FREE Guide To The Volleyball Positions

What are the volleyball positions?

The volleyball positions are:

• Outside Hitter (Left Side, Left Wing Spiker)
• Middle Hitter (Middle Blocker)
• Opposite Hitter (Right Side, Right Wing Spiker)
• Setter
• Libero
• Defensive Specialist
• Serving Specialist

There are six players on the volleyball court at any given time divided between the front row and back row. While on the court, there are two outside hitters, two middle hitters, one setter and one opposite. The libero will usually be on the court to replace the middle hitters when they reach the back row.

The players move through the volleyball rotation clockwise when winning the point off of their opposition’s serve. The front row players are allowed to break the plane of the top of the net therefore enabling them to both attack and block. The back row players can attack the ball but only if they leave the ground from behind the 10 foot line. Let’s take a more in depth look at each of the positions and the responsibilities associated.

Outside Hitter Volleyball Positions

Volleyball Positions: Outside Hitter Definition - What is an outside hitter in volleyball?

The outside hitter (aka Left Side Hitter, Left Wing Spiker) is the volleyball player that hits and blocks from the front left spot on the volleyball court. Each team consists of two outside hitters that are tasked with everything including hitting, blocking, passing, digging and serving. They are often the player who is set the most during a volleyball match and are therefore considered to be the most reliable.

Volleyball Positions: Outside Hitter Position - Where does an outside hitter line up?

While in the front row, the outside hitter’s base defense position (where they are positioned during a play) is the front left spot. After they rotate to the back row, their base defense position will normally be at the middle back spot.

Volleyball Positions: Outside Hitter Roles - What does an outside hitter do in volleyball?

Front Row: The outside hitter is usually responsible for just about everything on a volleyball court. At any moment they could be passing during serve receive, blocking or digging while on defense, or attacking on offense.

Defensively, they are responsible for blocking the opposing team’s opposite hitter as well as aiding in blocking the opposing team’s middle hitter (and sometimes the opposing outside hitter depending on the blocking scheme). Depending the game plan, the outside hitter could pull off of the net and attempt to dig the ball when the other team’s outside is attacking.

Offensively, the outside hitter swings from the left side but will occasionally hit in the middle on certain play calls. Because a four ball is one of the easiest sets to make, outside hitters are often utilized as a safety valve on broken plays. This means that if a team makes a bad pass, the setter will often times set a ball to the outside as a backup plan.

Back Row: When in the back row, they pass during serve receive, attempt to dig opposing attacks, or even hit a back row attack such as a bic. They are tasked with guarding the back line so if a ball is long, the outside hitter is often the one responsible for tracking it down. Depending on a team’s strategy, the outside hitter may or may not be responsible for rolls shots that land in the middle of the court. Because they protect the back line, the middle of the court might be the responsibility of the libero.

Volleyball Positions: Outside Hitter Characteristics - What makes a great outside hitter?

When it comes to volleyball positions, the outside hitter is a very well rounded player. They usually score a majority of the team’s points and are asked to do just about everything on the court. This means that the outside hitter needs to be an exceptional athlete. The 5 most common traits of a great outside hitter are:

• Agility - Being agile is essential! Outside hitters make extremely quick movements to get behind the volleyball while on defense. Offensively, they use their agility to transition into their hitting approach.

• Reach - Whether it’s from jumping high or being tall, reach is incredibly important. You don’t have to be the tallest or jump the highest but you need be able to put up a competitive block as well as spike the volleyball over the net. Even average athletes can be great outside hitters with a bit of creativity, but there’s definitely a certain level of reach that is required.

• High Volleyball IQ - Great outside hitters are always incredibly smart volleyball players. They must be able to read and react to things like blocks, opposing defenses, or even an opponent’s shoulder placement.

• Consistency - Consistency is probably the most important characteristic of great outside hitters. Setters usually rely on their outside hitters so if they’re having a rough day, it’s likely the team isn’t playing well.

• Mental Toughness - NEXT PLAY MENTALITY! The thing that separates the good from the great is mental toughness. Whether they just had a monster spike or got roofed straight down, the best outside hitters are quick to forget and ready to move on.