What is a sideout in volleyball?
A sideout is when the receiving team wins a rally, earning both a point and the right to serve. The receiving team then rotates before serving.
Full Explanation
A sideout occurs when the receiving team wins a rally under the current rally scoring system. The term has historical roots: in the old sideout scoring system, winning a rally as the receiver only gave your team the "side" (serve), not a point. Under modern rally scoring (FIVB Rule 6.1.3.2), when the receiving team wins a rally they score a point AND earn the serve. Per FIVB Rule 7.6.2, they must rotate clockwise before the next service. The term "sideout percentage" or "sideout rate" is a key performance statistic, measuring how often a team scores a point when receiving.
Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA | Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 6.1.3.2; FIVB Rule 7.6.2
Primary sources:
- Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028 (FIVB)
- 2025-27 USAV Indoor Rulebook (USA Volleyball)
- NFHS Volleyball Rules (National Federation of State High School Associations)
- NCAA Women's Volleyball Rules Book (NCAA Publications)
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