AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS

TEAM

PLAYBOOK

NLA TEAM · 2026-27

Team Playbook

Index

01Team Identity
02Playing Principles
03Offensive System
04Defensive System
05Blocking System
06Serve
07Reception
08Error Management
09Game Plan
10KPIs & Metrics
11Common Language

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2702

01

Who we are

Team Identity

We are a team defined by:

Intensity in every action
Tactical and emotional discipline
Clear, constant communication
Individual and collective responsibility
Competitive humility
Professionalism on and off the court
Relentless pursuit of improvement
Winning mentality

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2703

02

The framework

Playing Principles

Our principles drive every action in training and competition.

Tactical clarity: every player owns their role and priority in each situation.
Smart aggression: we attack and defend with intent, never losing control.
Setting tempo: we speed up execution while holding precision and court awareness.
System discipline: we respect the pre-set structure for clean execution.
Reading the game: we interpret the context to decide with an edge.
Role responsibility: discipline and consistency in every function.
Emotional stability: we train the way we play — always at 100%.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2704

03

How we score

Offensive System

Rotation-based setting: we adjust the set to where the pass drops, shifting systems to create numerical advantage against the block.
Middle involvement: middles are a constant threat in side-out and transition, with varied tempos and trajectories.
Tempo variability: we adapt set height and speed to ball quality to manage our attack.
Aggressive transition: we convert the counter-attack through set quality and disciplined hitting.
The block as a tool: more than an end, it steers the rival attack into our strong defensive zones.
Setter leadership: offensive rhythm, smart shot selection and balanced distribution by rotation, read and context.
Hitter efficiency: variety of shots, tools and decisions — telling a tactical error from a technical one.
Hit hard, high and deep, varying angles and never closing the swing.
Be smart: recycle when needed and always target the last 3 meters of the court.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2705

03

In-system attack

Offensive System

Middle quick · Pipe behind ▶ VIDEO

Middle B · Pipe behind ▶ VIDEO

Middle behind · Pipe close

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2706

03

Out-of-perfect attack

Offensive System

Middle quick · Pipe over ▶ VIDEO

Middle B · Pipe close ▶ VIDEO

Middle behind · Pipe behind

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2707

04

How we defend

Defensive System

The block as a tool: more than a direct kill, we guide the rival attack into the zone where our defenders wait.
System organization: we defend on pre-set patterns by rotation, rival tendencies and the opposing setter's distribution.
Collective reading: we trigger the system off the rival pass and move with the opposing set.
Dig-to-attack: after the dig we look for a fast, orderly transition into real counter-attack options.
Role responsibility: each player owns their defensive job with discipline, communication and technical precision.
Controlled aggression: we defend with intent, keeping body balance, controlled rebounds and rally continuity.
No ball hits the floor without our players first going after it.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2708

04

Defensive positions

Defensive System

QUICK · x4 ▶ VIDEO

Pos 6 — block hole: read & move

Pos 5 — deep angle: facing the hitter

Pos 1 — line: tips & tempo changes

Pos 4 — sharp angle

HIGH · x4 ▶ VIDEO

Pos 6 — double angle (unless exception)

Pos 5 — deep angle: facing the hitter

Pos 1 — line: tips & tempo changes

Pos 4 — sharp angle

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2709

04

Defensive positions

Defensive System

QUICK · x2 ▶ VIDEO

Pos 6 — block hole: read & move

Pos 1 — deep angle: facing the hitter

Pos 5 — line: tips & tempo changes

Pos 4 — sharp angle

HIGH · x2 ▶ VIDEO

Pos 6 — double angle (unless exception)

Pos 1 — deep angle: facing the hitter

Pos 5 — line: tips & tempo changes

Pos 4 — sharp angle

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2710

04

Defensive positions

Defensive System

QUICK · x1 ▶ VIDEO

Pos 6 — double line: read & move

Pos 1 — deep angle: facing the hitter

Pos 5 — ball line

Pos 2 — tip behind the block

HIGH · x1 ▶ VIDEO

Pos 6 — court center (unless exception)

Pos 1 — deep angle: facing the hitter

Pos 5 — ball line

Pos 2 — tip behind the block

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2711

04

Defensive positions

Defensive System

CLOSE ▶ VIDEO

Pos 5 — facing the middle

Pos 6 — shift left (6-5)

Pos 1 — outside the block

Pos 4 — help (if possible)

Free the lines — defend deep & tight

BALL B ▶ VIDEO

Pos 1 — facing the middle

Pos 6 — shift right (6-1)

Pos 5 — outside the block

Pos 2 — help (if possible)

Free the lines — defend deep & tight

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2712

05

Side-out + transition

Blocking System

Read decision by rival trajectory and setter distribution.

Call 1 priority front half (middle · pipe · position 4).

Call 2 priority back half (middle · pipe · position 2/1).

Commit we follow the middle; on a perfect ball we block 1-on-1.

Pin & pin priority on the antennas.

We block the ball, not a zone. ▶ VIDEO
The pin takes the ball; the middle closes mainly the cross-court.
The off-blocker drops fast to cover the sharp angle.
We watch: pass drop, set direction, ball path and the hitter's approach.
Ball quality changes the block — a double-positive isn't a high, separated ball. Good reading sets jump timing and contact.
THE DEFENSE CALLS OUT WHEN THERE IS NO BLOCK.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2713

06

Concept & system

Serve

MINDSET

We are aggressive from this fundamental. The serve is our first real chance to win the point — executed with intent, pressure and reading of the rival.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

Jump serve → ace. Float → hurt or neutralize a specific passer per game plan. First serve of each set and post-timeout: must be in. Stay flexible to what the team needs.

