There are quite a few effective volleyball betting strategies. This is due to the specifics of the sport’s rules.
For example, there are several handicap bet options — by points, by sets. That is why the handicap in volleyball enjoys well-deserved popularity among bettors.
Let’s break down the specifics of this market and outline several proven strategies.
What is a handicap in volleyball
A handicap is a bet on one side’s advantage in some statistical indicator. In volleyball, these can be points, sets, number of aces, successful blocks. Let’s look at the main types of handicaps to understand in more detail what a handicap means in volleyball. Strategic betting schemes over the long run are based precisely on understanding the different handicap options.
Types of volleyball handicaps
The main varieties of advantage markets in volleyball matches:
- Plus and minus. The former give a positive advantage to one side and are more often used to bet on an underdog’s win. The latter are better suited to boosting odds when betting on the favorite.
- By points and by sets. In the first case, the total number of rallies won by each team is counted. In the second — sets won, of which there can be from three to five in a volleyball match.
- Fractional and whole-number. Half-handicaps are used for both points and sets. Whole-number handicaps are more often used only for sets. For example, handicap 1 for the first team by sets means that at 2:3 the bet is a push. Asian handicap variants are not used.
- By points for the match as a whole and in individual sets. For the overall match score, the figures can be small if the teams are roughly equal, or reach 20–30 points. In a set between evenly matched teams, H +/- starts from 2.5, since a win is recorded with a margin of at least two points.
- Special, statistical. Volleyball stat bets are offered by a limited number of bookmakers. It’s hard to find markets for aces, successful blocks, or outs. But if a bookmaker includes them in the line, handicap markets may also be available for these stats.
In online bookmakers’ lines, the points handicap for the match as a whole is usually placed right after the main match-winner market. Set handicaps may be listed after totals, as they are less in demand among players.
Features of volleyball handicap betting
The main specificity of handicaps — as in basketball — is the ability to significantly adjust the balance of power between underdog and favorite to increase the odds. Another feature is that winning the match does not always imply a win or a large lead by points.
Example: In UEFA Champions League qualifying, Arcada Galați faced Hebar. The visitors needed only a win, and bookmakers gave them a slight edge. The odds on H1 (+2.5) by points were 2.00. The visitors duly won — but did so in four sets with scores of 27:25, 25:23, 17:25, 25:22. As we can see, despite winning the match, Hebar scored one point fewer overall than their opponent. The bet on the mentioned handicap would have cashed.
Another point: the handicap (0) is not used in volleyball. There can be no draw either in individual sets or in the final set score.
Popular volleyball handicap betting strategies
Don’t expect a foolproof volleyball handicap strategy. Every bet requires careful pre-match analysis and study of statistics. However, here are several interesting approaches.
“Arb” or “middle” in live
Under this strategy, place a pre-match bet on the underdog at odds around 3.00–3.50. You can use the P1–P2 market or a handicap that fits the quoted price.
After the match starts, wait for the moment when the odds on the favorite’s straight win or on a small minus handicap reach 2.00–2.50. Place that bet, thus obtaining a clean “arb” or at least a decent “middle.”
Martingale with a set handicap
Volleyball matches are suitable for various progression strategies because they consist of three, four, or five sets. Let’s take a simple progression with a handicap. You can bet either on the stronger side or on the underdog. The main task is to use H +/- to bring the odds to 2.00–2.50.
At such prices, the progression works by the standard scheme — double the stake on each subsequent bet to recoup previous losses and obtain some profit. It may happen that a series in a given match loses completely in three steps. You can continue it in another game.
Handicap bet on the underdog in the third set
When a clear underdog wins the first two sets comfortably, many coaches rest their starters and send out a reserve lineup. If you know the coach of the stronger team tends to do this, back the underdog with a handicap in the third set.
The weaker team may not win, but the chances of at least making it competitive are high. Therefore, the probability of a positive handicap on the underdog cashing increases.
Summary: what to consider when betting H +/- in volleyball matches
To successfully implement the strategies described above (and others) in volleyball betting and profit over the long run, you need to consider the following factors when analyzing upcoming matches:
- favorite’s motivation — is the stronger team ready to “blow out” the opponent;
- lineups — it’s more important to assess the form of key players on the stronger team;
- tournament need for a significant margin by points or sets;
- head-to-head history, especially for teams that meet frequently.
Handicap betting in volleyball is a solid choice, as it allows you to adjust odds upward. But use this advantage rationally and don’t forget thorough pre-match analysis.
