The 7 Volleyball Positions - 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.

Middle Hitter Volleyball Positions

Volleyball Positions: Middle Hitter Definition – What is a middle hitter in volleyball?

If you ever watch a volleyball match, you’ll notice the extremely tall players in the middle of the net. These players are the middle hitters (also known as the middle blockers) and they’re responsible for blocking the opposing team’s attack as well as hitting from the middle. Every volleyball team has two middle hitters both of which are usually among the tallest players.

Volleyball Positions: Middle Hitter Position – Where does a middle hitter line up?

The middle hitter’s base defense position will be at the front middle spot. While in the back row, the middle hitter’s base defense position will normally be at the back left spot. Because they are usually replaced by the libero, they only play defense while serving.

Volleyball Positions: Middle Hitter Roles – What does a middle hitter do in volleyball?

Front Row: Priority number one for the middle hitter is usually to block the opposing team’s attack. They could be heavily involved in the offense as well, but that is ultimately dependent on the team’s strategy.

Normally they first commit to blocking the opposing team’s middle hitter but will move to either side if one of the other volleyball positions gets set instead. This means that they need to be both extremely quick at the net and have the ability to read the opposing setter. In order to read the setter, players will look for “tells” (such as wrist position) as to where the setter will be setting the ball.

When on offense, the most common attack from the middle is what’s known as a “one ball”. This is a quick attack aimed at catching the opposing team off guard in effort to gain the point. If run effectively, the opposing team will need to start committing to the middle which will free up the outside and opposite hitters. This means that in addition to spiking, the middle hitter acts as a decoy in order to confuse the defense on the opposite side of the net.

Back Row: When the middle hitter moves into the back row, they are usually taken out for the libero. This is because middle hitters are often slow while on defense.

Volleyball Positions: Middle Hitter Characteristics – What makes a great middle hitter?

Great middle hitters are players with a special blend of physical and mental capabilities. At first glance, it’s fairly simple to see that successful middle hitters are often extremely tall. As you dive further into the makeup of a great middle hitter, you’ll notice that they use the following characteristics to control the net in order to change the outcome of volleyball games. The 5 most common traits of a great middle hitter are:

Height – You don’t HAVE to be tall to be great but it definitely helps a lot. Middle hitters need to put up big blocks so unless you have a 40 inch vertical, you’ll probably need to be one of the tallest players on your team.

Lateral Agility – Middle hitters don’t need to be fast but they need to be quick. Getting from one end of the net to the other in a flash is one of the most important characteristics of a great middle hitter. Middle hitters without lateral agility tend to be a step behind on their blocks which results in holes for the opposing hitters.

High Volleyball IQ – Middle hitters need to be able to read the setter and react to where the ball goes. It’s much easier for hitters to spike when there’s only a single block. Being a fraction of a second too slow can result in an easy kill for the opposing team.

Power – Middle is a power position. You rarely see middle hitters dink their way to points. A great middle hitter spikes the volleyball with significant speed creating fear for the opposing team.

Strong Hands – BLOCK! BLOCK! BLOCK! That’s what middle hitters are asked to do every single time they step on the volleyball court. Their hands take a beating so it’s incredibly important for them to be strong.

Opposite Hitter Volleyball Positions

Volleyball Positions: Opposite Hitter Definition – What is an opposite hitter in volleyball?

The opposite hitter (also known as a right side or wing) is the player who hits and blocks from the right side of the volleyball net. It is a terrific volleyball position for lefties because the ball doesn’t have to cross their entire body prior to a spike. While the opposite hitter does play in the back row, they don’t usually pass during serve receive.

Volleyball Positions: Opposite Hitter Position – Where does an opposite hitter line up?

While in the front row, the opposite hitter’s base defense position is at the front right spot. In the back row, the opposite hitter’s base defense position is usually at the back right spot.

Volleyball Positions: Opposite Hitter Roles – What does an opposite hitter do in volleyball?

Front Row: Often times they are very solid blockers who are given the task of shutting down the opposing team’s outside hitter. When the opposing team’s outside hitter is not set, it is common for the opposite hitter to pull off of the net and attempt to dig.

The most common attack by an opposite is what is known as a “five ball” or “back set” and is located on the right side of the volleyball net. A front row opposite usually means the setter is in the back row therefore the offense has three options up at the net. This can be incredibly effective and lead to many options in terms of plays.

Back Row: Their main focus is to dig any attack that is hit in their direction but they can also be asked to attack from the back row. This is because the setter will only have two options in the front row so back row sets to the opposite are not uncommon.

If they do hit from the back row, they usually hit what’s known as a “D Ball”. This is a set that is placed just in front of the ten foot line on the right side of the volleyball court.

