Volleyball Stat Definitions Glossary
Comprehensive glossary of volleyball statistics and ratings -- including serve, receive, hitting efficiency, and dig metrics -- based on SoloStats standards.
Complete Volleyball Statistics Glossary
This comprehensive glossary defines all volleyball statistics and ratings used in SoloStats. Use this reference to understand stat definitions, calculations, and how they're used in volleyball analytics.
Offensive Statistics
Attack
An attempt to score a point, other than by serving
Attempt
An action to score a point, other than by serving. You count the attempts when calculating Kills %. For example: kills/attempts
Kill
An attack that results in a score
Attack Error
An attempt to score a point, other than by serving, that results in a point for the opponent
Hitting Efficiency
(Kills - Errors) ÷ Attempts - measures offensive effectiveness
Setting Statistics
Assist
A set that leads directly to a kill
Setting Error
A set that results in an error or prevents an attack
Defensive Statistics
Dig Attempt
An attempt to control an opponent's attacked ball and prevent a kill. It does not include recovering a ball blocked by the opponent into the digger's court
Dig
A player successfully controlling an opponent's attacked ball and preventing a kill. It does not include recovering a ball blocked by the opponent into the digger's court
Dig Error
A failed attempt to control an opponent's attacked ball resulting in a point for the opponent
Block (Successful)
When the blocker returns an attack into the attacker's court and it directly results in a point by the blocker
Blocker Error
During the block, the blocker either nets, deflects the attacked ball out of bounds or makes a center-line violation
Serving Statistics
Ace
A serve resulting in a point for the server that either hits the opponent's court or is received but not brought under control enough to return to the server side
Service Error
A failed serve attempt resulting in a point for the opponent that can be due to the ball going out of bounds, hitting the antenna or not crossing the net
Serve Rating
The quality of a serve: 0 = error, 1 = opponent's 3 or perfect pass, 2 = opponent's 2 pass, 3 = opponent's 1 pass, 4 = ace
Serve Receive Statistics
Receive Error
A receive of a serve that is not brought under control enough to return to the opponent
Receive Rating
The quality of a receive pass: 0 = error, 1 = out of system return to opponent, 2 = good enough to set pins, 3 = perfect, can run middle quick
Free Ball Statistics
Free-ball Pass
The attempt to control a ball that is returned by the opponent in a non-attack action
Free-ball Pass Rating
0 = error, 1 = out of system return to opponent, 2 = good enough to set pins, 3 = perfect, can run middle quick
Team Statistics
Sideout Percentage
Percentage of points won when receiving serve
Kill Percentage
Percentage of attacks that result in kills
Error Percentage
Percentage of attacks that result in errors
Related Resources
Tools for Tracking These Statistics
Track all these statistics with SoloStats tools: