There are six main positions in volleyball. Each is designed to play a unique and specific role in helping the game and team succeed. As in other competitive sports, each player has a responsibility to fulfill their role as best they can. Not only do they have to play their part, they have to make sure they do it well.
Volleyball is a fast-paced sport that requires great athletic ability and stamina. The best position for you depends on your level and skills. If you're curious to learn more about the top volleyball positions and which ones appeal to your strengths, read on. We will review each feature on the volleyball court so you fully understand the terms and how they affect the game.
Index
What are the six positions?
Before we learn the definition of each position, let's get acquainted with the names:
- standardizer
- outsider
- middle blocker
- opposite bat
- Libero
- defense specialist
With that in mind, let's break down each feature, covering roles and importance.
1. O Setter
The configurator ismain positionon a volleyball team and is often considered the most important role in a game.
This team member is responsible for both offense and making sure the ball is positioned properly for his teammates to attempt a shot. After the ball is hit in his direction, the setter is usually the second player to touch the ball. It's then up to them to know exactly where each player is on the volleyball court so they can decide who will make the final pass.
In addition to setting, this player is responsible for ensuring that each player is in the correct position at all times. They also need to make sure they efficiently convey the game to their teammates before serving.
Since they are the main contributors to the attack, the setter needs to ensure they have a delicate touch. In this way, the ball can be positioned perfectly for one of the attacking volleyball players. And like I said, communication is key. The setter needs to know exactly where each player is. You also have to make sure that all teammates are always on the same page during the game.
Without the volley setter, the game would essentially not see technical ball movement or heavy spikes.
2. The outsider
Also known as the outside, pin, left side, and OH, the outside hitter is the premier striker when it comes to offensive strategy.
A successful outside hitter must be quick on his feet, able to jump high and not be slowed down by rapidly changing situations. For example, the volleyball isn't always in close proximity to the outside hitter, so they need to be prepared and able to hit it from many different spots. It definitely takes dedication, hard work and perseverance to be the OH.
In addition to hitting from the left side of the volleyball court, the outside pitcher also blocks, hits from the backline, plays on the wing or left defense, and continues to pass the serve catch. When they get to the back row, they usually also take on the responsibility of playing and getting through defense. This player usually gets more sets, especially if the setter is not in the system. This is because the outer set can be one of the easiest options to define.
3. The middle blocker
The middle blocker is the tallest person on the volleyball team.
Also known as the middle hitter, this player's primary role is to act as the first line of defense.againstthe hits of the opposing team. The center blocker must be able to quickly discern opposing strikers' motives for raising their arms over the net to block an attempt. But don't be fooled into thinking this is just a defensive role. You have the chance to score points quickly over the course of a volleyball set, with the middle sets often being among the most difficult to determine, meaning they require good passing play. This results in the middle blocker typically getting the fewest sets, but having the highest slugging percentages.
4. The opposing batsman
The opposing batsman is also known as the right batsman and must be able to play well both offensively and defensively. They are the opposite of the left side hitter, meaning they take hits from himBehindo Setzer.
For example, in a 6-1, the opposing batsman (e.g., the underdog) has the opportunity to play the whole course—passing, hitting from the baseline, and catching. You have to swing from the fronteback row, play right defense and block the opposing team's outside batsman.
This position also offers a lot of opportunities to hit the ball, so having good jumping skills is very important - like the outside hitter. The main difference between the opposing batsman and the outside batsman is that they have greater defensive responsibility. You must be able to take on the opposing team's loot to complete the requirements of this position.
5. Der Libero
This is possibly one of those volleyball terms that non-players are unfamiliar with. Or maybe the term you find a bit harder to understand. But don't worry, we've got you...
The libero can only play in the back row of the volleyball court or in five of the six rotations in the back row. Therefore, he becomes the ideal player to receive a hit from the opposing team. They usually replace a team's two central blocks, but substituting a libero for another player does not count as a substitution.
Ölibero playerare fiercely defensive and experts at taking and taking. This means they have to be quick and accurate as they often have to change direction quickly. There are also strict rules that the libero must follow, including:
- Do not attack the ball past the level of the volleyball net.
- You can only place a forward line behind the 3-yard line of play.
- You are not eligible for service.
- You are not allowed to block.
- You must not try to block.
Also on a volleyball field you can always point with a libero. This is because they have to wear a shirt of a different color.
6. The defense specialist
The defense specialist, like the libero player, is obliged to play in the baseline of the volleyball field and is responsible for accepting the serve and playing in defense. Unlike the libero, however, they areNotrequired to wear a shirt of a different color.
The defensive specialist has the option to substitute any team-mate on the pitch, but this counts towards the team's total number of substitutions, which is 12. This player typically makes three out of six rotations in a game, and his primary focus is to ensure that passing play and ball control are paramount. As a result, they work well with the libero.
Die Volleyball-Extraposition
While the primary focus is on the six positions listed above, there is one other position in volleyball terminology worth knowing about: the serve specialist. This is the player who basically only comes in on serve and can be very useful in maintaining serve possession and reducing serve errors which are very important to the game.
However, they are not that useful in the defending department for the serving team. This is because it usually puts them in a weaker position defensively for the rest of the point, meaning they aren't as strong defensively.
A serving specialist needs to have a very strong and consistent serve as he replaces players who aren't as strong behind the service line.
What position will you take?
So there you have it. All volleyball terms and positions explained.
The setter occupies the most important position on the pitch because he is in charge of offense and needs to know where each player is at all times. The outside hitter or OH is the lead forward in offensive strategy, while the midblock is the tallest player on the team. The opposing hitter is similar to the OH, except he must play both offensively and defensively. Then you have the libero and defensive specialist. The first is the player with the different colored jersey and the second plays in the back row and is responsible for receiving serves.
Hopefully you now have the knowledge to decide which position you think will perform best. Or if you watch a loved one play, you will understand what their role is and what is expected of them. From passing pressure to making sure your team has an excellent defensive lineup, every player on the pitch has an important role to play.