What Is A Substitution?

A substitution in volleyball is when one player on the court is replaced by another player from the bench during a set.

Why Do Substitutions Happen?

Substitutions can happen for a number of reasons.

Strategy: To bring in players who are really good at certain skills, like serving, blocking, or defense.

Match opponent: To adjust the lineup to better match the opponent.

Tactical changes: To put in a player who is better for a specific moment in the game, such as a serving specialist or defensive specialist.

Performance: A player should be subbed if they are "off their game," out of focus, struggling with passing, or showing negative emotions.

Playtime: Coaches may make substitutions to get other players court time.

Momentumchange: If the team is losing, the coach might switch players to help turn the game around.

When Can Substitutions Happen?

Substitutions happen between rallies, when the ball is “dead” or not in play. Substitutions must be authorized by the second referee.

How Do Substitutions Happen?

The coach or player lets the referee know they want to switch players by making the hand signal for substitution. The new player stands at the side of the court, then comes in and takes the exact same spot as the player they are replacing. The referee gives the okay before the game starts again.

What is the Substitution Zone?

The substitution zone is the area between the centre line and the attack line, outside the court, and in front of the scorer table.

Recording a Substitution

The scorekeeper writes down the substitution on the scoresheet. They record which number came in, which player came out, and what the score was when the substitution occurred.

Can A Substitution Be Denied?

Yes! There are a few scenarios when teams cannot make a substitution:

Wrong timing: You try to sub while the ball is in play (the rally is still happening).

Too many subs: Your team has already used the maximum number of substitutions allowed (most tournaments are 12 unlimited subs, but check your tournament rules!)

Wrong player: You try to replace a player with someone who isn’t allowed to sub for them (players must follow substitution rules and rotation order).

Too late: The substitute isn’t ready (doesn’t have knee pads on, shoes untied, has hoodie or warm up shirt over their jersey, etc) or doesn’t enter the substitution zone in time.

Illegal request: The coach or player doesn’t properly signal for the substitution.

If a sub is denied, your team might get a delay warning (yellow card)!

Other Important Info

Multiple Subs: Multiple players can be substituted simultaneously

Libero Exceptions: The Libero can replace any back-row player without using a regular substitution, and these changes are unlimited, usually done after a side-out.

Different tournaments will have different rules. Check to see how many substitutions your team is allowed.

Unlimited Substitutions: Teams can substitute players in and out up to 12 times. Players can only replace the sub they went in for.

Limited Substitutions: Teams are only allowed a specific number of substitutions per set (usually 12, depending on the league rules). Players follow strict rules about who they can sub for (you can only replace the same player once!). You only have a limited number of chances to switch players, so use them wisely!

How To Do a Substitution - Step By Step

1. Be ready! The player going in should be ready and know who they are replacing.

2. Wait in the right spot - Stand on the side of the court (between the net and attack line).

3. Ask for the sub - The coach or player lets the referee know.

4. Referee says okay - The referee blows the whistle to allow it.

5. Meet your teammate - The player coming out walks to the side. You meet them there.

6. Switch places - You can high-five as you pass each other.

7. Scorekeeper writes it down - They record who came in, who went out, and the score.

8. Go onto the court - Step in after the referee allows it.

9. Take their exact spot - Stand in the same position as the player you replaced.

10. Game continues! Once everyone is ready, play starts again.