Volleyball is a team sport played with six players on each team. Each player on the court has a specific role and responsibility. Players are assigned positions based on their skill set and their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Setter
The setter is the player on a volleyball team who sets up his team's attackers. A set is a term used in volleyball to refer to a specific type of pass. A set is usually the second of three hits a team is allowed before it must return the ball to the opponent's side of the court. Sets are usually soft passes lofted in the air close to the net, that allow a setter's teammate to spike the ball over the net. Setters control the offense by passing to the team's offensive players.
Outside Hitter
The outside hitters are usually the primary attackers on a team. Outside hitters are positioned on the left side of the court in the front row of players. An outside hitter usually receives passes from the setter and attempts to score points by spiking the ball over the net. Outside hitters are also responsible for blocking opponents' shots at the net.
Weakside Hitter
Weakside, or right side, hitters are similar to outside hitters, except that they are positioned on the right side of the court. Their job responsibilities are the same as the outside hitters; that is to be both an offensive attacker and to block opponents.
Middle Hitter
A middle hitter's main responsibility is to stop the opponent's shots. A middle hitter is positioned in the middle of the court. Along with one of the other hitters, the middle hitter attempts to block spikes or shots coming back over the net. Middle hitters are responsible for coordinating the front row players. Middle hitters can be used as offensive players. Occasionally, a middle hitter will be used as a decoy. The middle hitter will act as though the set has been hit to her, in order to confuse the opposition.
Libero
The libero is a unique player in volleyball. The libero can enter a game at any time for any back-row player and is only allowed to play in the back row. Liberos distinguish themselves by wearing different colored jerseys than their teammates. Because liberos play in the back row, they are responsible for playing defense by digging out the ball, and must also be efficient passers. The libero is usually one of the best defensive players on the team and is sometimes referred to as a defensive specialist.
Server
The player positioned in the back right corner serves the ball to begin play. Each time a team regains a serve, players rotate clockwise, ensuring that all players serve during the match. After a serve, however, players can move from their rotational position into their playing position, such as middle hitter. After the serve, there must still be three players in the front row and three back-row players.
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