Volleyball Tribe says:
Thu, 21st Aug 2008  2:15 pm 

One of the facets of beach volleyball is the use of hand signals by players to indicate to their partners what sort of play they intend to make. These signals are made behind the back, to avoid the opposition seeing the signals. Most commonly, the signals are given with both hands by the serving player’s partner before the serve, with each hand referring to the type of block that should be put up against an attack from the corresponding side of the court. If the server is a stronger blocker, he or she may run up to the net to block after serving. Otherwise, the signaller will perform the block.

Signals may also be given during a rally, while the opposing team is preparing their attack. This is less common, however, and it is routine for players to just block “ball” after the first sequence or maintain the call throughout an entire rally.

Additionally, the signaler may wiggle or “flash” the fingers on one of the signaling hands to indicate he wants the server to serve the player on that side of the court.

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