Skip to content
Insporta Book
en
EnglishРусскийDeutschEspañolEestiSuomiItalianoFrançaisPolski日本語한국어中文
FootballCricketFutsalTriathlonTennisGolfFigure SkatingBasketballVolleyballMethodologyWhy it worksTake a test

Volleyball · Level 3: Pre-Intermediate · Sub-level 3.5

Team Defence Basics

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

Base positions, the line, cross-court and middle-back defenders, block and defence together, single and no block, defending the opposite and the quick, calls in defence and reading the setter.

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 1Base positionsTake a test

  1. In base, the front row waits close to the net for the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. The back row spreads out, ready to move once the set is seen.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. The set tells the defence where the attack will come from.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. A known starting point makes the movement to defence automatic.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Defenders on the move cannot push off quickly the right way.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. From the middle, she can move to block on either side.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. A central base keeps every area within reach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Base, read, move and dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Blockers at the net, side defenders behind, one player deepest.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Before the set, defenders wait in their base positions.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 2Defending the lineTake a test

  1. The line shot from their left runs down our right side line.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. She waits near the side line, deep enough for hard line shots.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A clear view of the hitter lets her judge the shot.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Tips over the block toward the line often fall to her.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. With the line blocked, she moves up to cover soft shots.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Touching an out ball gives the point away.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Our right back, zone 1, faces their left-side hitter's line.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Read the set, move, read the hitter, dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. When the block takes the line, the line defender covers short balls.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. A stands at team B's right back, along the line of the attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 3Defending cross-courtTake a test

  1. The diagonal from their left lands in our left back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Hitters often swing hard across the court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. She waits deep along the diagonal from the hitter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Balls rarely land right behind a good block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Defenders are better used where the block cannot reach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. The busiest defensive spot goes to the best digger.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Our left back, zone 5, takes the cross-court shot.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Read the set, see the block, step out of its shadow and dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The attack beats the block; the cross defender digs to the setter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. C is directly behind the blockers' hands.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 4The middle-back defenderTake a test

  1. Deep in zone 6, she covers balls hit hard and deep.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Moving up puts her where soft shots over the block fall.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. She chases balls that fly deep or bounce off the blockers' hands.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Touches off the block fly in all directions.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Many teams put the libero in the middle back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Staying deep leaves the area behind the block open.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. From the middle back, she sees every hitter and the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Read, line up, stay deep and chase.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Blockers at the net, an 'up' zone 6 just behind, a deep zone 6 at the back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Short shots over the block land where nobody is.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 5Block and defence togetherTake a test

  1. The block takes some shots; the diggers take the rest.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. The block is the first thing the attack has to beat.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Without a formed block, more of the court is open to the hitter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. A good block leaves fewer paths for the attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Tools fly off the hands toward the side lines and deep.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A gap lets the attack through the middle of the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. A deflection upward gives defenders time to play the ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Plan, block, cover and dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The more of the net the block covers, the less the diggers must.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. With the line blocked, the attack goes cross-court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 6Single block and no blockTake a test

  1. One blocker covers less, so the diggers have more to cover.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Without a block, defenders spread to cover the whole court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A down ball or an attack far off the net may not be worth blocking.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. One blocker takes away the hitter's favourite shot.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A front-row player close to the net picks up soft shots.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. From far away, the attack is easier to dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Without the usual block, defenders must agree who takes what.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Spread, share the court, dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Drop off, spread and dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. A slow, standing attack does not need a block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 7Defending the oppositeTake a test

  1. Teams face each other, so their right is our left.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Our left front stands across the net from their right side.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A late attack from deep changes the angles for the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. The diagonal from their right lands in our right back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A left-hander meets the ball on the other side of her body.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Stopping the opposite stops many of their points.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. The sharp cross-court angle now falls on the opposite side of the court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Block on our left; line on our left back; cross on our right back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. A deep hitter means a later block and a deeper defence.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. For a right-side attack, the line belongs to the left back, D.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 8Defending the quickTake a test

  1. There is almost no time between the set and the hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Hit close to the net, a quick comes down at a steep angle.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. The nearest defender behind the block has the best chance.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. A steep, fast ball has to be met low.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Quick hitters often place the ball short when the block is there.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Sending a blocker with the quick means fewer blockers elsewhere.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. The quick is hit almost as it is set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Read the early jump, block, get low and dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The faster the set, the less time to react.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Low and ready, she can get under a steep, fast ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 9Calls in defenceTake a test

  1. The call tells the diggers what the block will take away.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. 'Off' tells a player not to block but to defend.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. From the middle, she sees the setter and calls the set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Defenders behind can see hitters the blockers might miss.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. One word is all there is time for.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Familiar words trigger the right reaction without thinking.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Without calls, two defenders may go for one ball, or none.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Read, call the set, call the shot, cover the rest.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The set, then the block's job, then the dig.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Back-row players help the block by calling the hitters.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 10Reading the setter as a teamTake a test

  1. Every defender takes her cue from the opposing setter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. An arched back sends the ball behind the setter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Leaving base too early leaves holes the setter can use.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. The hands' push tells which way the ball will go.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A poor pass rules out some sets.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A perfect pass makes the quick a real threat.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Knowing a setter's habits helps the block guess right more often.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Pass, setter, set, hitter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The pass comes first, then the setter's shape, then the set.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. In the air at the net, she may tip it straight over.

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