The player in front is signaling behind his or her back to the partner who is serving behind. The front player is essentially calling the positioning for the other team’s return of the serve.
Got it! Thanks!
Really?
I had always assumed they represented to the server where they should position themselves on the return, and perhaps recommend location of serve.
IE I am front, and blocking, my partner is serving, it is more important for him to know since I am the blocker, if I intend to block the line or the angle. If I block the line, my partner should position themselves defensively for bumping an angle hit.. if I’m blocking the angle, they should be positiong themselves for bumping a line hit.
I freely admit I am no pro volleyballer, but that seems more important for the front player to communicate, its a given as far as I’ve seen, unless someone is grossly out of position that the non server is responsible for the block.