What Is An Ace In Volleyball? Secrets to Score More Aces

Ace in volleyball are incredibly exciting and give a huge boost of confidence to the serving player. In volleyball, the thrill of an ace is unmatched, boosting the server’s confidence sky-high. 
Aces can turn the tide of the game, rallying your team and disheartening the opposition. They’re essentially “free points” as the ball doesn’t even make it back over the net.

With the right practice and focus, you can up your ace game and become a key server for your squad.

This article dives into all things ace-related, covering:

• The definition of an ace (and what it’s not)
• Strategies for serving more aces
• Pro-level ace examples

What Does An Ace Mean In Volleyball?

An ace occurs when the opposing team fails to return the serve, instantly earning a point. The most recognized form is when the serve lands in play without being touched.

Serving is unique in volleyball, as it’s the sole moment a player can score solo. It’s a significant feat for any player.

But “ace” has another meaning in volleyball. It can refer to the team’s top hitter or scorer, often the outside hitter, trusted by the setter in challenging situations.

Becoming the “ace” hitter has its standards, typically involving beating two blockers solo.

This article focuses on the serving ace, but for those interested in spiking techniques and becoming the team’s ace hitter, you can explore my guide on how to SPIKE in volleyball.

What Counts As An Ace In Volleyball? Two Common Types

An ace in volleyball has two main forms: (1) the no-touch ace and (2) the regular ace.

1. No Touch Ace

This is the ace everyone knows: the serve lands on the opponent’s side without any contact.

It can be achieved with different serving styles, but float serves that drift back in bounds are a common sight.

2.  A Regular Ace

A regular ace covers all other ace scenarios in volleyball.

This happens when the serve leads to a point or isn’t returned by the opposing team, occurring in various ways:

• If the receiver fails to execute a precise pass, resulting in the ball going out of bounds, hitting the ground, or soaring into the net, it is considered an ace. Even if the ball crosses over the net and lands outside the server’s territory, the play concludes, and a point is awarded to the server.
• Additionally, an ace is awarded when the referee detects a rule violation by the receiving player. Common infractions include lifts and double hits, although the specific call may vary depending on the referee and the game. For instance, if the serve makes contact with the receiver’s arms and chest, it may not be considered a double hit. However, if the player ends up passing the ball to themselves, it is likely to be deemed a double hit, resulting in an ace for the server.

A “Return Ace”: What Does This Mean?

In volleyball, there’s an obscure type of ace known as the “Return Ace“. This occurs when the ball, served by one team, is immediately sent back over the net by the receiver, scoring a point.

The elusive ace variant is rarely witnessed and even less acknowledged. Why, you may ask? It’s simply more efficient to pass the ball to a teammate to set up a spike, increasing the likelihood of scoring.

However, the inherent element of surprise in a return ace has the potential to disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm. This strategic move can prove especially impactful in games played at lower levels, where unforeseen plays have the power to shift the momentum in a game.

In beach volleyball, where teams comprise only two players instead of six, the return ace occurs with slightly higher frequency. It is strategically utilized in specific situations, aiming to either swiftly score or disrupt the game’s rhythm.

What Does NOT Count As An Ace in Volleyball?

It’s important to clarify what doesn’t constitute an ace in volleyball, as there are common misconceptions.

• A common misconception in volleyball is mistaking a rotational fault for an ace. Let’s dive into this: a rotational fault occurs when a team is not in the correct rotation during a serve. When this happens, the referee steps in, pauses the game, and awards a point to the non-offending team. Interestingly, even knowledgeable spectators sometimes mistakenly attribute this point to an ace.
• An important point to note is that when an unreturned ball is touched more than once by the receiving team, it does not qualify as an ace. While this does result in a point, it is attributed to the receiving team’s errors rather than the server’s skill. It’s worth highlighting that once the receiving team touches the ball, the server’s influence on the play comes to an end.
• Lastly, any play where the ball is returned over the net or results in a point for the receiving team cannot be classified as an ace.

Understanding these nuances helps in appreciating the skill and strategy involved in scoring a true ace in volleyball.

Frequency of Aces in Volleyball Matches

The occurrence of aces in volleyball matches might surprise you.

At the university level, it’s common to see about 3-5 aces per set, which adds up to an average of around 15 aces in a single match.

Interestingly, the frequency of aces varies across different skill levels. In middle school and high school volleyball, where players are still developing their passing skills and tactical understanding, aces are more frequent. Here, you can expect about 5-10 aces per set, leading to an average of around 25 aces per match.

On the other hand, at the professional level, aces are slightly less common than at the university level. Professional players typically achieve 2-3 aces per set. This reduced frequency is due to the higher skill level of the players, who are better at serving and receiving, as well as their strategic game play.

The exact number of aces can vary depending on the serving player’s skill and the opposing team’s defensive strategies.

Four Strategies to Enhance Your Ace Serving Skills in Volleyball

Securing an ace in volleyball is not just exhilarating, it’s a testament to the dedication and skill you’ve honed over time. Beyond the personal triumph, it hands your team a valuable point and a brief respite, all while ramping up the pressure on your opponents.

