Shank
A badly mishit pass that flies wildly off target—into the stands, into the net, or far from any teammate. Usually caused by late footwork, a poor angle, or contact on the edge of the platform. The stat sheet records it as a reception error.
Example
Jump-serve, ball dives, the platform is sideways, the ball is in the third row, coach calls time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shank in volleyball?
A shank is a pass that goes completely off target, not just a few feet but far enough that no teammate can play it. Better footwork and early platform presentation prevent most shanks.
How do you stop shanking in volleyball?
Get midline, present early, stop swinging your platform at the last second. The edge of your forearm is not a target.