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Position Overview (Is VB for you?)

POSITION OVERVIEW
Listed below is a chart that lists the types of positions in the sport of volleyball and what is required out of each position. The description can help a player figure out which position they would like to try out for, especially if they are new to the sport.

 

Position

Description

Outside Hitter
  • Plays on the left side of the court
  • Usually passes on serve receive
  • Offensive weapon from:
    • Strong arm (can throw a baseball >65 mph) and/or
    • Great jumping ability (can jump higher than 25”)
  • Hitting percentage (kills less errors divided by total attempts) should be higher than .250
  • Elite OH: Can reach over 10’6” in HS and over 11’ in college

Middle Hitter
  • Plays in the middle of the court
  • Usually has a higher hitting percentage because less blocks form in the middle and there are more spots to hit to on the court
  • Attributes:
    • Taller player (>6’), which comes in handy for blocking or
    • Smart player with good jumping ability
  • The first line of defense. Sets the block for back row defenders to play around.
  • Hitting percentage should be higher than .350
  • Elite MH: Can reach between 10’6” and 11’ in HS and up to 12’ in college

Opposite
  • Plays on the right side of the court
  • Usually has a solid all-around game with passing, hitting, and setting
  • Must be able to set when the setter takes the first ball
  • Attributes:
    • Strong arm (can throw a baseball >65 mph) or
    • Great jumping ability (can jump higher than 25”)
    • Taller player (>6’), which comes in handy for blocking
    • Consistent player with good hands
  • Hitting percentage should be higher than .300. The double block does not always form against the opposite, but that is balanced out because the hitter is sometimes hitting from a blind side unless they are a lefty.
  • Elite OPP: Can reach between 10’6” and 11’ in HS and around 11’6” in college

Setter
  • Plays on the right side of the court
  • The quarterback of the team
  • Must have great hands, footwork, agility, and overall athleticism
  • Must be a quick learner and have good decision making skills
  • A taller player (>6’) is a plus for playing front row and blocking

Libero /

Defensive Specialist
  • Plays back row only
  • The second line and heart of the defense (like a middle linebacker in football)
  • Has great ball control, foot work, agility, and body control
  • Must be able to keep the ball in the air on serve receive 98% of the time
  • Should be able to pass to the setter at a 2.40 rate on the 3.00 perfect pass scale
  • Can be any size as long as ball control is strong