Free Ball
A high, soft ball the other team sends over because they are in trouble, not because they are trying to tool you. You should treat it like a free serve-receive rep: get your best passers on it, get in-system, and run your best first-ball set. Failing to side-out on a free ball in the NCAA is how coaches find themselves in 12-15 set fives that did not have to be close.
Example
A shanked dig floats over on one; your libero yells “free,” three passers load, 3 pass to target, 31, point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'free ball' mean in volleyball?
It is your cue that the ball is coming in slow, usually high, with no real block threat. You switch mentally from dig mode to in-system pass mode, because this touch should be your best swing of the rally.