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Volleyball · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Sub-level 5.4

Time-outs and Substitutions as Tools

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

When to call a time-out, stopping a run, icing the server, what is said in a time-out, saving time-outs, the serving specialist, blocking and defensive substitutes, a player in a slump, the video challenge and planning substitutions.

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 1When to call a time-outTake a test

  1. Two or three lost points is the usual signal.

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

  2. A team playing well should keep its rhythm going.

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

  3. A time-out is the chance to tell the team one key thing.

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

  4. A pause helps nervous players reset.

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

  5. With only two per set, each must be used at the right moment.

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

  6. If the side-out works, the run may end without a pause.

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

  7. A team in rhythm is the team about to go on a run.

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

  8. Notice, decide, call and instruct.

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

  9. Runs are the usual reason; after a won rally is rare.

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

  10. Hands forming a T ask for a time-out.

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

Test 2Stopping a runTake a test

  1. Waiting longer lets the run become a big gap.

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

  2. Siding out is what ends the run.

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

  3. Moving the passer the server keeps targeting can end the run.

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

  4. An error right after the pause keeps the run going.

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

  5. If the run continues, another pause may be needed.

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

  6. Fresh players or a new formation can help end the run.

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

  7. Winning the next rally ends the run.

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

  8. Run, time-out, pass and side-out.

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

  9. Words first, then a pause, then a pause with a change.

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

  10. A pause during a run aims to throw the server off her rhythm.

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

Test 3Icing the serverTake a test

  1. The receiving side makes the server wait before her serve.

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

  2. Making a server wait matters most at big moments.

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

  3. A long wait at a big moment can build pressure.

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

  4. A firm routine helps them ignore the wait.

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

  5. Experienced servers often serve just as well after a wait.

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

  6. The time-out is used up and cannot be used later.

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

  7. A player fresh off the bench may feel the pressure more.

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

  8. Set point, ball, time-out and the delayed serve.

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

  9. Experience helps a server ignore the wait.

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

  10. A time-out just before the serve is called icing the server.

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

Test 4What is said in a time-outTake a test

  1. With seconds to speak, a prepared message is clearer.

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

  2. A clear, small message is easiest to apply.

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

  3. Drawing the change makes it clear at a glance.

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

  4. A short recovery helps players listen and focus.

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

  5. Calm words help nervous players settle.

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

  6. Court leaders often add a word from the players' side.

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

  7. An instruction helps only if it is applied at once.

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

  8. Drink, key point, team shout and back to play.

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

  9. One simple target is easiest; many changes are hardest.

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

  10. A single clear change is easiest to apply at once.

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

Test 5Saving time-outsTake a test

  1. A substitution also pauses play and can change the rotation.

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

  2. An empty time-out count leaves the end to chance.

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

  3. A gap that grows too large can lose the set early.

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

  4. The run-in from about 20 is when a time-out matters most.

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

  5. An opponent with no time-outs left cannot pause a run.

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

  6. Even a leading team may need a pause if it starts to wobble.

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

  7. A simple plan helps the coach use them well.

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

  8. Watch, stop a run, save one and use it late.

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

  9. The closer to the end, the more a pause is worth.

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

  10. An early single point lost is no reason to use a time-out.

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

Test 6The serving specialistTake a test

  1. Until the serve is lost she stays in the back row and defends.

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

  2. The specialist serves instead of a teammate with a weaker serve.

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

  3. Break points late in the set can be won from the service line.

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

  4. Often a middle who will soon rotate out for the libero anyway.

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

  5. Once the serve is lost, the starter usually comes back.

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

  6. A strong serve is why they come on.

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

  7. Serving well straight off the bench needs a warm arm.

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

  8. Warm up, come on, serve and go off.

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

  9. The weaker her serve, the more likely the swap.

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

  10. A player brought on mainly to serve is a serving specialist.

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

Test 7Blocking and defensive substitutesTake a test

  1. A short setter is a weak spot in the block.

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

  2. She comes on for her height at the net.

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

  3. A defensive specialist replaces a weaker passer in the back row.

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

  4. A better passer helps the side-out in that rotation.

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

  5. Once the setter is in the back row, her block is no longer needed.

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

  6. Specialists can strengthen a weak spot in a rotation.

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

  7. Each set allows a limited number of substitutions.

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

  8. Front row, sub on, three rotations and back.

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

  9. Blockers at the net; the others defend in the back.

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

  10. A tall player in front strengthens the block.

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

Test 8A player in a slumpTake a test

  1. Drooping shoulders or anger can mean the next error is coming.

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

  2. A calm word helps her come back ready.

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

  3. A fresh player can lift the team.

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

  4. A short break is often enough to settle her.

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

  5. Some players play better when the coach shows faith in them.

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

  6. A player who stops swinging freely may need help.

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

  7. Everyone makes errors; a pattern is what matters.

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

  8. Notice, change, talk and return.

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

  9. A word first, fewer sets next, a rest last.

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

  10. A calm talk helps a struggling player recover.

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

Test 9The video challengeTake a test

  1. The review is shown so everyone can see the decision.

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

  2. Challenges are limited, so they are saved for important calls.

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

  3. A team has only a few challenges, and a failed one may be lost.

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

  4. Ball in or out, block touches and net touches are common checks.

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

  5. Like a time-out, a review stops the flow of play.

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

  6. Players near the ball tell the bench what they saw.

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

  7. A failed challenge leaves the call as it was.

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

  8. Call, request, review and decision.

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

  9. Close calls at big moments are worth the most.

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

  10. Asking for a replay review is a video challenge.

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

Test 10Planning substitutionsTake a test

  1. Each bench player knows the moments she may be used.

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

  2. Knowing the swap in advance avoids confusion.

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

  3. A player who knows when she will play can prepare.

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

  4. A back-up for each position keeps the team complete.

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

  5. Specialists can be used against the opponents' strengths.

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

  6. An assistant keeps count and reminds the coach.

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

  7. A plan is a guide; the match may call for other moves.

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

  8. Study, choose, tell and adjust.

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

  9. Serving swaps are common; a back-up setter is rare.

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

  10. Planning substitutions makes them quick and clear in the match.

    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