In volleyball there are 6 different players in the field, with 5 different positions. Each of the positions have a different task in the field, and when you play this position (especially when you’re in a senior team) you are ‘specialized’ in this position. Most of the time, people will learn to start playing in a certain position when they reach a certain team or are a certain age (around 12 to 14 for most players). These are the 5 different positions in volleyball, and everyone has a specific role depending on their positions. In a team there are most likely 2 to 3 people playing the same position. This is because some positions have two people playing the same position in the field, and otherwise so that there is a sub player for that particular position. Here is an overview of the 5 positions.
- The setter
These players always play the second ball. They are called setters because they essentially set the ball up for the hitters on the team to spike the ball over the net. If you see the field from the back, the setters are always on the left side, they can be at the front or back row depending on their rotation. At the start of the set however, setters always start on the back row. This is called rotation one.
Setters also have to play defense, but when the ball is not going their way, everyone is expecting them to play the second ball. This is also important because it is their specialty and when they don’t play the second ball and someone has to take over, it might not be a very good ball and mess up the play. - Libero’s
these players are exclusively used for passing and playing defense. They are seen wearing a different color jersey than the rest of the team and this is because there are a lot of special rules for the liberos to follow. Most important, they are not allowed to play in the front row. When the rotation gets them there, they sub out, most of the time for a middle player. These are also not normal subs, as they are unlimited. The libero’s are also not allowed to overhead play the ball when over the 3 meter line. Libero’s are often the best passers of the team and are expected to pass even the hardest balls. - Middle hitters
these players are always in the middle of the field, this allows them to assist in blocking all 3 of the opposing team hitters. Middle hitters are known to receive a quick set and spike the ball before the opposing team has the chance to set up their defense. This ball is called a first tempo ball. They are often subbed out when they rotate to the back row so the libero is the one receiving a serve. - Outside hitters
the outside hitters specialize in the front row for spiking and scoring the ball. They are at the right side, seen from the back of the field. Most of the outside hitters are also good at passing the ball, since they are also in the back row and have to receive serve. They also have to be good at defense, because this is also a part of their role in the field. Fro example, also blocking the opposing hitters from the other team When in the back row, they are allowed to score from behind the 3 meter line as one of the only ones. - Opposing hitters
the opposing have mostly the same responsibilities as outside hitters. The biggest difference is that they are on the left side of the field (the opposing side). They often switch with the setter in front and back row. Another difference is that they are practically behind the setter and receive the set much closer. But the same as the outside hitter, they can also spike and score from behind the 3 meter line. These opposing hitters also have the responsibility to block the spike from the outside hitters from the other team.