Volleyball Positions: Opposite Hitter Characteristics – What makes a great opposite hitter?

A great opposite hitter is a volleyball player who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. They make their presence known when they’re up at the net and play aggressively when they drop back on defense. The 5 most common traits of a great opposite hitter are:

Height – People assume that middle hitters are the tallest volleyball players but that isn’t necessarily true. Great opposite hitters are usually enormous because it’s a volleyball position centered around blocking. By controlling the opposing outside hitter, you give your team a great chance to win.

Power – SWING HARD! Tipping can be beneficial in certain situations but great opposite hitters are almost always larger than whoever is blocking them. Because of this, they need to have the power necessary to put the ball down and not get dug.

Strong Hands – Similar to the middle, the opposite hitter will be doing a ton of blocking. It’s crucial that they have strong hands or else they will be in for a difficult volleyball season.

Court Awareness – Opposite Hitters play defense on the line so they are responsible for deciding if a spike is in or out. Top notch court awareness is a must have!

Grit – Let’s face it, opposite hitters are in the danger zone on defense. Whether it is a one ball from the opposing middle or a hard line shot from the outside, an outside hitter has to be ready and willing to take a volleyball to the face.

Setter Volleyball Positions

Volleyball Positions: Setter Definition – What is a setter in volleyball?

The setter is the player that “sets” the volleyball to the hitters and is often considered the most important of the volleyball positions. If you’re not familiar with the volleyball positions, the closest equivalent would be to a quarterback in football. This is because the setter is responsible for calling and executing the plays while on offense. Their other responsibilities include blocking, digging, and even occasionally hitting the volleyball.

Volleyball Positions: Setter Position – Where does a setter line up?

While in the front row, the setter’s base defense position is at the front right spot. When they move into the back row, their base defense position usually becomes the back right spot.

Volleyball Positions: Setter Roles – What does a setter do in volleyball?

Front Row: Offensively, the setter looks for opportunities (such as player mismatches) to maximize their team’s odds of getting kills. Prior to the serve, the setter gives a signal to each player letting them know what set to be ready for. The signals could be anything from a number to a special gesture for certain plays such as a bic or shoot. They may even hit the ball over on the second contact (known as a setter dump) in order to catch the opposing team off guard.

Defensively, they are tasked with both blocking the opposing team’s outside hitter and pulling off of the net to dig. They may also be asked to help block other attacks depending on their team’s blocking scheme.

Back Row: Their back row responsibilities mirror that of the opposite (see above) but they must quickly transition in order to run the offense. It is important that the setter commits to playing defense first otherwise points will surely be lost.

Volleyball Positions: Setter Characteristics – What makes a great setter?

Setter is the most important of the volleyball positions. Great setters are the whole package and ooze leadership. They’re the first to get the blame and last to get the praise but if a team has a great setter, they have a great shot at winning. The 5 most common traits of a great setter are:

Athleticism – Outside of the fact that setters are asked to do everything (pass, dig, set, hit, etc.) they also run the most in any given volleyball game. Unless the team passes perfectly every single time, it’s likely the setter will be running quite a bit.

High Volleyball IQ – A great setter is like a great chess player; they’re always one step ahead of their opponent. In order to become one of the best, you need to understand the thought process of opposing players. Once you do that, you can manipulate your offense and play to your team’s strengths.

Strong Hands – This one is obvious. A great setter needs strong hands to push the ball to where it needs to be. Weak hands leads to the ball slipping through your fingertips and points for the other team. Not too mention, blocking is a big part of being a great setter!

Consistency – If the setter has a bad day, the offense has a bad day. To be a great setter you must be consistent. A lot of this will have to do with team chemistry but it’s important for hitters to trust that the volleyball will in the right spot.

Leadership – Leadership is easily the most important characteristic of a great setter. The best know how to pick their team up and fight back when all hope is lost. Setters often get the blame so be ready to accept it for the good of the team.

Libero Volleyball Positions

Volleyball Positions: Libero Definition – What is a libero in volleyball?

The libero can be a very confusing volleyball position if you are not familiar with the game. A libero in volleyball is a player who stays in the back row throughout the entirety of a match for the purpose of playing defense.

First introduced in 1999, the libero was designed to enhance the defensive aspect of volleyball. If you flip on a volleyball match, you will notice the libero is wearing a different colored jersey from the rest of the team. This is to make them easily distinguishable for the referee while on the volleyball court. They can enter and exit a game for multiple players at a specific position (most commonly middle hitter) without having to request a substitution.

Volleyball Positions: Libero Position – Where does a libero line up?

Normally, the libero’s base defense position (where they line up on the volleyball court) is the back left spot. This can change depending on what position the libero comes in the game for (as noted above it is usually the middle hitters).

