Written by: Thalia U.

Posted: 6/1/24

Last updated: 11/18/24

What is a volleyball “free-ball”?

A free ball is a frequently used volleyball term that describes a common play/action in the sport. A “free-ball” is a golden ticket for setting up your offense!

In this blog post we will go over:

• Definition of a free-ball

• What situations you would see someone free-ball pass

• What to do during a free-ball pass

The definition of a Volleyball “Free-ball”:

A free ball in volleyball: a ball that is passed back over the net instead of using the ideal offensive hit.

A hit may not be the best option due to the quality of an initial pass, so the “free-ball” pass is a last ditch effort to keep the play alive.

The team receiving this pass from an opponent will be considered to be given the “free-ball”.

We use the term “free” because in comparison to a strong hit/down ball, getting a pass lets your team set up an easy chance to set up your offense with the perfect receive.

An example of this in a game could look like:

Your team is on serve receive, and you’re in the back-row. The serve is up, and it’s a strong serve. You attempt to pass the first ball, but it goes behind you.

One of your teammates runs after the ball following your first pass, and saves it… sending it back to the middle of your court.

Your team is now communicating “send it over! send it over!” as the 3rd, final touch is about to happen. The 2nd ball isn’t high enough to try a back-row down ball, so you “free-ball” forearm pass the ball back over the net on the 3rd contact.

When would you see someone free-ball pass back over the net?

You would see someone free-ball pass in situations like:

• During a chaotic rallie

• The first pass/receive was low ranking

• The set was off so the hitter “free-ball’s it back over the net

• keep the play alive

• Etc

People may assume that beginner teams mainly utilize free-balls during a match but that is entirely false! I have watched NCAA college volleyball for almost a decade, and free-balls are seen throughout a full college match.

Think about it this way: A free ball is a way to keep the play alive. College athletes see some of the hardest serves, and swings… so they will utilize free-balls! Their libero’s get crazy digs, but that doesn’t mean it will be a perfect pass every time!

Each play looks different from the next, so you won’t have a perfect pass… or even the same exact play every rally.

What to do during a free-ball?

This will be the most important aspect of learning about the free-ball. We have to make sure as players, and teammates we are working effectively during a free ball situation.

For a game like example:

You notice the your opponent is about to pass their 3rd contact as a free ball. You know this because they have their arms and shoulders low and angled towards the net. This signals to you, and your team that it’s time to move back.

So If your team notices a contact is about to be a free-ball sent to your side of the court you should communicate “FREE BALL”.

You communicate this to let your team know to take a step back, and set up for our offense.

Stepping back looks like front row pulling off the net, usually to the 10ft line. This is because you don’t need to block, or be on the net for a free ball.

In conclusion…

Free balls happen frequently!

It’s important to know what it is, why it happens, and what to do when it happens.

Now you are one step closer to being prepared for this common Volleyball scenario!

Comment below any ideas for future blog posts you’d wish to see.

See you next time!

-Coach T