Here are some oddly hilarious volleyball terms that, when used correctly, can make you look like a professional on the volleyball court. Regardless of experience, these terms are worth noting.
1. “The Gator”
The gator is a defensive digging technique that beach volleyball players frequently use. The defensive player shapes their hands into the shape of gator jaws. This is often used to dig the ball. The top can direct the ball while the bottom hand digs the ball upward.
2. “Getting Jumbo’d”
This happens when a player looks like they are going to hit the ball softly, but a deep arc adds to the ball's trajectory. This results in the ball landing deep in the court.
3. Deep Dishing Butter
Deep dishing butter happens when a beach volleyball player sets the ball perfectly.
4. 6 pack
This is the result of getting hit smack in the face with the ball. There is no playing this one off— you have to accept the embarrassment.
5. The Hubby/Wife
This is the area of the court where both partners don’t know if it is their ball. The ball lands in this area before anyone can make up their mind. This term refers to a lack of communication that can happen in relationships.
6. Shagging
Shagging refers to picking up volleyballs scattered on the court. At the end of volleyball drills, when the court is covered in balls, players reluctantly shag volleyballs.
7. Kill
A kill is when a player gets the volleyball to the other side of the net resulting in a point. This is ideal. You want to make as many kills as possible during the game.
8. Shank
A shank is when a player makes a wild, bad pass that their partner can’t receive.
9. Pancake
A pancake is a player's last-ditch effort to keep the ball in play. This is when a player extends their arm as they dive to the ground. The goal is to keep the ball off the ground and inbounds– hopefully, your partner or teammate can recover the ball from there.
10. Campfire
This happens when you have a complete defensive breakdown and everyone's a little confused whose fault it is.
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