Double (volleyball)


A double occurs in volleyball when a player, during a match, is credited with scoring at least ten times in one of five statistical categories: aces, kills, blocks, digs, and assists. The term was apparently derived from similar basketball jargon; the expression "triple-double" was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers public relations director Bruce Jolesch in order to showcase Magic Johnson's versatility.
There are four main types of doubles:
Of the five statistical categories, double digit match totals are most common for assists, but rare for any positions other than setter. The next most frequent double-digit category is digs, which is most often attained by liberos or defensive specialists, but can be achieved by any strong defensive player. Kills are the third most common double-digit achievement category, occurring predominantly among hitters, especially outside hitters and middle blockers. Likewise, double-digit blocking numbers are preponderantly accomplished by middle blockers or outside hitters, but are much less common than double-digit kills. Rarest by far are double-digit aces, which even the most exceptional server is unlikely to attain once in a career.

Double-double

Double-double is defined as an individual performance in which a player accumulates a double digit number total in two of five statistical categories, including aces, kills, blocks, digs, and assists, during one match. The most common double-double combination is digs and assists, frequently accomplished by setters, although sometimes achieved by liberos and defensive specialists. The next most frequent double-double is kills and digs, usually achieved by hitters who are versatile defensively. Hitters also sometimes accomplish a double-double of kills and blocks.
A double-double is regarded as an indication of superior all-around individual performance. Double-doubles are fairly common, and in some matches more than one player manages to record one, most likely when a match exceeds three sets, particularly five-set matches.

Triple-double

is defined as an individual performance in which a player accumulates a double digit number total during one match in three of five statistical categories, aces, kills, blocks, digs, and assists. The most common way for a player to achieve a triple-double is with kills, blocks, and digs, usually attained by hitters who are skilled defensively. Occasionally, setters record a triple-double, typically combining assists, digs, and either kills or blocks.
A triple-double is a rare event, and indicates outstanding all-around individual performance.

Quadruple-double

Quadruple-double is defined as an individual performance in which a player accumulates a double digit number total in four of the five major statistical categories--aces, kills, blocks, digs, and assists--during the course of one match. Because of specialization by position, quadruple doubles are seldom seen at collegiate or professional levels.

Quintuple-double

Quintuple-double is defined as an individual performance in which a player accumulates a double digit number total in all five statistical categories in a single match. Such a feat has never occurred at the collegiate or the professional level.