How to Sign "Volleyball"

To sign 'volleyball', raise both hands to about head height with your palms facing forward and slightly upward. Start with your middle fingers and thumbs touching on both hands to form '8' handshapes. Then, flick your middle fingers and thumbs open so your hands become open '5' handshapes. Repeat this flicking motion twice, as if you are setting a volleyball in a game.

Examples Using "Volleyball" in a Sentence

1

I love playing volleyball on the beach.

Sign 'love' and 'play', then sign 'volleyball' by holding your hands near your head and flicking your middle fingers and thumbs open twice.

2

Are you on the volleyball team?

Point to the person, sign 'volleyball', then 'team', and remember to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

We need a new volleyball net.

Sign 'we', 'need', 'new', and 'volleyball', followed by tracing a grid pattern in the air with your index fingers to represent the net.

How to Sign "Volleyball"
To sign 'volleyball', raise both hands to about head height with your palms facing forward and slightly upward. Start with your middle fingers and thumbs touching on both hands to form '8' handshapes. Then, flick your middle fingers and thumbs open so your hands become open '5' handshapes. Repeat this flicking motion twice, as if you are setting a volleyball in a game.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the action of 'setting' a volleyball. The raised hands mimic a player's posture as they prepare to receive the ball, and the flicking motion of the fingers illustrates the quick, upward push used to set the ball for a teammate.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands elevated near your face, just like you would if you were preparing to set a ball in a real game. Make sure the flicking motion is crisp, moving clearly from the '8' handshape to an open '5' handshape. Relax your wrists so the movement looks natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pushing your entire arms forward instead of just flicking your fingers. The movement should come primarily from your fingers and a slight wrist action, not from extending your elbows. Also, be careful not to use your index fingers; ensure it is the middle fingers and thumbs doing the flicking.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Volleyball" in a Sentence
1

I love playing volleyball on the beach.

Sign 'love' and 'play', then sign 'volleyball' by holding your hands near your head and flicking your middle fingers and thumbs open twice.

2

Are you on the volleyball team?

Point to the person, sign 'volleyball', then 'team', and remember to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

We need a new volleyball net.

Sign 'we', 'need', 'new', and 'volleyball', followed by tracing a grid pattern in the air with your index fingers to represent the net.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to move my arms forward when signing volleyball?

No, your arms should stay relatively stationary near your head. The movement comes from flicking your middle fingers and thumbs open, mimicking the finger action of setting a ball rather than a full arm push.

Does it matter which fingers I flick?

Yes, for this specific variation, you should use your middle fingers and thumbs. Starting in an '8' handshape and flicking open to a '5' handshape is the standard way to produce this sign accurately.

How high should my hands be?

Your hands should be raised to about head or face level, slightly in front of you. Imagine you are looking up at a falling volleyball and preparing to set it right above your forehead.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!