A serve, a dive, a whistle — and just like that, the point’s over. If you’ve ever been left guessing what happened, you’re not alone. Referees use hand signals to explain each play and keep the game moving.
Get to know those signals, and you’ll follow every call like a seasoned fan. Here’s your breakdown of the 22 most common hand signals used during a volleyball match.
Illegal Alignment / Improper Server
A player was out of position when the ball was served, or the wrong person served. The result: point for the other team.
Line Violation
A player crossed completely under the center line or stepped on/over the end line during the serve.
Illegal Hit
The ball was caught, held, or thrown instead of being struck cleanly — what most people call a “lift.”
Over the Net
A player reached across and contacted a ball that was completely on the other side before they were allowed to. This can apply to a block or attack.
Net Fault / Net Serve
If the serve hits the net and doesn’t cross, it’s a net serve. If a player touches the net during play, it’s a net fault. Either way, point for the opponent.
Illegal Attack
A back-row player attacked a ball above the net in front of the 10-foot line, or the libero attacked a ball above the net anywhere.
Illegal Block or Screening
An illegal block happens when a player not allowed to block — usually a back-row player — participates in one. Screening means the serving team’s front line created a “wall” that hid the serve from the opponent’s view.
Ball Touched
The ball landed out, but the defender’s fingertips made contact first. Point goes to the hitter’s team.
Four Hits
A team contacted the ball four times before sending it over. Remember: a block doesn’t count as a hit.
Double Hit
A player touched the ball twice in succession when only one contact is allowed — often on an uneven set.
Ball Lands In
The ball touched the court or any part of the line. That line counts — point for the attacking team.
Ball Out / Antenna Violation
The ball landed outside the lines, hit the antenna, or crossed outside it. Point for the other side.
Beckon for Serve
The ref extends an arm, blows the whistle, and invites the server to start the rally.
Substitution
A player enters for another — the ref signals it before play resumes.
Authorization to Enter
After the substitution is logged, the ref waves the new player onto the court.
Point Signal
The ref extends one arm parallel to the floor toward the team that won the rally. It’s quick, confident, and clear.
Replay / Re-Serve
When a rally must be replayed — maybe a stray ball rolls onto the court — the ref signals for a do-over.
Timeout
The ref forms a “T” with their hands and then points toward the team that called it.
Officials Timeout
An officials' timeout may be called to allow referees to confer on matters such as rotation alignment, point allocation, or verifying the correct server.
Unnecessary Delay
Used when a team is stalling, arguing too long, or otherwise slowing the match.
End of Set
Ref signals that the set has officially ended — time to reset and regroup.
Change Courts
Teams switch sides between sets or halfway through the deciding set to keep conditions fair.
Quick Tip
When you see a play stop, watch the referee’s rhythm: whistle — point — explain. The point signal always comes first, then the reason why.
So next time you’re at the game, see if you can spot what ended the point. The more you understand the flow of the match, the more fun it is to watch.
So next time you’re at the game, see if you can spot what ended the point. The more you understand the flow of the match, the more fun it is to watch.
