Rotations, Lineups & Court Mapping (Start Here)

A lot of “rotation problems” are really clarity problems: players don’t understand the difference between zone, rotation, and position, so they get lost in overlap rules and starting lineups.

Use this page to get the core diagrams and decision rules in place, then teach them with fewer words and more repetition.

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Start here: the fastest path

If you only click one thing first, start here:

• Volleyball Set Diagram: https://coachingvb.com/volleyball-set-diagram/
• Setting up your starting rotation: 5-1: https://coachingvb.com/setting-starting-rotation-5-1/
• Volleyball overlap rule — please teach players: https://coachingvb.com/volleyball-overlap-rule-please-teach-players/

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Step 1 — Get the court language right (zones and positions)

Most confusion disappears when players can answer two questions quickly:

• “What zone am I currently in (1–6)?”
• “What is my role/position in this rotation?”

Wave 1 page coming next:

• Volleyball Zones & Court Positions (with diagrams) (new page — link will be added here)

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Step 2 — Use set diagrams as a shared visual language

Set diagrams help players and coaches communicate without long explanations. They’re also the fastest way to align on systems (5–1, 6–2) and serve-receive alignment.

Start here:

• Volleyball Set Diagram: https://coachingvb.com/volleyball-set-diagram/

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Step 3 — Build your 5–1 starting rotation with simple decision rules

Instead of starting with “where do people stand,” start with “what problems are we trying to solve?”

Common decision drivers:

• maximize front-row attackers
• protect serve receive (hide/feature passers)
• align your best setter-hitter connections
• manage matchups (at higher levels)

Start here:

• Setting up your starting rotation: 5-1: https://coachingvb.com/setting-starting-rotation-5-1/
• Putting together a starting line-up: https://coachingvb.com/putting-together-a-starting-line-up/

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Step 4 — Teach overlap rules as a habit, not a lecture

Overlap problems happen because players move early, drift, or don’t know which reference points matter.

Start here:

• Volleyball overlap rule — please teach players: https://coachingvb.com/volleyball-overlap-rule-please-teach-players/

Helpful companion:

• Volleyball rotations & court positioning (teaching youngsters): https://coachingvb.com/volleyball-rotations-court-positioning-teaching-youngsters/

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Step 5 — Know your substitution and rotation constraints

Different leagues have different rules. Even when rules are simple, you need a plan for:

• who plays where in each rotation
• what changes you’ll make when you lose a matchup
• how to stay within limits

Start here:

• Player rotation and substitution limits: https://coachingvb.com/player-rotation-and-substitution-limits/

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Wave 1 pages coming next (links will be added here)

As these are published/refreshed, they’ll become the primary “Start here” links above:

• Volleyball Zones & Court Positions (new canonical with diagrams)
• Volleyball Set Diagram (refresh: include “what numbers mean,” common examples, FAQs)
• 5–1 Rotation + Starting Lineup Decision Rules (refresh)
• Overlap Rules for Coaches (refresh: teaching plan + common mistakes)

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FAQs

What’s the difference between a zone and a position?

A zone is where you are on the court right now (1–6). A position/role is what you do in that rotation (setter, outside, middle, opposite, etc.). Rotations move you through zones; your role may stay the same.

What’s the fastest way to teach rotations to new players?

Use a consistent diagram, keep language simple (zones 1–6), and rehearse rotations in short, frequent reps rather than one long explanation.

Why do we keep getting overlap calls?

Players are moving early or drifting before contact, or they don’t know which reference relationships matter (left/right and front/back). Teach the rule as a pre-serve checklist.

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Back to Start Here: https://coachingvb.com/start-here/