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Volleyball · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.2

Rotations and Line-ups

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

How rotation works, positional order at the serve, the serving order, starting rotations, hiding players in receive, the setter's path and switching, weak rotations, the libero, substitutions and match-ups.

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 1How rotation worksTake a test

  1. Rotating clockwise moves the front-right player, position 2, into position 1.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. With six players, the team passes through six rotations.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. A team rotates only when it wins the serve back from the opponents.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. Clockwise, position 1 moves to position 6.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. Clockwise, the front-left player moves to the front middle.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. As the team rotates, every regular player passes through the serving position.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. Rotation moves everyone round the court, which teams undo with switches after the serve.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Clockwise: 2, 1, 6, 5, then 4 and 3.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Winning the serve back means rotating, then serving.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. B is in position 2, the front right, which moves to position 1 next.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 2Positions at the serveTake a test

  1. Each front-row player must be closer to the centre line than the back-row player behind.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. Position 1 is the back-row partner of position 2.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. Front row from left to right is 4, 3, 2.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. After the service hit, players may move anywhere on their court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. A positional fault gives the point, and the serve, to the opponents.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. The server is behind the end line and outside the positional rules.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. Positions are judged by the feet in contact with the floor.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Back right 1, back middle 6, back left 5.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Positions count until the serve is struck.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. D, in position 6, stands closer to the net than C in position 3 in front of her.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 3The serving orderTake a test

  1. The first server is the player written in position 1 on the line-up sheet.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. The rotation order on the line-up sheet holds for the whole set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. Serving out of order is a rotational fault: point and serve to the opponents.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. The team returns to its correct order, and points scored during the fault are cancelled.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. The toss winner chooses to serve or receive, or which side to play.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. A new toss is held before the deciding set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. The first serve alternates from set to set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Sheets, positions, the check, then the serve.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. The first serve alternates each set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. She checks that the players stand as written on the line-up sheet.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 4Starting rotationsTake a test

  1. Coaches often number rotations by the setter's position.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. With the setter in the back row, all three front-row players can attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. She is in the front row for three rotations and the back row for three.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. Where the setter is decides how many hitters and which plays are available.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. In the front row, the setter fills a spot that would hold an attacker.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. The starting places decide which players meet across the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. Three places from the setter in position 1 is position 4.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Clockwise from position 1.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Scout, plan the match-up, write it down.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. Count the three players at the net: none of them is the setter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 5Hiding players in serve receiveTake a test

  1. A setter who passes cannot also set, so teams keep her out of the passing.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. Players may bunch up as long as the front/back and left/right order holds.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. Middles usually pass less well, so the libero and outsides take the serves.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. Stacking moves non-passers out of the way, close to the net or a side line.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. Hiding leaves the passing to the team's best passers.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. Hiding is allowed only within the overlap rules.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. A short serve can force a hidden player to pass after all.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Plan, hide, check and pass.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Setters are hidden most; liberos almost never.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. Players bunched near the net are hidden so the passers can take the serve.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 6The setter's path and switchingTake a test

  1. Position 5 is the back left, the farthest point from the target on the right.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. In the front row, she can wait right next to the target.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. The target is near the right side of the net, in front of position 2.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. Starting at the left, she moves to the right side to set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. Players have only the flight of the serve to reach their spots.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. Hitters move to their favourite attacking side once the ball is served.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. Practised switches mean everyone knows where to go.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Positions count until the serve; then players switch.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Front right is closest; back left farthest.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. Switching after the serve puts each hitter on her favourite side.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 7Strong and weak rotationsTake a test

  1. Some rotations put weaker passers or fewer hitters on court together.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. Points won and lost in each rotation show where the team struggles.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. Winning one rally on the opponents' serve rotates the team out of it.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. With the setter in the front row, only two front-row hitters attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. A strong start puts pressure on the opponents.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. A specialist can come on for the weak rotation and go off after.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. A team stuck in a weak rotation can lose several points running.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Measure, find, plan and test.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. A time-out, a side-out and the team moves on.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. A time-out can break the run in a weak rotation.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 8The libero and the rotationTake a test

  1. Both middles hand their back-row turns to her.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. The libero may not play in the front row, so the middle comes back first.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. Under the FIVB rules the libero does not serve, so the middle serves in position 1.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. Like substitutions, replacements are made when the ball is dead.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. Outside hitters can pass; middles are usually weaker in the back row.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. Some coaches use one libero in serve receive and the other in defence.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. The assistant scorer keeps track of libero replacements.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Serve, swap with the libero, return for the front row.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Liberos always; outsides half the time; middles least, replaced by the libero.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. The libero swaps with a middle at the side of the court between rallies.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 9Substitutions and the rotationTake a test

  1. Each team has six substitutions per set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. A substitute takes the place, and the rotation spot, of the player who leaves.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. A starter may leave once and return once per set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. Substitute and starter are linked for the set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. When the setter reaches the front row, two subs replace setter and opposite.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. After the swap, the setter is at the back and the net has its hitters.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. Substitutions happen when the ball is out of play.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Off once, back once, and then they are done.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Two substitutions keep a back-row setter and three hitters in front.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. A double switch is two substitutions made together.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

Test 10Match-upsTake a test

  1. Match-ups are the pairings of players across the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  2. A strong blocker can take away the opponents' best weapon.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  3. A different starting rotation changes the pairings across the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  4. The setter's place shapes which hitters are where.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  5. Each rotation moves players, so the pairings change.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  6. In a set to 15, the first servers get the most chances.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  7. A team that repeats its start can be planned for.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · recall

  8. Observe, plan, choose and hand in.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  9. Review and rewrite between sets.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

  10. Putting the best blocker against the best hitter is a planned match-up.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), FIVB OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references · applied

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 OVR 2025-2028 (Rules 7, 15, 19), general coaching references100