The 6 Positions Of Volleyball Show Where To Play And Where To
Start Your Rotation
The 6 positions of
volleyball are important to understand as a player and coach. They are
really zones (or rotations) on the court more than
they are actual positions.
The 6 positions of volleyball are outlined like this:
Coaches usually
refer to these as zones or positions. In the diagram you see above,
this is usually the starting rotation for a 5-1 offense.
Position 1
In position 1, you have your setter serving and coming off of the back
row. Why does the setter usually start in the first back row position?
In a 5-1 offense, this allows your strongest three hitters to be
hitting first. Because this is your best lineup, you should side out
and play offense easily from this rotation.
Position 6
The 6 positions of volleyball will have either your middle blocker or
libero playing this position on the back row in the middle. If you are
playing competitively, then the libero will play the entire back row
positions for the middle blocker. Since your back row players are your
defensive players, you want to have the libero back there passing and
playing defense.
Position 5
Position 5 is taken by the outside hitter. Most offenses call this your
second outside hitter. Usually, your best outside hitter will start in
the front with the other outside hitter starting in zone 5. The outside
hitters always play opposite each other in the rotation so that you
will always have your best passers handling the serve receive.
Position 4
Position 4 is occupied by the opposite. This player plays opposite the
setter so that there is another hitter when the setter is in the back
row rotations. Because they will be hitting from the right side of the
court (assuming you are facing the net), it is best if this player is
left handed. They will be able to hit better angles from that side of
the floor.
Position 3
Position 3 is taken by the middle
blocker. Usually the middle blocker in this position is called middle
blocker one. The best of the two middle blockers will start out in this
position. This allows them to match up against the best hitters on the
other team.
Position 2
Position 2 is for the outside hitter. This is usually your best outside
hitter on the team. That way, when they have rotated, you will have
your best middle blocker, setter, and outside hitter on the front row
at the same time.
Hopefully, this explanation of the 6 positions of volleyball gives you
a starting point for knowing how to line up your offense. Again, this
explanation and diagram are based on a 5-1 offense, but could be
adapted if you play a different offense.