Volleyball Basics
VolleyballMag.com staff
January 1, 2024
The word “position” in indoor volleyball can be a bit confusing at first, because it can mean two different things: 1. avolleyballcourt position or location describes the area where a player is standing when play begins, and 2. indoor players also play specific team positions where they fill specific roles that best match their skills. Read on to learn about both indoor volleyball court positions and player positions.
A volleyball court has six different positions or locations—three in the front of the court and three in the back. They can be referred to by number or name.
- 1: Back court right side (when facing the net)
- 2: Front court right side
- 3: Front court center
- 4: Front court left side
- 5: Back court left side
- 6: Back court center
Volleyball players must stand in a certain area of the court at the start of each point. Volleyball teamsrotate, or change their starting court position, after they win back the serve from the other team.
After the serve is put into play, volleyball players can move around the court as long as they follow certainrules.
There are six basic player positions on an indoor volleyball team (along with one additional specialized position).
Setter (S)
A volleyball setter runs their team’s offense by getting the ball to a teammate in the best position to make akill. Setters try to figure out weaknesses in the opponent’s defense and then set up an attack, often using hand signals to communicate with their teammates.
Setters usually defend from court location 1 and go on offense from 2. They also usually make the second touch during a point. Setters also block, defend, pass, and even serve if needed.
Volleyball setters need to be strong leaders, fast thinkers and accurate passers. They also have to be quick enough to get to the second ball.
Middle Blocker (MB)
As you might expect, middle blockers usually play in location 3, in the middle of the court. Their main job is to guard the net and block spikes from the other team. They also mount quick attacks.
Middle blockers need to be tall, strong, and willing to jump in front of an opponent to block a spike.
Outside Hitter (OH)
Outside Hitters, also called left sides or pin, are the main volleyball attack players. They usually pass from location 5 and attack from 4, on the left side of the court.
Outside hitters need to be able to jump high and hit the ball hard. They also must be good passers and defenders, and they often return serves, so they generally have good all-around skills.
OHs are usually right-handed since they play on the left side of the court with their right side facing the inside of the court. That gives them a better angle to attack the ball.
Opposite Hitter (OPP or RS)
The opposite hitter, or right-side pin, handles the right side of the court and usually plays in location 2 when on the front row. Like outside hitters, they hit and block, but from the other side of the court.
Since they play on the right side, it’s optimal to be left-handed for the same reason as outside hitters tend to be right-handed. There are way fewer lefties, however.
Libero (L)
Liberos essentially run the defense. They play in the backcourt, moving from inside to outside during the match. Liberos specialize in receiving serves and are also counted on to set when the setter has to either play defense or can’t get to the ball.
Liberos are easy to spot since they wear jerseys that contrast with those of their teammates. They can’t rotate into the front row and if they attack the ball, they have to make contact lower than the top of the next. Their different jersey helps officials keep track of their location.
Defensive Specialist (DS)
Like a libero, the defensive specialist excels at receiving serves and digging. However, defensive specialists don’t wear a different jersey, and they can substitute for any player or position on the volleyball court.
Coaches often use defensive specialists in high-pressure situations, perhaps to receive from a strong server on the other team, or to add a stronger passer to the lineup during a key point in the match.
Serving Specialist (SS)
If a team has an exceptionally skilled server, the coach might sub her into the game just to win points on the serve.