Volleyball Positions: Libero Roles – What does a libero do in volleyball?

Back Row: The libero is always in the back row and specializes in serve receive and defense (digging). While in serve receive, team’s often depend on their libero to make great passes so the setter can run the offense. Because they are usually the best passer, it is common for a libero to pass from the middle or even cover an entire half of the volleyball court.

Defensively, the libero is responsible for digging everything that comes their way. They start by guarding the “T” (where the 10 foot line meets the boundary) from the opposing team’s middle. If the opposing outside or opposite get set instead, the libero will slide back and get in position for the incoming spike. It is super important for liberos to stay on their toes in order to be ready for any tips or roll shots as well!

While on offense, liberos are responsible for covering their hitters in the event that they get blocked. With that being said, it’s important to remember that liberos can never cross the plane of the top of the net (even if you jump from behind the 10 foot line). They are also prohibited from setting a front row attack while standing in front of the 10 foot line. This is to prevent using a libero as a setter thus always giving your offense three options.

Volleyball Positions: Libero Characteristics – What makes a great libero?

It’s easy to see that being a great libero starts with having a solid work ethic. Libero is an incredibly demanding volleyball position that requires a balance of both physical and mental characteristics. The 5 most common traits of a great libero are:

Quick Reflexes – The best liberos have cat-like reflexes. Seeing a spike and reacting quickly enough to get behind it is what separates the good from the great. One fraction of a second too long and you end up with a shank!

High Volleyball IQ – Great liberos are the leaders of the defense. They fill the holes in blocks, read arm swings, and alert teammates of things that they notice (such as an opposing outside always swinging down the line).

Hustle – Hustle plays can be the difference in winning or losing a volleyball match. The setter might be the one who runs the most but the libero definitely dives the most. Great liberos consistently sacrifice their bodies to get that needed touch on the volleyball.

Consistency – Consistency in the passing game is a crucial characteristic of a great libero. Running an effective offense is impossible without solid passing and that starts with the libero.

Grit – DON’T BE SCARED! Every single great libero has been hit in the face hundreds of times. Fear causes you to play on your heels which will ultimately result in slow movements and poor execution.

Defensive Specialist Volleyball Positions

Volleyball Positions: Defensive Specialist Definition – What is a ds in volleyball?

In volleyball, the term “DS” is short for defensive specialist. This is a volleyball position in which a player comes into the game for the sole purpose of playing defense.

If a volleyball team has two terrific defensive players, they may use one as a libero and the other as a defensive specialist. The defensive specialist (ds) is similar to the libero but must request a substitution to enter the game. This means that they are only allowed to come in for ONE player at a specific positions. Once the defensive specialist gets back into the front row, they will request a substitution to exit the game thus allowing the hitter to come back in.

Volleyball Positions: Defensive Specialist Position – Where does a ds line up?

Ultimately, this depends on which position the defensive specialists is entering the game as. Because the libero will usually come in for the middle hitters, the ds will most often replace an outside or opposite.

Volleyball Positions: Defensive Specialist Roles – What does a ds do in volleyball?

The purpose of the ds is to come in for players who are less capable in the back row in order to offer additional defensive support. For example, a team could have an opposite who is a terrific hitter and blocker but struggles in serve receive. It would be beneficial for them to make use of a defensive specialist once the opposite reached the back row.

Unlike the libero, a defensive specialist is not limited by any additional rules. While in the game, they are allowed to engage in a back row attack and set a front row attack from in front of the 10 foot line.

Serving Specialist Volleyball Positions

Volleyball Positions: Serving Specialist Definition – What is a ss in volleyball?

A serving specialist (ss) is a player who specifically comes into the game to serve. They are responsible for serving the volleyball and playing defense in their respective position on the ensuing point.

Volleyball Positions: Serving Specialist Roles – What does a ss do in volleyball?

Serving specialists (ss) are usually either extremely consistent or have have a serve that is very difficult to pass. While it is not exactly the most glamorous volleyball position, it can be vital to a team’s success and their ability to score points.

If you end up a serving specialist, do your best to get every serve in and give 100% on defense. This could lead to more playing time as a libero or defensive specialist.

Volleyball Positions and Rotations – Volleyball Rotations for Beginners

It’s common to hear beginner volleyball players ask, “what are volleyball rotations?”. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! We’re here to help you out!

For starters, the volleyball rotations are just the position a certain player starts in before the serve. Once the ball is served, players are free to move anywhere on the court and won’t be called for an out of rotation violation.

