Shank

A shank is a colloquial term for a badly misdirected pass or dig, typically caused by off-center contact with the forearms, sending the ball out of the system or into the stands. "Shank" is not defined in FIVB rules. The contact is legal (provided it is a single clean contact per FIVB Rule 9.2.1) regardless of the direction, but a shanked serve-receive typically prevents the team from running an effective attack.

Ruleset: FIVB  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 9.2.1