Volleyball Positions: Setter and Libero

Volleyball Positions

• There are two types of Opposite Hitters: those in high school formations who are defensive specialists with balanced skills, and those in professional formations who are spikers with immense offensive capability, focusing on attacking.
• A good Opposite Hitter has good ball control, versatility, and a well-rounded skill set.

Middle Blocker (MB)

• Also known as Middle Hitter, responsible for blocking shots at the net and attacking the ball in the front row, and playing defense in the back row.
• Typically the tallest player on the team, requiring strong blocking skills, fast tempo attacks, a strong arm swing, good timing, and effective footwork.

Special Positions in Volleyball

Ace

• Responsible for spiking past blockers with brute force, requiring high mental strength and the ability to act accordingly when cornered.
• Ace players may have control rather than power, aiming for weak spots in blockers or using feints to deceive them.

Serving Specialist (SS)

• Also known as Pinch Servers, who substitute into the game to serve, often near match point.
• There are two types of Serving Specialists:
  • Serve Controllers: with impressive control over their serves, adding rotation to the ball to disrupt receivers.
  • Power Servers: relying on brute strength to get a service ace, capable of serves resembling spikes.

Defensive Specialist

• Plays in the back row, responsible for defense and receiving serve, but unlike Libero, does not wear a different colored jersey and must abide by normal substitution rules.

Decoy

• Trics the opposing blockers and defense by faking a spike, stalling the opponents and creating confusion.

Volleyball Positions - Setter (S)

• The main contributor to the team's offense, key playmaker, and decision-maker, determining the direction of the team's attack.
• A good Setter has excellent ball control, court awareness, and decision-making skills.

Libero (L)

• Wears a different colored jersey, playing only in the back row, responsible for defense and serve-receive, and not permitted to attack the ball at the net or play a set for an attacker from the front.
• A good Libero has quick footwork, good ball control, and excellent receiving/passing skills.

Outside Hitter (OH)

• Also known as Pin Hitter/Left-side hitter, the lead attacker in the offensive strategy, responsible for attacking from the front row and playing defense from the back row.
• A good Outside Hitter has a combination of power, accuracy, and versatility.

Opposite Hitter (Opp/RS)

• Also known as Right-side hitter, the second attacker, responsible for hitting the ball from the back row, requiring physical strength, the ability to jump high, and focus on the offensive game.

Learn about the specific roles of a Setter and Libero in volleyball. Understand the key responsibilities of the setter in shaping the team's offense and the unique role of the libero in defense. Test your knowledge on volleyball positions in this quiz!