Rotation
The clockwise step every player takes when you win a side-out: 1 to 6, 6 to 5, 5 to 4, 4 to 3, 3 to 2, 2 to 1. The rules only care about order at the serve, then you transition to your coverage spots. FIVB overlap checks happen in that one instant, not after the ball is in the air, which is why your receive lines look so choreographed in NCAA film.
Example
You win a receive rally, the bench points, the team rotates, the new server jogs to the end line, everyone flips a zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do rotations work in volleyball?
When your team wins a rally on the opponent's serve, all six players rotate one position clockwise before the next serve. Players must be in their correct positions at the moment of serve contact, then can move freely.
What is the difference between rotation and position?
Rotation refers to which zone (1 through 6) you occupy at the serve. Position is your role on the team: setter, libero, outside hitter, etc. Your zone changes every rotation, but your role stays the same.