What is a "serve receive" in volleyball?

The term "serve receive" in volleyball specifically refers to the action of the receiving team handling the opponent's serve to initiate a rally. This is a critical part of the game because how well a team receives the serve can significantly impact their ability to set up an effective attack. When a player successfully executes the serve receive, it sets the tone for the rally, allowing teammates to communicate and position themselves effectively for the subsequent plays.

Proper serve receive technique involves not only the physical skills of passing the ball accurately but also reading the server's cues and anticipating the ball's trajectory. The focus is on maintaining good body positioning and employing effective passing techniques to deliver the ball to the setter, who will then set up the play for attackers.