The offense attempts to hit the ball over the net so that the defense cannot return it. All offensive patterns call for the ball to be passed to a setter close to the net. The setter then delivers the ball to a spiker to hit into the opponent's court.

4-2 Offensive System

The simplest offense is called the "4-2." This team system is the introduction to specialization and is the basis for other offensive playing systems. The "4-2" system requires the following personnel:

Two setters: each setter will set three times during his/her front row positions. The setters are placed opposite each other in the rotation. The setters need to be quick, have stable personalities, and be good ball handlers and leaders.

Four hitters: each will line up in the front row to hit the ball from either the left side, middle or right side. Ideally hitters should be tall and capable of jumping high. Hitters should possess good individual attack skills and have several types of hits and strong arms. Good movement skills and quickness are other desirable traits. The ability to block middle or outside is also important.

Two to four defensive specialists: these players substitute when the big front row players reach the back row. These defensive roles are important. The players need to be quick and tenacious, have good defensive skills, be good servers, and skilled serve receivers.

Note: the 4-2 offense possible starting positions. This diagram shows how the setter should get to the passing target from each starting position. S1, S2 = Setters; A, B, C, D = hitters; underline indicates a frontrow position. X = passing target that setter should move towards.

The 6-2 Offensive System

The 6-2 offense makes use of 6 hitters and 2 setters. Again the setters are placed opposite each other in the rotation. The setter in the front row becomes a hitter. This offense gives a team three hitters in the front row as the setter will always come from the back row to set the ball .

Note: The 6-2 offense possible starting positions. In this offense, the setter in the front row becomes a fifth hitter. This diagram shows how the setter should get to the passing target from each starting position. S1, S2 = Setters; A, B, C, D = hitters; underline indicates a frontrow position. X = passing target that setter should move towards.

The 5-1 Offensive System

The 5-1 offense is a combination of the 4-2 and 6-2 offensive systems. Five hitters and 1 setter comprise a 5-1 offensive playing system. When the setter is in the back row, there are three available front row hitters (6-2.) When the setter is in the front row, there are two available front row hitters (4-2.)

Note: The 5-1 offense possible starting positions. This diagram shows how the setter should get to the passing target from each starting position. S1, S2 = Setters; A, B, C, D = hitters; underline indicates a frontrow position. X = passing target that setter should move towards.