Position labels are only useful if they translate into clear responsibilities. At most levels, the difference between teams isn’t “who plays what position,” but whether each player understands what their role requires in serve receive, transition, and end-game situations.
Use this page to find definitions, selection priorities, and training focuses for each position.
Start here: the fastest path
If you only click one thing first, start here:
- Pin hitter in volleyball — what is it?
- Libero in Volleyball: rules, role, rotations, skills
- Setter in Volleyball: role, decisions, training priorities
Step 1 — Start with roles, not labels
When you assign positions, clarify these role questions:
- Who is responsible for first contact (serve receive + defense)?
- Who sets the second ball when the setter can’t?
- Who is your “bailout” attacker in out-of-system situations?
- Who organizes the defense (calls, seams, coverage)?
Related:
Libero
A libero’s value is usually in first contact quality, read/movement, and stability under pressure—not just “they can dig.”
Start here (selection):
Background/history:
Setter
Setters influence every rally through decisions, tempo management, and leadership. Selection is often a tradeoff between:
- decision quality and location consistency
- physical tools (movement, block presence)
- leadership/organizational impact
Start here:
- Setter in Volleyball: role, decisions, training priorities
- Picking a setter
- How do you train setters?
Skill development supports:
Pin hitter (outside/right-side role)
Pin hitters often do three jobs at once:
- be a reliable attacker in imperfect situations
- contribute to serve receive (especially outsides)
- handle more “problem-solving” balls in transition
Start here:
Middle blocker
Middles are largely about:
- closing space and reading the game
- quick attack timing
- being effective in transition despite fewer high-volume reps
FAQs
How early should players specialize in positions?
Early on, most players benefit from learning multiple roles. Specialize only as much as your competitive environment requires, and keep secondary skills alive (especially serve receive and setting the second ball).
Should my best athlete always be the setter?
Not automatically. Your best athlete may add more value as a point scorer or primary passer. Choose your setter based on decision-making, location consistency, and how they raise the team’s quality.
How do I pick between two similar setters (or liberos)?
Use game-like reps and prioritize the player who is more stable under pressure, communicates better, and improves the quality of teammates around them.
Back to Start Here: https://coachingvb.com/start-here/
