The first time I truly understood the power of a side out, I was playing in the State Championship Tournament in high school. We were down 13-18 in the final set, and the atmosphere was tense. Our coach called a timeout and simply said, “Focus on the side out.”
What happened next was nothing short of magical. We fought tooth and nail for every point, denying our opponents the chance to score while serving. With each successful side out, I could feel the momentum shift. The crowd’s energy built with every point we clawed back. When we finally took the lead at 24-23 and won the match 26-24, the eruption of joy was indescribable. That comeback taught me that understanding and mastering the concept of side out isn’t just about knowing a term – it’s about grasping a fundamental strategy that can turn the tide of an entire match.
In this article, I’ll guide you in understanding the role and importance of the side out in volleyball. Let’s understand what side out means in volleyball. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport trying to understand the basics, a player looking to improve your team’s performance, or a fan wanting to appreciate the game on a deeper level, this article has something for you.
What is Side Out in Volleyball?
Ever wondered why volleyball players shout ‘side out’ with such excitement?
I know those who just started watching or playing volleyball games might be confused about what side out means in volleyball. I still remember when I first started watching volleyball, and I was also curious about the same thing.
In the simplest terms, side out in volleyball refers to a shift in team dynamics during a match. Side out in volleyball is often viewed as a classic form of scoring, where the serving team could only score a point if they won the rally. If the receiving team won the rally, they’d gain the right to serve, earning a “side out”.
Hence, the term ‘side out’ became quite synonymous with earning the chance to serve rather than earning a point.
Thus, Side Out is a scoring method with the scoring of points related to the serving team. It is now replaced with rally scoring, and it’s not as prevalent today as it was.
Understanding what side-out mean in Volleyball
As I just mentioned, Side out is a scoring method where only the serving team can score points. If the receiving team wins the rally, they do not score a point. But the team can serve after that. This means the serving team loses the rally, and the opposing team gets the serve.
Though, it’s not as easy as it sounds. The matches can be unpredictable, as teams can keep exchanging serves without scoring points.
Side out scoring typically uses a best-of-three format where the teams play for 15 points. The first team who wins two games wins the match.
To win a game, a team needs to reach 15 points before their opponent team. Some leagues require a two-point lead to win, resulting in scores like 17-15 or 19-17.
This scoring method allows for more comebacks and momentum shifts, making each serve crucial.
However, side out scoring was replaced by rally scoring to speed up the game and keep every rally competitive. In rally scoring, points can be earned by either team on any rally, regardless of who serves.
While side out scoring is less common today, understanding it provides insight into volleyball’s strategic depth and historical evolution.
Evolution of Side Out Scoring
Did you know that side out scoring was the original way volleyball matches were scored in the ’90s? However, post 1999, it was replaced by rally scoring.
Although sideout, or side-out scoring, has been largely replaced by the modern-day rally scoring system, it’s essential to understand its historical significance.
In modern volleyball, rally scoring means that either team can win a point regardless of which side is serving, changing the dynamics of how matches play out. Points can now be won more dynamically, every rally counts and every mistake translates to an immediate result on the scoreboard.
When Volleyball was invented by William G. Morgan in 1895, side out scoring was the volleyball scoring method. The scoring rules evolved with time. Starting with sets to 21 points in 1900, it reduced to 15 points by 1916. In 1925, a two-point advantage rule was added. It was later replaced by a cap of 17 points in 1988. These changes aimed to balance gameplay and competitiveness.
Despite the prevalence of rally scoring, understanding side-out still holds great value, especially for new players and coaches. Knowing the essence of side out volleyball can provide insights into effective strategies and tactics.
Even though the official scoring might have evolved, the phrase “side out” still echoes during games as a form of encouragement and motivation. It’s a reminder for teams to reclaim control of the game and the serve.
What is the Difference Between Side Out and Rally Scoring?
Side out scoring allows a team to score only when they serve. Winning a rally gives the serving team a point and the chance to continue serving.
During and after 1999, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) helped volleyball transition to rally scoring. This change was significant for the game and fundamentally altered how points were tallied.
In traditional side-out scoring, only the team holding the serve could win a point. So if the receiving team won a rally, they’d gain the right to serve, but not a point. This meant an intense focus on defense and strategic serves.
Matches were often longer because points weren’t awarded at each rally. Contrast this with rally scoring, where every time the ball is put into play, the rally concludes with a point awarded to one side, making the game faster and more engaging for both players and fans.
The receiving team cannot score directly but earn the serve by winning a rally. Matches typically go to 15 points in a best-of-three format.
On the other hand, rally scoring lets both serving and receiving teams score points. Whichever team wins a rally gets a score, no matter who served. Matches usually go to 25 points in a best-of-three format.
This system is more common now because it keeps the game moving, avoiding long periods where teams only trade serves without scoring.
One intriguing aspect is how this change affects player techniques and strategies. While rally scoring tends to focus on consistent technical skill and minimizing errors, the old side-out scoring emphasized defending your service and rugged defense to earn your right to serve and, eventually, the chance to score.
Side-out techniques might seem old school, yet they can be a great advantage if mastered effectively.
Importance of Side Out Scoring in Volleyball
In volleyball, side out scoring keeps the game dynamic and strategic. Here’s why side out scoring is important and engaging in the following ways:
Keeps the Game Moving
Whether you are serving or receiving, every rally counts towards the score with the side out scoring.
This keeps the game fast-paced and prevents long stretches where only one team scores, making the game more thrilling for players and fans.
