The Ultimate Guide to Volleyball Positions

Volleyball is a fast-paced, intense, exciting sport where every player on the floor has a different role. Because some positions require unique skill sets and varying degrees of athleticism, it’s critical to find the one that fits the qualities you bring to your team.

FAQ on Volleyball Terms

It’s important to understand some common volleyball terms to help explain the different positions on a volleyball team.

What’s a serve?

It’s the start of a rally when the ball is hit over the net by the server.

What’s a service ace?

It’s when a point is scored by the receiving team without a return.

How do you score in volleyball?

When one side fails to return the volleyball successfully over the net in play, it counts as one point. Games usually go to 25 points, and a match is the best of 5. A team must win by 2 points, or it goes into overtime. The final game of a match only goes to 15 points.

What’s an attack?

An attack is when a player hits the ball with the intention of scoring. Spiking the ball is an attack shot.

What’s a kill?

An attack that leads to a kill. For instance, a successful spike is a kill. A kill counts as a point.

What’s a dig?

A dig occurs when a player has successfully kept the ball alive after an attack. For instance, if a player spikes the ball and the defense keeps it alive, it’s a successful dig.

What’s setting/assisting?

It’s when a player passes, sets, or digs the ball to a teammate who makes a kill.

What’s blocking?

It’s when a player or players block a shot that leads to a point. This usually happens near the net.

Understanding Volleyball Positions & Their Roles

In volleyball, there’s a clockwise rotation for the player positions every time the serving team loses a point. Because the game is specialized, coaches frequently substitute to make sure they have the positions filled with the players with the right skills. Some players are good at multiple positions. Below is a look at the different volleyball positions.

Setter: The setter is responsible for making sure the offense runs smoothly and for recognizing how to defend best against their opponent. They must put their attackers in a position to score and help ensure their teammates are in the right position to defend. Without setters, there wouldn’t be spiking. It’s a big job. They’re sometimes referred to as the quarterback. It’s important for setters to make quick decisions about which attacker should be set up for the ball. The setter can play in the front and back rows.
Middle Blocker/Hitter: The middle blocker is usually the tallest player on the team. They play in the middle close to the net but not in the back row. Defensively, middle blockers are responsible for blocking hard shots that are close to the net. Offensively, they’re also attackers.
Outside Hitter: The outside hitter, also known as the left-hitter, must be a quality passer and attacker. On defense, they should be good blockers. Outside hitters must move laterally to get to balls not directly in front of them. They should also have a high vertical jump and be strong. An outside hitter is considered the lead attacker. Their most important job is to deliver jarring spikes.
Opposite Hitter: Opposite hitters, or right-side hitters, are the second scoring option. Their duties are nearly identical to an outside hitter. They must be strong and quick with explosive leaping ability. They also need to be setters and passers and be able to work with the middle blocker to guard the net.
Serving Specialist: A serving specialist enters the game specifically to serve. They have a tough serve that is hard to return. Players often serve and play other positions, but if a player has a weak serve, a serving specialist is sometimes substituted for that player.

Defensive Specialist

A coach can only designate one libero per match, and they can only be replaced by the player they replace.

Libero: The libero plays in the back row, and they wear a different color shirt. They can pass and dig, but they aren’t allowed to serve and play on the front line. The libero is the only position that doesn’t have to report to the official to sub into the game. Liberos are only used in indoor volleyball. The position was introduced in 1998 to add more ball control to the offense. That helped give offenses more options, making volleys longer and more exciting.

Learning the different positions and where they play on the court patterns is complicated. Once you figure out your skill set, though, and what position works best for you, the game will be energizing and fun and you’ll start to understand how you can best help your team.

The Importance of Having the Right Volleyball Gear

To play your best on the volleyball court, you need to feel good about the clothes you wear and the gear you choose.

Shoes: Look for a pair of shoes with comfortable padding and foam ankle support. They should be lightweight, breathable, and have good traction.
Tank Top/Short Sleeve Shirt: Your tank top or shirt should wick sweat away and dry quickly, and be breathable and form-fitting.
Shorts: A comfortable waistband that fits snugly and stays in place with material that wicks sweat, dries quickly, and is soft and breathable are good qualities for a pair of volleyball shorts.
Socks: Your socks should have plenty of cushioning and arch support that keeps your feet from getting fatigued. Look for socks that are moisture wicking and breathable.
Knee Pads: Your knee pads should be light, comfortable, durable, and supportive. They should allow you to move freely without feeling them.
Sunglasses: If you’re playing outside, sunglasses are a must to help shield your eyes from the ultraviolet rays. Your glasses should be stable, so they don’t move around when you jump or run. They should also be firm and comfortable.
Duffle Bag: A full-size duffle bag that can carry your clothes, shoes, and equipment is a good idea.