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VOLLEY·WIKI
★ DOCUMENTATION · 5V5

POSITIONS — 5V5

Positions and tactical systems for 5 vs 5 volleyball.

1. GAME FORMAT
Hybrid format, not officially FIVB/FFVb sanctioned. Used in schools, intramurals, fill-ins and as a transition between 4v4 and 6v6.
2+3 (penetrating setter recommended) or 3+2 (fixed front setter). No libero. Adapted overlap rule: Z4>Z5, Z3>Z6, Z2>Z1 (3-2 setup) or partial relations (2-3). Defensive recommendations are logical adaptations of 6v6, not a codified regulation.
2. TACTICAL SETUP
2 front / 3 back

2 players at the net + 3 back including the penetrating setter (P1). The most defensively stable setup, closest to 6v6 5-1. Typical defense: 1-1-3 system (1 blocker + 1 off-blocker + 3 deep defenders). Recommended to prepare the transition to 6v6.

HALF-COURT — 2 FRONT / 3 BACK
← NET →
BACK OF COURT
LEGEND
  • Net — orange band
  • 3 m — dotted line
  • Click a player for their card
No libero in this configuration.
★ POSITION CARDS
P4

Left wing

Outside

Left wing at the net. Main attacker in zone 4.

SKILLS
AttackBlockReception
TRAITS
  • ▸Setter's #1 target
  • ▸2-person block
  • ▸Versatility
P3

Middle

Middle / opposite

Versatile middle: central block + attack in zone 3 or 2 depending on the set.

SKILLS
BlockQuick attackNet coverage
TRAITS
  • ▸Central block
  • ▸Frequent switch to zone 2
  • ▸No pure P2 attacker
P5

Back left

Reception / defense

Back left: reception on the left + long cross-court.

SKILLS
Forearm passReceptionDefense
TRAITS
  • ▸Defensive pillar
  • ▸3-person reception with P6
P6

Back center

Defensive pillar

Back center: covers the whole back middle, reads long balls.

SKILLS
Deep defenseForearm passCoverage
TRAITS
  • ▸Maximum mobility
  • ▸Recovers pipes and long balls
  • ▸Central reception
P1

Penetrating setter

Setter

Back-row setter at P1 who penetrates to zone 2-3 as soon as the serve is hit. Serves then distributes.

SKILLS
PenetrationHand setServe
TRAITS
  • ▸Penetrates from P1
  • ▸Distributes with 2 attackers in front
  • ▸Short cover after the set
GO DEEPER

Check the Positioning and defense guide to see how this configuration places itself depending on the opposing attack zone.