGNMENT ISSUES
In this diagram, the setter is in LF position. Again, we have the “stack” formation, and just like the front-row stack when the setter is in the RB position, we have the potential for overlapping.
[CLICK] In this stack with the setter in LF, she must be careful that she doesn’t leave too soon, leaving the CF closer to the left sideline. Likewise, the RF may move to the left of the CF leaving the CF at risk of being closer to the right sideline than the RF. In both situations, the key is the CF! CB
TWO POTENTIAL
ALIGNMENT ISSUES

24. Center-front Setter #1 CF RF RB LF LB CB POTENTIAL FRONT-TO-BACK
When the setter is in the CF position, she is seldom at risk for overlapping, but second referees must be aware of the passers being out of position. In the diagram, the LF drops off the net to help pass the serve and may be at risk for overlapping with the LB. LB CB
POTENTIAL
FRONT-TO-BACK
ALIGNMENT ISSUE

25. Right-front Setter #1 RF POTENTIAL RIGHT-TO-CENTER ALIGNMENT ISSUE LF
When the setter is in the RF position, the other two front-row players (LF & CF) often drop off the net to pass.
[CLICK] This may position the CF near the CB in serve reception.
[CLICK] Likewise, the LF may be positioned near the LB, again creating the possibility of an overlap.
[CLICK] And since the CF is off the net to pass the serve, there is a risk that that the CF may overlap with the RF setter. CF CB LB
POTENTIAL
FRONT-TO-BACK
ALIGNMENT ISSUE RB

26. Transitioning from positions to players
When we know the positions, we can apply the rules.
Unfortunately, players don’t wear signs that identify their current positions.
All we know are player numbers, unique characteristics, and perhaps the skill positions they play.
How can we figure all of this out?
[CLICK] When we know the positions the players are occupying, i.e., setter, outside hitter, middle hitter/blocker, etc., it becomes easier to apply the rules.
[CLICK] But players don’t wear signs that identify their position, so…
[CLICK] We need to learn their numbers, identify unique characteristics (such as hair color, a ponytail, tall vs short, kneepads vs no kneepads, etc.) and become familiar with the position each one is playing.
[CLICK] How can we figure all of this out?

27. Tracking Players/Positions
How can we figure this out?

28. Tracking Positions: Why?
Libero Replacements:
Did the libero replace a back-row player?
What position is the libero in?
The libero is still governed by the same alignment rules. She can’t go where she wants in the back row until after serve contact.
Back-row block.
Back-row attack.
In addition to tracking player positions to identify overlap/alignment issues, [CLICK] we also track player positions to help ensure:
[CLICK] The libero replaced a back-row player
[CLICK] That the libero is in the correct position
[CLICK] That the libero adheres to the same alignment rules that apply to the rest of the players. She can’t go where she wants in the back row until after serve contact.
[CLICK] Knowing player positions also helps us identify back-row attacks and
[CLICK] Back-row blocks.

29. Tracking Players Formulate a personal method for tracking players.
Very likely will change many times over your officiating career.
Changing methods is really a kind of evolution, adapting your tracking method to what you can handle.
[CLICK] We need to formulate a personal method for tracking players. We’ll discuss this in more detail in a little while.
[CLICK] You method for tracking players will very likely will change as you gain more experience.
[CLICK] Changing methods is really a kind of evolution, adapting your tracking method to what you can handle.

30. In The Beginning… There was the line-up card.
Allows R2s to ease into player tracking.
Lists the players in serving order or court positions.
Required for NFHS (high school).
Not used for college and USAV.
At the high school level, we all start tracking player positions with:
[CLICK] The line-up card.
[CLICK] The line-up card allows R2s to ease into tracking player positions.
They can list the players in serving order or court positions, depending on the style of card you use. We’ll look at a couple examples in a moment.
A line-up card is required for NFHS (high school). You are to have one for initial lineup checks, at minimum.
Collegiate and USAV referees do not use a line-up card.

