Roll Shot
A topspin, mid-speed ball you hit with a short swing so it still gets over the block but does not have jump-serve heat. The roll finds the long middle when the line defender is up for a hard swing, which is why it shows up a ton in the NCAA tournament when the block is huge. Sell the approach; change the hand speed at the end.
Example
She loads like a banger, then rolls high hands over the block. The back-row defender, playing deep, is still a step short.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a roll shot in volleyball?
A roll is an off-speed attack with real topspin, not a baby tip. The ball has enough pace to get off the block’s fingers but not enough to end up in the back bleachers when you are aiming short.
What is the difference between a roll shot and a tip?
A roll has arm speed and shape; a tip is mostly fingers, almost no body. The roll is longer and faster, the tip is shorter. Both live in the off-speed family when you are trying to move the block.