While there’s no surefire recipe for an ace every time, certain strategies can significantly boost your chances. Here are four key tips to enhance your ace-serving prowess:

• Targeting the court’s edges
• Identify and Target Weaker Receivers
• Vary Your Serving Style
• Consistent Practice

1. Targeting the court’s edges

Targeting the court’s edges with your serve can significantly increase its effectiveness, making it more challenging for defenders to decide whether to attempt a pass or let the ball go. However, this strategy comes with a risk: inaccurate serves could lead to more lost points due to balls landing out of bounds.

To enhance your precision, practice aiming just within the court’s boundary lines, perhaps using cones for visual guidance to track your improvement.

Be aware of how different types of serves, like float and topspin, affect the ball’s path. Float serves are deceptive, their unpredictable movement making them difficult to handle. Topspin serves, on the other hand, rely on speed, making them harder to receive due to their rapid pace. When aiming for the edges, it’s crucial to choose the serve you can control best, maximizing its potential effectiveness.

2. Identify and Target Weaker Receivers

Focusing your serves on the weaker passers of the opposing team is an effective strategy to accumulate aces and apply psychological pressure.

Start by identifying the less skilled passers through exploratory serves. Once you pinpoint these players, consistently direct your serves at them, increasing the difficulty of each serve. This sustained pressure can lead to a decline in their passing performance, potentially leading to more aces for you.

While this approach might seem harsh, it’s a tactical decision rooted in strategic gameplay. Competent coaches might counter this by repositioning their team or substituting the targeted player. The player might also adapt and improve their response to your serves.

Therefore, it’s important to be strategic and adaptable in your serving choices. With the right approach and execution, this method can significantly increase your chances of scoring aces.

3. Vary Your Serving Style

Variety is key in volleyball, especially when serving. To keep the opposing team guessing and increase your chances of scoring an ace, vary your serves. This can involve targeting different players, adjusting the length of your serves, and alternating between float and topspin serves as you gain confidence.

However, be cautious not to overdo the variations, as this could disrupt your serving rhythm. A balanced approach keeps the opposition uncertain and maintains your serving effectiveness.

A straightforward strategy for mixing up your serve is to alternate between a deep float serve and a short float serve, aiming for the gaps or ‘seams’ between players. Teams often anticipate and call out the expected serve type (“deep” or “short”) after your first serve. By serving contrary to their expectations, you might catch them off guard, increasing your chances of an ace.

4. Practice

Finally, the most effective way to enhance your ability to score aces is through dedicated practice.

Devote significant time to serving practice, prioritizing consistency in rhythm and precision in technique. While it is common for teams to approach serving drills with a more relaxed demeanor, approach these sessions with utmost seriousness and intent. Establish specific targets and once achieved, progress to more challenging goals. Regularly revisit these objectives before implementing them in actual games. Incremental improvements each day can lead to substantial advancements over time, elevating your serves from routine plays to formidable weapons on the court.

Undoubtedly, there is a distinct sense of accomplishment that accompanies successfully scoring an ace.

My Top 3 Iconic Ace In Volleyball 

1.Ivan Zaytsev: Italy vs USA, 2014 World League Finals

In what might be one of the most memorable ace streaks in volleyball history, Ivan Zaytsev orchestrated an incredible comeback for Italy in the 2014 World League Finals. He delivered four consecutive aces, turning the tide of the game and clinching the set for Italy, which ultimately led to their match victory.

These aces demonstrated the impact of a powerful serve, influencing not just the immediate play but the momentum of the entire match. Zaytsev’s mental resilience and exceptional technique were on full display, as he executed both untouched aces and standard ones with equal finesse. His strategy of targeting the court’s edges proved highly effective, outmaneuvering even the USA’s seasoned libero and other skilled players.

2. Yuji Nishida: Japan vs Canada 2019

In a remarkable display of serving skill, Yuji Nishida of Japan showcased his prowess in a 2019 World Cup match against Canada. A video capturing this moment highlights his streak of six aces in a row, a testament to his years of honed technique and strategic precision.

Nishida’s approach was methodical, leveraging his acute accuracy to exploit weaknesses in the Canadian team’s reception. His left-handed style opened up unique angles on the court, which he exploited masterfully, securing a series of aces.

The standout aspects of Nishida’s performance were his pinpoint accuracy and the angles he created. These factors, more than sheer power or height, were instrumental in earning him these aces and ultimately contributing to Japan’s victory in the match.

3. Kyle Russell: V-League 2022

Kyle Russell’s performance for the Daejeon Samsung Bluefangs in the Korean V-League stands as a remarkable feat in volleyball history. He set a new league record by delivering an astonishing eight consecutive aces, showcasing the sheer power of an effective serve.

While the previous examples of Ivan Zaytsev and Yuji Nishida highlighted precision and strategic targeting, Russell’s approach was distinctively different. He emphasized raw power in his serves, though his accuracy was also a crucial factor in his success.

The impact of a powerful serve in volleyball cannot be overstated. It can be daunting for opponents to face and exhilarating for both the server and the audience when executed successfully. Kyle Russell’s performance is a prime example of how a potent serve can not only score points but also energize and inspire. His record-setting achievement in the Korean V-League is a testament to the influence a commanding serve can have on the dynamics of a volleyball game.

Ace In Volleyball FAQs