31. Lineup Cards 92 12 3 71 1c 7 92 12 3 71 1c 7 BACK ROW (LAST) SERVER
So let’s start with a typical “wheel-style” line-up card. The team turns in a line-up with the service order as: 3, 12, 7, 1c, 71, 92. And the line-up is recorded on the wheel as shown in the diagram. The flip-side of the card has a second wheel for the opponent’s line-up.
[CLICK] The three “pie pieces” on the lower half of the wheel represent the back row - #71 (LB), #92 (CB) and #3 (RB)
[CLICK] The server or right-back position is to the far right of the lower half of the wheel
[CLICK] As the team rotates through their service order, turn the wheel so that the players’ jersey numbers match their current court positions. In this second example, we can see player #3, who was in the RB/serving position, rotates to the CB position, player #12 rotates into the serving position/RB, and so on. Each time a team earns the serve and rotates, turn the wheel one position clockwise. Substitutes are recorded in the same “pie piece” as the starting player.
BACK ROW
(LAST)
SERVER
Starting lineup
Rotate one position

32. Lineup Cards
WWS NN
WWS NN 3 12 7 1c 71 92 14 35 17 11
21c 5
WWS NN 3 12 7 1c 71 92 14 35 17 11
21c 5 3 14
SERVER 12 35 7 17
Here’s an example of a line-up card that uses service order as the tracking method, instead of a wheel.
First, record each team’s name at the top of each column – WWS and NN, in this example. The record each team’s SERVICE ORDER. We’re using the same line-up on the previous slide: 3, 12, 7, 1c, 71, 92. Plus, we have a line-up for the second team: 14, 35, 17, 11, 21c, 5. The first server for WWS is #3, so a small paperclip (or other movable marker) is placed on that space. #14 will be the first server for team NN, but #5 is currently in the RB serving position because team NN will rotate when they win a rally. So, a second small paperclip is placed on the space for #5. We now have both teams’ starting line-ups listed, and the player in the RB serving position for each team is marked with a paperclip.
[CLICK] With #3 being the current server, we can see that the NEXT server for team WWS will be #12. And the PREVIOUS server was #92. The two positions BEFORE the current server’s position are the other two back-row players. In this example, WWS #3 is RB, #92 is CB and #71 is LB. For NN, #5 is RB, #21 is CB, and #11 is LB.
[CLICK] When team NN wins the rally and rotates, move the paperclip one position in the service order only for THAT team.
[CLICK] In this example, we move the clip from #5 to #14 for team NN.
[CLICK] When team WWS wins and rotates again, #12 is the next server.
With this line-up card method, the R2 must constantly move the paperclip or marker to the next serving position. Substitutions are recorded in the box next to the starting player’s number. 1c 11 71
BACK ROW
21c
LAST
SERVER 5 92
Starting lineup Team
WWS #3 is first server
Team NN wins rally and
rotates one position,
#14 is next server
Team WWS wins rally
and rotates again,
#12 is next server

33. Lineup Card Pros and Cons
Good way to quickly determine positions.
Good backup for scorer with substitutions and time-outs.
Takes a while to write down subs.
Why duplicate scorer’s work?
Can become a crutch for tracking.
More focused on card than court.
There are pros and cons when using a line-up card:
[CLICK] They provide a good way to quickly determine player positions.
[CLICK] They can serve as a back-up for the scorer when it comes to verifying substitution counts and time-outs.
[CLICK] Recording subs means taking the card and pencil out of your pocket, writing down the sub(s), and then putting away the card.
[CLICK] The scorer is already recording this information. Is it necessary for the R2 to duplicate that when the R2 is confident with the scorer’s work?
[CLICK] Having a line-up card doesn’t encourage an R2 to learn a new or better way for tracking player positions.
[CLICK] With recording subs & time-outs, trying to track player positions, etc., it’s easy for an (inexperienced) R2 to focus too much on the card, thus missing on-court actions during play.
And while the line-up card is required R2 equipment under NFHS rules, it is important that BOTH referees also use some memorization techniques for tracking player positions. [CLICK]

34. Tracking – Step One Track the setter for each team:
Illegal alignments often involve the setter, directly or indirectly.
Back-row blocks and back-row attacks often occur when a back-row setter is playing the ball near the net.
Getting started with memorization techniques for both the R1 and the R2:
[CLICK] The first step as you begin to learn how to track player positions is to start with each team’s setter.
[CLICK] In serve-reception patterns, teams try to position the setter so that she can get to the “target zone” near RF as quickly as possible. From this area near the net, she will run the offense. In this endeavor, the setter is often the player who may be guilty of overlapping a teammate.
[CLICK] Back-row setters near the net who are trying to save a teammate’s tight pass can intentionally or unintentionally block or attack the ball, resulting in a fault.

