Combination Play
A packaged route where two or more hitters move on purpose to stress the block: stacks, tandems, X’s, and quick-plus-back plays. The setter is reading who is late, who is early, and which pin still has a single block. In high-level indoor volleyball, combos are how you make a 5-1 look like a six-gun when the pass is only decent.
Example
The quick runs the middle forward while the opposite wraps behind. The middle pins the opposing MB; the back set lands one-on-one on the right pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an X-play in volleyball?
An X is two hitters crossing paths to force the block to pick. Run it off a one-foot slide, a 31, or a back-set; the idea is the same: you want two threats so only one can be doubled.