The spike

• The signature play in volleyball is the spike. It requires teamwork, timing and explosive leaping ability. In most cases, the spike is set up by a teammated called a setter. The setter will take a pass and bump it high in the air. That allows the spiker to take a running start, leap high in the air and then propel it to the court while using a windmill-style hit that produces speed, power and intimidation.
  
  

Cross-court shot

• Most teams are looking to end any point with a thunderous spike. That allows the attacking team to use many surprises to win points. One of those is the cross-court shot. Instead of attempting to power the ball down with force, the offensive team fakes out the defense by hitting the ball from the right side of the court to the left at the last minute (or vice-versa). This often leaves the defensive team in an unprepared position.
  
  

The tip shot

• Another shot that is designed to take opponents by surprise. While preparing to defend the spike, the defense may take a step or two back in order to have more time to return a power shot like the spike. In that case the tip or "dink" works well. As the spiker goes up in the air, he tips the ball down softly. Because the defenders are deeper in the court they don't have the time to come up and return the tip.