How is attack efficiency calculated in volleyball?

Take kills, subtract errors and blocked attacks, and divide by attempts. For example, (12 - 4 - 2) / 30 gives .200.

What is the difference between kill percentage and attack efficiency?

Kill percentage is only the share of swings that scored, while efficiency also subtracts errors and blocked attacks. With equal kills, the hitter with fewer errors has the higher efficiency.

Can attack efficiency be negative?

Yes. Below zero means the hitter's errors outweighed her kills.

Why are volleyball statistics given per set?

Per-set figures make players comparable. A single good or bad set can distort an average, and a 15-point fifth set lowers it.

What counts as an assist?

A set that leads to a kill. Without a kill, even a good set earns no assist, so assists depend most on the hitters.

Why should small samples be treated with care?

A handful of swings or a few appearances give too little data to judge a true level. Two kills in two swings is 100% but says little.

Volleyball · Level 6: Advanced · Sub-level 6.1

Statistics and Efficiency

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 25 October 2026 · markdown

Volleyball statistics turn a match into figures that coaches can compare. The best-known is attack efficiency: kills minus errors and blocked attacks, divided by attempts. A hitter with 12 kills, 4 errors and 2 blocks in 30 swings has an efficiency of .200, and a figure below zero means her errors outweighed her kills. Kill percentage is simpler, the share of swings that scored, so 15 kills from 30 swings is 50%. Because it ignores errors and blocked attacks, the gap between the two figures reveals how many swings went wrong.

Per-set figures make players comparable, which is why award rankings such as best blocker use averages per set: 12 blocks in 4 sets is 3 per set. A stuff block ends the rally with a point, faults while blocking count as block errors, and a set leading to a kill is an assist for the setter. Numbers mean more when read against each player's job; a libero does not attack, so kills do not show her value. Small samples mislead too, since a handful of swings cannot show a true level.

Below are the facts on efficiency and kill percentage, figures per set, errors, block and setter statistics, small samples, fair comparisons, team statistics after a match and statistics in practice.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Attack efficiencyTake a test

A blocked attack costs the point, so it counts against the hitter.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Efficiency subtracts errors, so it shows what each swing was worth.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
(12 - 4 - 2) / 30 = 6 / 30 = .200.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Below zero means her errors outweighed her kills.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Hitters who get the high balls from bad passes face bigger blocks.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Out-of-system balls meet a well-formed block.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A hitter may score well in some rotations and poorly in others.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Count, subtract, then divide.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Higher numbers mean more points per swing.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Efficiency is kills minus errors and blocks, over attempts.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 2Kill percentageTake a test

Kill percentage is the share of swings that scored.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Kill percentage ignores errors and blocked attacks.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
15 / 30 = 0.5, or 50%.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
The gap between them reveals how many swings went wrong.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Quicks from good passes often score at a high rate.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Quick sets depend on a pass close to the net.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Two kills in two swings is 100% but says little.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Same attempts, so more kills means a higher percentage.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Efficiency includes errors; total kills ignores attempts too.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Equal kills, fewer errors: higher efficiency.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 3Figures per setTake a test

Per-set figures make players comparable.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
12 / 4 = 3 blocks per set.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Award rankings such as best blocker use averages per set.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A single good or bad set can distort an average.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Aces per set show who scores most from the line.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A 15-point fifth set lowers the average per set.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Soft shots go over or around the block instead of into it.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
2.5, 1.5 and 1.0 blocks per set.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Total, sets, then divide.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Award tables for blocking rank players by average per set.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 4ErrorsTake a test

Fewer mistakes usually mean a team has found its rhythm.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
An unforced error comes from an easy situation.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A large share of points are given away by mistakes.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Tough serving brings misses but also aces and poor passes.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A risky serve and a forced attack need different fixes.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Shots and tools can replace risky hard hits.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Points from opponents' errors were given, not won.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Risky serves are accepted; a rotation fault never helps.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Count, find, train and recount.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
More errors than kills hands points to the opponents.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 5Block statisticsTake a test

A stuff block ends the rally with a point.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A touched ball is slower and easier to dig.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Fast sets beat the block before it can form.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Middles block in all three front-row rotations across the net.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A block that takes away shots helps diggers win rallies.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Faults while blocking count as block errors.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A low opponent efficiency shows the block and defence did their job.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
From a point to a fault.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Middles block most; small setters block least.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
A shared stuff block is often split between the blockers.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 6The setter's numbersTake a test

Good passes allow quick, hard-to-block sets.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Without a kill, a good set earns no assist.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Distribution shows how well the setter reads the game.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Good sets lead to higher efficiency for her hitters.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Easy kills raise assists whatever the set quality.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Distribution is how she spread her sets.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Using the middle stops the block from leaning outside.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Pass, set, kill and the assist.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Choices show decisions; assists depend most on hitters.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
A set leading to a kill is an assist.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 7Small samplesTake a test

A few appearances give too little data to judge.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A handful of swings cannot show a true level.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Over many serves her rate will settle much lower.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
More data gives a steadier picture.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Scoring against a weak block is easier.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
One match may not reflect real progress.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Context such as set quality is not always in the numbers.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
More data means more trust.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Notice, count, compare and watch.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
A single set is the smallest sample.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 8Comparing players fairlyTake a test

Passing quality is the heart of the libero's job.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Per-set and efficiency figures adjust for playing time.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Bad passes lead to high balls against full blocks.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A high rating on few balls means less than on many.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A setter fed poor passes cannot run fast plays.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Blocking and drawing blockers are not counted as kills.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Numbers mean more when read against each player's job.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Same role and a fair measure is best; different roles, worst.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Role, fair figure, context, then compare.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
A libero does not attack, so kills do not show her value.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 9Team statistics after a matchTake a test

Failing to side out usually explains a loss.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
The better attacking team often wins.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Points also come from serving, blocking and opponents' errors.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Predictable sets let the block form in time.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Points won on serve, against errors made, sum up the serving.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Errors can cancel out a team's kills.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Players can work on a short list of clear points.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Side-out, attack, serve and block, then priorities.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Attacks score most; aces are usually fewest.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
The split shows each skill's share of the team's points.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Test 10Statistics in practiceTake a test

One quick number per pass keeps the drill moving.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
A number gives the drill a goal to reach.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Seeing progress encourages players.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Slow recording would interrupt the drills.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Steady passing in practice predicts match passing.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Some players do better in practice than in matches.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Someone off the court can mark a few numbers.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · recall
Skill, target, record and review.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
A higher average is harder to reach.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied
Practice numbers show whether skills improve.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references · applied

Questions people ask

How is attack efficiency calculated in volleyball?: Take kills, subtract errors and blocked attacks, and divide by attempts. For example, (12 - 4 - 2) / 30 gives .200.
What is the difference between kill percentage and attack efficiency?: Kill percentage is only the share of swings that scored, while efficiency also subtracts errors and blocked attacks. With equal kills, the hitter with fewer errors has the higher efficiency.
Can attack efficiency be negative?: Yes. Below zero means the hitter's errors outweighed her kills.
Why are volleyball statistics given per set?: Per-set figures make players comparable. A single good or bad set can distort an average, and a 15-point fifth set lowers it.
What counts as an assist?: A set that leads to a kill. Without a kill, even a good set earns no assist, so assists depend most on the hitters.
Why should small samples be treated with care?: A handful of swings or a few appearances give too little data to judge a true level. Two kills in two swings is 100% but says little.

Sources

FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II) and general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered FIVB rules belong to the Rules category.

FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB statistics, general coaching references100