An ace in volleyball is a serve that wins the point outright. Either the ball lands in the opponent’s court without anyone touching it, or a receiver touches it but can’t keep it in play. The server’s team scores, and the server keeps serving.
When does a serve count as an ace?
Under the statistics definitions the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) uses, which follow NCAA conventions, a serve is an ace when:
- it lands in the opponent’s court untouched;
- a receiver touches it but the team can’t keep it in play, for example the pass shanks into the stands; or
- the receiving team commits a fault on the serve, such as being out of rotation.
If the receiving team passes the ball and keeps the rally going, it isn’t an ace, even if they lose the rally later.
Ace vs. service error
| Ace | Service error | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | The serve wins the point outright | The serve gives the point to the other team |
| Examples | Lands in untouched; receiver shanks the pass | Serve hits the net and doesn’t cross, lands out, or the server foot-faults |
| Who scores | Serving team | Receiving team, which then serves |
Serving also has to follow the rules. Under the FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025–2028, the server must hit the ball within 8 seconds of the referee’s whistle and must not touch the court, including the end line, when hitting the ball or taking off for a jump serve. Breaking either rule is a service error. See foot faults and other foot rules.
Does a serve that hits the net count as an ace?
Yes, in most rule sets today. A serve may touch the net as it crosses, so if it clips the tape and drops in untouched, it’s an ace. If it hits the net and doesn’t cross, it’s a service error.
Types of serves that score aces
| Serve | How it works | Why it aces |
|---|---|---|
| Float serve | Hit with no spin, so the ball moves unpredictably | Hard to read; it can dip or drift late |
| Jump float | A float serve hit at the top of a small jump | Same movement, with a flatter, faster path |
| Jump topspin | A full approach and jump, hit hard with topspin | Pace; the ball drops fast |
| Underhand | Hit from below the waist | Rarely aces at higher levels; common for beginners |
For technique, see our guide on how to serve a volleyball.
How aces are counted in stats
Box scores list aces (SA) and service errors (SE) for each player. Coaches often look at the two together: a server with lots of aces but even more errors may be giving away more points than they win. Aces per set is the usual way to compare servers.
How to serve more aces
- Serve to seams and weak passers. Aim between two receivers or at the player who’s struggling.
- Serve deep corners and short zones. Moving the receivers forward and back is as effective as power.
- Master one serve first. A consistent float serve that rarely misses beats a powerful serve that often goes out.
- Practice with targets. Put cones or towels in the court and keep score.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ace a point in volleyball?
Yes. Every rally scores a point under rally scoring, and an ace is a serve that wins that point directly for the serving team.
Can the server ace on a let serve?
Yes. If the serve touches the net, crosses and lands in untouched or can’t be kept in play, it’s an ace.
Who gets credit for an ace?
The server. The receiving player may be charged with a reception error in the stats.
Can you block or attack a serve?
No. Under FIVB rules, blocking the opponent’s serve is a fault, and so is attacking it while it’s in the front zone and completely above the net. The receiving team has to pass it.