35. Tracking – Step One
During warm-ups, identify the players who are setting.
Check the line-up sheets to note setter positions.
Know 5-1 vs. 6-2 offenses:
5-1 uses one setter, who sets in all rotations. The setter will be back-row half the time.
6-2 has two setters who are opposite each other. The primary setter will always be back row.
[CLICK] During warm-ups, BOTH the R1 and the R2 should identify the players who are setting. Note their uniform numbers.
[CLICK] Then check the line-up sheets to determine whether the setters are starting in the front or back row.
[CLICK] Know 5-1 vs. 6-2 offenses:
[CLICK] 5-1 has one setter setting in all rotations. The setter will be back row half the time.
[CLICK] 6-2 has two setters who are opposite of each other. The primary setter will always be back row.

36. Tracking – Step One
At the start of the match, remind yourself, “Team A, setter is #9, back row; Team B, setter is #1, front row.”
Before each rally, make a mental note of each setter’s position.
EX: “back/front” means Team A setter is back-row, Team B setter is front-row.
Now that you’ve identified the setters during warm-ups:
[CLICK] At the start of the match, remind yourself, “Team A, setter is #9, back row; Team B, setter is #1, front row.” BOTH the R1 and the R2 should do this.
[CLICK] Before each rally, make a mental note of each setter’s position
[CLICK] EX: “back/front” means Team A setter is back row, Team B setter is front row.

37. Tracking – Step Two Add a player or two to the mix, for example:
Know the player who is opposite of the setter.
Know the players on either side of the setter.
Pick other pairs of opposites.
So far, we’ve talked only about “knowing your setters.” Now it’s time to take the next step:
[CLICK] Add a player or two to the mix. For example:
[CLICK] Know the player who is opposite of the setter. This helps mainly with alignments involving the CF and CB.
[CLICK] Know the players on either side of the setter, i.e., before and after the setter in the service order.
[CLICK] Pick other pairs of opposite players like the primary passers or the middle hitters/blockers, and know which is front row and back row.

38. Tracking – Step Two What works best FOR YOU? Uniform numbers.
Unique characteristics.
A combination of the above.
[CLICK] To help track these additional players, ultimately you need to determine which method works best for you:
[CLICK] Uniform numbers. For some people, number combinations work. Consider memorizing opposites or pairs of numbers that make sense to you. EX: 7 & 11 are opposite, or 2 and 22 are opposite, or 10 and 11 are next to each other.
[CLICK] Are you better a recognizing something unique about each player? Perhaps the tallest player on the team plays opposite the shortest player on the team, or the two players with ponytails are next to one another in the line-up. Sometimes physical characteristics can help, such as hair color or style, knee pads or a knee brace, shoe color, etc.
[CLICK] In all likelihood, you’ll use some combination of the two above.

39. Tracking – Step Three Changes to a starting line-up.
Incorporate substitutes’ numbers into your methodology.
Recognize substitution patterns.
Libero replacements.
The final step in tracking player positions is recognizing some of the challenges we’ll face:
[CLICK] Changes to the starting line-up do make it more challenging – just when you get comfortable with the players on the court for Set 1, a coach will change the team’s line-up for Set 2 or 3. You now have the start over with your memorization process.
[CLICK] Challenge yourself to incorporate the substitutes’ numbers into your methodology.
[CLICK] Recognize patterns in substitutions. When you know that there is a back-row substitute for the tall middle hitter, start recognizing that every time the middle rotates to the RB position, a substitute will replace her.
[CLICK] At first, Libero replacements can be confusing in the memorization process, but in the long run, they may actually be helpful when tracking player positions. Often, the Libero only replaces two different players in the line-up, and usually those two players are opposite one another on the court. In essence, the Libero “becomes that player” in the back row.

40. Summary and Tips Know the rules.
Recognize where alignment issues most often occur.
Find a tracking method that works for you.
Don’t dwell on a line-up card.
Practice!
In summary:
Know the rules governing player positions.
Recognize where alignment issues may occur.
Find a tracking method that works for you.
Don’t dwell on a line-up card.
Practice!