RISK SYSTEM — 3-3 MODEL

Group A (3 players): 85–100% risk, constant damage. Group B (3 players): 70–85% risk, tactical control without losing aggression.

FLOAT SERVE

Always tactical — aimed at zones or specific passers. Aggressive, with unstable trajectory and reading of the rival system.

JUMP-SPIN SERVE

Full: total commitment and confidence, deep to court center. Controlled: in, aimed at a scouted zone.

ERROR & RISK MANAGEMENT

Max 4 errors per set (does not license raising risk above profile). No two missed serves in a row. Individual risk is set before each match — master more than one serve from any spot.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2714

07

Concept & system

Reception

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Neutralize the rival serve and deliver a high, stable, centered ball so the setter keeps two real options. The system depends on our passers' profile and the rival serve. Push the lines up and shrink the court on floats to pass from above.

VS JUMP-SPIN SERVE

Firm platform, body aligned behind the ball, no hip rotation or loose arms. 3-passer system with constant zone communication. Setter and middle alert to the short serve and net deflections. Goal: height + control, always to ZONE 3.

VS FLOAT SERVE

Two main passers with high responsibility. We shrink the front pin's zone to free him to attack. Ready to pass sideways, opening hips and lifting the platform. Overhand passing enabled.

FLEXIBILITY & ADAPTABILITY

Systems are dynamic tools: they shift by rotation, momentum, performance or serve type. We use whatever combination works best for the team at that moment.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2715

08

Play free

Error Management

The error is information. It never stops aggression. Always have a reason why.

TECHNICAL ERROR → movement execution

TACTICAL ERROR → decision in context

A hard, deep hit is a good error; a block-out on a high ball from closing the swing is a bad one — technical and tactical.

CRITICAL MOMENTS

Under pressure, we simplify.
Brief communication, no noise.
Ball security — from the freeball, always through Zone 3, up to set quality.
Highest-probability attack.
Clear roles — we listen to the staff and execute.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2716

09

From staff to court

Game Plan

PREPARATION

STAFF

Rival analysis: tendencies, rotations, objectives, rival serve types.
Game-plan build: offensive and defensive priorities.
Team delivery: material for prior study.

EXECUTION

THE WEEK

Video — Thursday: confirm patterns, clear doubts.
Training: apply situations, decisions and adjustments.
Match-day review: roles, tactical focus, priorities.

RESPONSIBILITY

PLAYERS

Know the plan and your role.
Trust the staff's analysis.
Adapt fast to in-match tweaks.
Hold tactical coherence under pressure.
Exploit rival weaknesses — leverage our strengths, don't adapt to theirs.

▶ VIDEO EXAMPLE

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2717

10

Measure to improve

KPIs & Metrics

Team KPIs

% Serve
% Reception
% Block (# and +)
% Block (#)
Middle attack
High-ball attack
Quick-ball attack
Attack off pass # / +
Attack off pass !
Attack off pass –
Transition attack

Reference: last tournament data → the baseline to beat every day.

How it works

Daily team targets (e.g. 28% pass A, 15% high ball, 10% block #). Miss 2–3 → day not met; hit most → day won.
Live feedback: an assistant scouts the session; values updated on the board at every pause.
Individual reports: each player has their sheet in Drive with daily stats.
Monthly report: individual & team KPIs, direction charts, comparisons and evolution.

Culture

Reward: targets met → a mini-set as a treat. Internal competition with a running table.
Consequence: not met → set forfeits. A clear mark that today wasn't at the expected level.
Purpose: train at 100% like we play, a clear daily goal, professionalism, healthy competition, instant feedback, continuous improvement.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2718

10

Why we work with data

KPIs & Metrics

Why data?

Professionalism · Clarity · Continuous improvement

Transparency & Professionalism

Data removes perception and bias. Everyone knows exactly what's expected and how it's measured. Performance stops being a 'feeling' and becomes real information. Training gets more serious, clearer and more competitive.

Motivation & Daily Objectives

We train with a concrete purpose. Each day has clear goals → we know if we trained well. Feedback is immediate: pause → numbers → correction.

Continuous Improvement & Accountability

Each player has individual tracking and a monthly evolution report. Data justifies decisions: playing time, roles, adjustments. It fuels healthy internal competition. The team grows because everyone knows what to improve and how.

High-Performance Culture

Data isn't control — it's a tool to grow. It orders us. It motivates us. It makes us accountable. It makes us professionals. It lets us compete at the highest level.

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2719

11

Shared vocabulary

Common Language

ZONE	ATTACK OPTIONS	BLOCK	TACTICAL PRIORITIES
ZONE #	4 attack options	1 / 1½	Exploit speed & fast reading
ZONE +	4 attack options	Possible 2	Hold rhythm & precision
ZONE B	Middle B, pipe behind/close, pins quick/semi	2 blockers	Max setting precision
ZONE +4	Middle behind, pipe behind, OH quick · OPP semi	2 blockers	Sync & timing
ZONE +2	Middle quick/B, pipe over, OH semi · OPP quick	2 blockers	Distance & rhythm control
7 / 9 / NEG.	Limited — high ball	Possible 3	Set quality to open options

AXPO VOLLEY NÄFELS · TEAM PLAYBOOK 2026-2720