The Different Player Positions in Volleyball

As a team sport, volleyball requires the collective effort of the different player positions, each of which has a distinct and designated role to play in the team. Each position requires a different skill-set though all of them should have a basic knowledge of all the skills needed for the game.

Middle Blocker

The middle blocker positions himself at the net in the middle of the court and primarily plays during defense to block the opposing team's ball. On offense, the middle blocker may hit quick sets or serve to confuse the opponent if the pass is good enough. The setter must be alert at all times to sense where the opponent setter will deliver the ball. Height and good blocking skills are also necessary skills in a middle blocker.

Setter

The setter is said to be the backbone of the offense and assumes the important role of deciding – often in a split of a second – who should get the ball and when. He is the equivalent of a point guard in basketball. Usually, the setter is the one who "sets" the ball on the second contact and delivers it to the hitter. As such, the setter should be quick-thinking and quick with his hands.

Outside Hitter

The outside hitter is the player who is positioned on the front left side of the volleyball court. On offense, the outside hitter or left side hitter is the main hitter and the one tasked to make passes. His position receives the brunt of less-than-perfect passes so that he has to swing at the ball a lot. The outside hitter must be a good hitter and digger and should have excellent ball-handling skills.

Libero

The libero position is in the back row and is the only player who is not affected by rotation. A libero retains his position for the entire match and can only be replaced when he is injured. On the offense, he is tasked with keeping the ball in the air to give the team solid scoring chances. He must pass the ball in order for his team to run a successful offense. The libero needs to have quick hands, solid passing and digging skills and consistency.

Opposite

The opposite is called such because he is positioned opposite the setter in the rotation. He plays on the right in either the front or the back row. On the defense, he blocks the ball hit by the opponent's outside hitter. On the offense, he makes passes and sets. The opposite must have great ball-handling skills and should be a good blocker as well.

All player positions wear the same volleyball uniforms which consist of short or long-sleeved shirts, long pants and volleyball shoes.