What is the common term for when players fail to hit the ball above the net?

The term that describes when players fail to hit the ball above the net is "attack error." An attack error occurs when a player attempts to attack the ball but fails to either hit it properly or fails to send it over the net, often resulting in a point for the opposing team. This can include hitting the ball into the net or not making an aggressive enough hit to clear the net.

In contrast, "ball failure" is not a recognized term in the sport. "Net violation" typically refers to a player touching the net during play, which is a separate fault. "Service error" specifically pertains to a fault made during a serve, such as serving the ball out of bounds or into the net. Understanding the terminology specific to volleyball helps in enhancing gameplay and improving communication among players.