sideout

A sideout is a term used in team sports, particularly volleyball, to describe the situation where the serving team loses possession of the ball to the receiving team. When a sideout occurs, the receiving team gains the right to serve, and the previous serving team becomes the receiving team. This transition of serving is a fundamental aspect of the game and is often a critical point in determining momentum and scoring.

In volleyball, points are scored on every rally, regardless of which team served. However, the ability to serve is a significant advantage, as it allows a team to initiate the play. Therefore, a sideout represents a successful defensive play by the receiving team, preventing the serving team from scoring and earning the opportunity to serve themselves. Strategies in volleyball often revolve around maximizing sideouts when receiving and minimizing sideouts when serving. The efficiency of a team's sideout game can be a key indicator of their overall success.