Rewards Solid Defense
Winning a side out lets your team regain the serve, no matter who initially served. This highlights the need for a well-rounded team that can defend effectively and seize chances to change the game’s momentum.
Creates Momentum Swings
The essence of volleyball tournaments often lies in these momentum swings. Successfully executing a side out can uplift team spirits, shift the momentum back, and influence the game’s final outcome. The team not only stops their opponents from scoring more points but also gets a fresh chance to score points for themselves.
Side Out Adds Strategic Depth
Side out scoring adds significant strategic depth to volleyball. The potential risk of losing a side out compels teams to fine-tune their strategies on both the offensive and defensive sides.
Players have to focus on scoring points while also preventing the opposition from gaining any advantage through side outs.
Encourages Dynamic Play
Another advantage of side out scoring is how it encourages dynamic play. Teams must adapt quickly, switching from offense to defense in the blink of an eye, depending on whether they’re serving or receiving the ball.
This adaptability on the court leads to a game that’s both dynamic and compelling, keeping everyone on their toes.
Overall, side out scoring enhances volleyball strategy, rewarding both offensive and defensive skills, and ensures every point adds to the game’s excitement and unpredictability.
Tips to Master Volleyball Side Out Scoring
When mastered, side out scoring can change the outcomes of a game. Besides following all the volleyball rules, every player needs to put extra effort into impacting the scoreboard with extraordinary game skills.
For all those who read till here, I have bonus tips for you all to perfect your side out scoring:
- Instead of just aiming for power, vary your serves with floaters and topspin serves. Target weak spots in the opponent’s receiving formation to keep them off-balance and under pressure.
- Passing is fundamental to a successful side out. I personally recommend focusing on consistent and accurate passing to gain better control and set up strong offensive opportunities after receiving serves.
- A solid defense is essential for capitalizing on opponent errors and maintaining momentum. As an avid follower of the sport, I recommend that you practice smart blocking techniques and ensure clear communication among teammates to handle defensive plays effectively.
- Work on transition plays from defense to offense to maintain a smooth flow after a successful side out. Look for opportunities to exploit gaps in the opponent’s defense and execute offensive strategies efficiently.
- Coordination and teamwork are the bread and butter of side-outs. Practice cohesive strategies involving all team members, ensuring everyone understands their roles in receiving and attacking.
- Sideouts often occur in critical moments of the game. Maintain composure and focus on executing strategies effectively, even under pressure.
- Be adaptable and responsive to changes in the opponent’s tactics. Adjust your game plan accordingly to counter their strengths and exploit weaknesses.
By focusing on these strategies, players can improve their team’s ability to master side outs and enhance overall performance on the volleyball court.
Summing Up on What Does Side Out Mean in Volleyball
So mastering side out scoring is a game changer in volleyball. It is not just about the rules but also understanding how important they are in a game.
Perfecting your side-out skills can truly sway the game in your favor. It is all about keeping up the momentum, controlling the match, and ultimately achieving success on the court.
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned player, grasping side out scoring enhances your strategic play and ensures every point counts towards victory.
So, next time you are on the court, remember that side out is not just a term. It is your key to winning the game.
FAQs
No, in rally scoring, a side out means winning the serve from the opponent and not scoring a point. You must win another rally to score a point.
After a side out, the team that won the rally gain the right to serve. They rotate clockwise, and the player in the right-back position serves the ball.
Absolutely. Even though rally scoring is more common now, understanding side out is crucial for strategic insight and maintaining momentum during matches.
You can enhance side out efficiency through intense training, clear communication on the court, versatility in your attacking strategies, and developing mental toughness to handle pressure situations.
These efforts ensure your team is ready to take advantage of every opportunity to gain and maintain control of the game.
What are effective side out drills in volleyball?
Here are a few drills I have used regularly and consistently shown results. You try them in mix and match to see what improves your side out percentage:
Out-of-System SideOut Drill
The main idea here is to practice handling imperfect passes and to achieve side out right to serve next.
The receiving team is set up for all players to be alert, and then the coach/serving player is set up to toss or serve the ball randomly to the receiving team to simulate out-of-system play.
The goal is:
- Players must adjust to a less-than-perfect pass (e.g., off-target, low, or wide).
- The setter or another player must make a smart decision to keep the ball in play and set up a hittable attack.
Serve-Receive Pressure Drill
In this drill, you place your strongest servers on one side of the net and the receiving team on the other. The objective for servers to focus only on tough serves (jump serves, float serves, etc.).
In this drill, the goal is:
The receiving team earns points for clean serve-receive passes (e.g., passes that can lead to a direct attack).
You can also add pressure by setting a time limit or requiring a certain number of consecutive successful passes.
Serve-Receive to Attack Drill
This drill is a step up from the previous two drills.
In this drill, you divide players into two teams. One team serves, and the other focuses on serve-receive.
The focus is on:
- The serving team serves aggressively to the receiving team.
- The receiving team must pass the ball accurately to the setter, who sets up a hitter for an attack.
- Award points if the receiving team successfully executes a pass, set, and attack, even if they don’t win the rally.
Hey there,
I recently started playing Volley at a local community centre. I was wondering – Do people still say side out in volleyball?
Because I have been corrected a couple of times in the last few weeks that it’s not.
hey Alison,
Nice to hear that you started playing volleyball. To answer your question – Yes, the term “side out” is still used in volleyball, though with different meaning these days. It has become more of a motivational phrase or shorthand to focus on winning the rally and regaining the serve. For example, teammates might shout, “Let’s get a side out!” as a way to encourage the team to stop the opponent’s scoring run.