Young players, parents new to the sport, and new volleyball coaches often wonder about the different roles players fill on a team. Learning what the positions on a volleyball team are can be challenging, but with these brief descriptions, I hope to make it a little easier for you!

Have you ever wondered why one player touches every other ball? Or why your daughter subs out but another girl doesn’t? And why is that girl showing up to games in a different colored jersey!?

We’ll get to all of that! Although every team is different, there are some general explanations for every position on the court.

Note: Younger/beginner teams usually do not play in positions. These explanations only apply to teams who switch places on the court after the serve has gone over or has been returned.

OUTSIDE HITTER

WHERE: The player in left front.

SPECIAL SKILLS: This player is typically a power hitter and is a go-to for setters when passes are not perfect because of the angle of their attack options. Must have good stamina to deal with the high volume of sets they receive and should be a skilled passer to help on serve receive and defense.

PLAYING TIME: Frequently plays all-around, but may sub out for a defensive specialist or switch with a libero in back row.

MIDDLE BLOCKER

WHERE: The player in the middle front.

SPECIAL SKILLS: Participates in every block when possible, and has the most difficult attack to defend against. Does not get set often when the pass is not perfect because of the poor attack angles.

PLAYING TIME: Usually switches with liberos in back row. Liberos may only serve in one rotation, so in this case at least one middle hitter (usually the one who is more comfortable in defense) will need to serve before switching out of back row.

RIGHT SIDE HITTER/OPPOSITE HITTER

WHERE: The player in right front.

SPECIAL SKILLS: This player is another go-to for passes which are not perfect, though does not get set as often at younger ages when setters are still learning how to set back. Usually left-handed to increase easy attack options. Puts up a big block.

PLAYING TIME: Typically subs out for a setter or defensive specialist in back row.

SETTER

WHERE: Most often the player in right back, but may set from right front as well depending on the type of offense the team is running.

SEE MORE: What Is A “6-2” In Volleyball? + What Is A “5-1” In Volleyball?

SPECIAL SKILLS: This player runs the offense and must make each pass "hittable" no matter where it goes. Must make snap decisions and even a small mistake can cost their team a point.

PLAYING TIME: May play all-around or get subbed out in front row for a right side hitter/opposite hitter. 

LIBERO

WHERE: The player in the different colored uniform. Usually plays left back or middle back. Each team may have two.

SPECIAL SKILLS: Typically the team's most consistent passer and a leader on defense. Expects every ball (and usually gets most of them).  Has a number of rules restricting them from setting or hitting in different situations, and therefore most frequently only passes the ball. New liberos may get out of rotation while learning the position.

PLAYING TIME: Does not play front row and can run on and off the court instead of formally subbing in. Usually plays more than their teammates unless splitting time with another libero. 

DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST/DS

WHERE: May play in any back row position, though often plays left back or middle back.

SPECIAL SKILLS: Specializes in passing and must find a good balance between aggressive defense and trust with their team's libero. DS's, as they are often called, must be mentally strong. This player is essential in defense and serve receive, but often gets less credit than they deserve.

PLAYING TIME: Usually subs in for a front row player and serves, but most often only plays back row.

NOTES

Players must stay in a certain rotation throughout each set and may not "release" to their positions until after the service contact is made. To identify positions, watch where players move to after their team serves or after returning the serve. This is called their “base” position.

Most players will specialize in either front row or back row and will sub out for half of the six rotations a team uses. Individual playing time is determined by rotations on the court, and not on time. However, time on the court is influenced by the number of points scored. Depending on the lineup, it may or may not be beneficial to have certain players start.