ROTATIONS in volleyball refer to the offensive system that plays a crucial role in shaping a team’s offensive strategy. The three main types of offensive systems are 5-1, 6-2 and 4-2. The numbers refer to the number of hitters that rotate through the front court and the number of player(s) that take the primary setting role.
5-1 System
The main offensive system used is the 5-1, where 5 hitters rotate through the front court and 1 player takes the primary setting role. Because there is only 1 setter that runs the offense, this system allows for a better connection and rhythm between the setter and hitters. However, because the setter has to rotate through the front court, shorter setters may have trouble on plays that are close to the net.
6-2 System
The 6-2 system means there are 6 hitters that rotate through the front court and 2 players that take the primary setting role. In this system, the setter will set from the back court only. There are two distinct systems, a traditional 6-2 where the setter will stay on the court for all 6 rotations (set from the back but hit in the front) and a modified 6-2 is when the setter will be subbed off for two hitters in the front court.
4-2 System
The 4-2 system means there are 4 hitters that rotate through the front court and 2 players that take the primary setting role, but only from the front court. The setter may set from the middle (position 3) or from the right side (position 2). This system is more simple to teach so is suitable for the younger age groups but limits the hitting options available due to having only two hitters in the front court at any one time.
Principles
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The court is divided into 6 positions (3 front court and 3 back court). The positions are numbered starting from the service and goes anti-clockwise. However, players rotate clockwise during a game.
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Players need to start in the correct rotation before the serve is made, but can go to their playing position after. However, players must return to their correct rotations after each rally.
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In order to play a proper system, players must be designated a primary playing position on the court. Positions include Setter, Outside Hitter, Opposite, Middle Blocker and Libero.
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The Setter and Opposite's base position in the back court is 1 and 2 when in the front court. The Outside Hitter's base position is 4 in the front and 6 when in the back court. The Middle Blocker plays in position 3 whilst in the front court but 5 when in the back court.
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The rotational system/offensive system a team decides to use is based on the player's strengths and weaknesses. This allows teams to maximise their player’s effectiveness and show the team’s full potential.
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We recommend that players understand the basics of the rotational order (essentially why they're in that rotation) rather than trying to memorise the pattern. This helps them be able to get themselves into rotation during the game without coach intervention.