Rally
Everything that happens from serve contact to dead ball. Under rally scoring (FIVB default since 1999), that sequence always gives someone a point, whether it is a one-bounce ace or a 45-second scramble with four transitions. Long rallies are where conditioning and side-out systems actually show up on the court.
Example
Ace, one play. A dig, a pipe, a dig, a tip, and finally a tool out, still one point, different story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rally in volleyball?
It is a single play from the serve to the floor or whistle. The rally scoring system means a point is on the line every time, so there is no 'we held serve, who cares' off-night anymore.