The 4-2 Volleyball Rotation: Beginner Description, & Pros + Cons
Posted on: July 13th, 2025
Last updated: July 13th, 2025
Author: Thalia A. U.
Link to my 4-2 downloadable Etsy template:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4334758415/?ref=share_ios_native_control
Wether you’re a Volleyball coach or an athlete, knowing the rotations is a vital part of your success seen in each match-up. Since there are numerous rotation options that coaches can use, its important that athletes and coaches are confident in their understanding of each system to ensure their confidence.
In this blog post I will give a beginner friendly description of the 4-2 rotation, one that is often seen in beginner levels of volleyball (youth-high school).
If you want to learn the basics of rotations (What is rotating in volleyball?) prior to learning this 4-2 rotation then check out the link below which will bring you to my fundamental description of volleyball rotations (at the simplest level):
https://defyinggravityvolleyball.com/blog/how-to-rotate-in-volleyball-what-is-rotating-in-volleyball
With that being said…lets dive right in to the 4-2 rotation!
WHAT IS THE 4-2 VOLLEYBALL ROTATION?
The 4-2 Volleyball rotation can be defined as a volleyball rotation which has 4 hitters, and 2 setters. The setter only sets out of the front-row in the 4-2 rotation (Positions 2, 3, and 4). So, when the other setter is playing out of the back-row (court positions 1, 6, and 5) they are considered a defensive player (unless coach substitutes them out for the back-row positions).
The 4-2 rotation is an option which is commonly used with developing teams (ex: beginners, youth, to high school). With the simple rotations in the 4-2 it is not wonder this is the staple rotation used when athletes are first learning the sport or still developing their skills/knowledge.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A 4-2 ROTATION?
There are advantages and disadvantages for every rotation option, but its vital as a coach to ensure you are choosing the best option for your current team and programs needs/talents. Each season will bring different dynamics, talent, and challenges with your athletes so knowing all your options advantages & disadvantages will help you make the correct choice for which rotation will best support your team’s talent.
Pros:
Simple Rotations: Out of the rotation options (5-1, 6-2, 4-2) the 4-2 is known to be the simplest/easiest rotation for athletes to learn through. Every volleyball athlete typically starts by learning through the 4-2.
Setter ease: With the setters setting out of the front-row this makes their job a lot easier (in comparison to 6-2, and 5-1 rotations). They simply have to stack, and run to their base position every rotation which is very simple when compared to the other rotation options.
Stable court coverage: With setters only in the front-row, there is less confusion in the back-row in comparison to other rotations like the 5-1 or 6-2 where the setter often has to be hidden in the back-row, or the back-row is adjusted to fill the gap where the setter was. This adds simplicity to your athletes memory during matches.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF A 4-2 ROTATION?
Lets also discuss the disadvantages of running a 4-2 rotation, because this will help you make the best decision for your team based on their current needs, talent, and goals of the season.
Cons
Only 2 front-row attackers: Since the setter only sets when in the front-row, this means our offense only has 2 hitting options at all times (outside, and middle). This is very different front the 6-2 rotation where you have 3 hitting options for all 6 rotations.
Predictable offense: With only two hitting options your opponents blockers/defense can typically anticipate where the set is going, making for a hard to finish offense for the team running a 4-2 rotation.
Limited against elite teams: If your team is running a 4-2 rotation, but are versing an opponent with an elite defense then it is likely those opposing blockers will shut down our 4-2 offense. It’s important to know the level of play of your opponents before choosing your rotation.
HOW TO RUN A 4-2 ROTATION
Now that we have learned what a 4-2 rotation is, and the pros and cons of choosing to use the rotation… we can move into what the 4-2 rotation looks like!
When teaching rotations you need a lot of visuals, and verbal instructions to ensure your athletes can deeply understand it and remember throughout the season. That being said there is no way I could type out a description of all 6 serve receive rotations for the 4-2 system… but I can offer a free Youtube video description, and a downloadable copy of my 4-2 system + an in-game cheat sheet of it!
Link to Downloadable template of my 4-2 rotation + In-game cheatsheet:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4334758415/?ref=share_ios_native_control
Link to Youtube video:
(Stay tuned: this week!)
IN CONCLUSION…
Learning new rotations as an athlete or coach can be a frustrating, time consuming, and overwhelming process… but the pay off is often times worth it! As someone who first learned rotation through the 4-2 rotation system as an athlete, but also taught it and ran it as a head coach (when at the JV level)… I know both sides of this coin and the hard work was worth it in the end! This is the simplest and staple rotations in our sport of volleyball so I hope my blog, Youtube video, and downloadable templates help you (and your team) excel in your season.
See you in the next blog post!
-Coach T