Think of the volleyball rotations like a circle that has six stations. Every time your team sides out, a new server must serve so each player moves clockwise to a new station. The biggest thing to remember is who is to your left and who is to your right. If you make sure they always stay to each side of you, you’ll never be out of rotation.

Often times, young players are given a rotation sheet and asked to memorize their position on the volleyball court. This can be incredibly overwhelming for beginner players. While memorizing can be helpful, it’s important to always know “teammate A is to my left and teammate B is to my right”.

Stuff to Buy!

As always, we like to suggest a few products that you can get on your quest to becoming a great volleyball player. In order to give readers the best experience possible, the Volleyball-Tips team continues to provide free content without any ads. In order to keep this up, we need your support!

Any time that you are looking to purchase something online (even if it is not volleyball related), do so by clicking one of our links and get it on Amazon. This will have no impact on your purchasing price but Amazon will give us a cut for getting them a customer. Trust us, this helps big time and let’s us spread the great game of volleyball to everyone with internet access! Thanks for being a reader!

Best Volleyball Knee Pads

The three volleyball knee pads shown above are some of the best on the market. Take a look below for a bit of detail about each. For a more complete review, click here!

Mizuno LR6 – The Mizuno LR6 volleyball knee pads are a phenomenal choice if you’re looking for something that won’t impact your ability to jump. At a sleeve length of six inches, they are one of the smallest options available on the market. This makes them a great choice for players who play in both the front row and back row.

Although they provide a great deal of protection, they may not be the best option for a full-time back row player such as a libero or defensive specialist. These types of players may be a better fit for a volleyball knee pad that provides a bit more padding in order to prevent injury.

Nike Streak – If you’re looking to purchase Nike volleyball knee pads, your best bet is to go with the Nike Streaks. Similar to the Mizuno LR6 knee pads, the Nike streak knee pads provide excellent coverage without restricting your ability to move. They are used by college teams all over the country (if they are sponsored by Nike) so there are plenty of players who would recommend them.

As mentioned above, They won’t restrict your ability to move but it is at the cost I’m providing additional padding. If you are a back row player, it might be a better idea to go with one of the thicker knee pads on the market.

ASICS Slider – The ASICS slider knee pads are likely the best choice for players who find themselves on the ground multiple times a game. This is because they offer a great deal of protection and padding in order to prevent bumps, bruises and injuries. If you’re new to the game or you’re just looking for extra protection because you play exclusively in the back row, these knee pads are probably what you should purchase.

It is worth noting that the extra protection may limit a bit of your movement as compared to the other two choices above. ASICS did a great job with their design but if you play in the front row, one of the other options would be a better fit.

Frequently asked questions about Volleyball Positions

Does height matter when choosing a volleyball position?

Yes and no. New players should not feel as though they need to lock themselves into a certain volleyball position right from the start. If you are a shorter player but love to hit the ball, don’t let your height discourage you. Plenty of players make up for their height by increasing their vertical jump or finding creative ways to beat blocks.

With that being said, it is quite difficult to be a dominant hitter if you are on the shorter side. The average height for each position from shortest to tallest is as followed: libero/defensive specialist, setter, outside hitter, opposite hitter, middle hitter.

What are the best volleyball positions for short players?

In terms of practicality, the best volleyball positions for shorter players tend to be libero and defensive specialist. This is because they do not require any blocking or hitting thus eliminating the need to get over the height of the net.

Regardless of height it is incredibly important for all volleyball players to work on both quickness and technique. Just because you weren’t gifted with a 6’10 frame doesn’t mean you can’t win at the net. Work on your craft because every single rep counts.

What are the best volleyball positions for tall players?

Tall players tend to gravitate more towards middle hitter and opposite hitter because of the blocking aspect of the game. Both volleyball positions are required to stop the opposing team’s attack so it is imperative to have the reach necessary to do so.

If you’re not the tallest volleyball player but still want to hit, outside hitter could be a great position for you. It’s not as focused on blocking as middle and opposite but still has a huge impact on a team’s offense.

What is the best volleyball position for me?

One of the first questions a new player asks when they step on the court is, “where should I play?”. The answer is it really depends on where you want to take volleyball. If you are just starting out, try everything and pick your favorite. It is important to know the intricacies of each position in order to become a well rounded player.

If you are a bit more serious and want to make volleyball a part of your future, the first thing to think about is your height or estimated adult height if you are young. Shorter volleyball players should lean towards libero or defensive specialist and work on their agility and reaction time. If you know you are going to be very tall, lean towards middle hitter or opposite hitter and work on lateral movement and reach. If you are not sure, the best bet is outside because you will be exposed to all aspects of volleyball. With that being said, make the decision for yourself! Don’t let anyone else tell you that you’re too short to play a certain position. Work hard and show them why you’re great!