Pancake
A last-resort defensive play where you slide your hand flat on the floor, palm down, so the ball bounces off the back of your hand instead of hitting the ground. It counts as a legal touch and is used when you cannot get your platform under the ball in time.
Example
A cut tips just off the tape, the libero pancakes, the ball floats, second touch, pipe opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pancake in volleyball?
A pancake is a last-resort dig where your flat hand acts as a surface between the ball and the floor. The ball bounces off the back of your hand to keep the rally alive.
Is a pancake legal in volleyball?
Yes, as long as the hand is the first thing the ball hits. After that, your team still has two more contacts to work with.