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Volleyball positions are a little difficult for amateurs to understand. Even in similar explanatory articles on the Internet, there is a lot of old, outdated information. So, this time I would like to briefly explain the world standard volleyball positions and their roles.
Volleyball positions and their roles
As of 2020, volleyball players internationally are divided into five positions.
Outside hitter (OH)
This position mainly hits spikes from the left side facing the net. Formerly known as the "left" or "wing spiker." One of the important roles of players in this position is to receive serves. Furthermore, in recent years, back attacks from the center, or so-called pipe attacks, have also become an important role for outside hitters in the back row (rear guard). Therefore, this position is suitable for all-round players.
Famous players in this position: Yuki Ishikawa, Masahiro Yanagida, Mayu Ishikawa
Middle Blocker (MB)
This position is mainly located in the center of the net and plays a central role in blocking. Formerly known as the "center". Spikes are also mainly performed from the central area. In spikes, they were said to be decoys for outside hitters and opposites, but in recent years, it is not uncommon for middle blockers to be the best scorers in top-level matches. Conversely, how well players in this position function is the key to victory. They usually replace the libero in the back row.
Famous players in this position: Taishi Onodera, Masahiro Yamauchi, Erika Araki
Opposite (OP)
This position is opposite the setter and plays a central role in the attack. Since they often spike from the right side toward the net, they used to be called "right" or "super ace". Regardless of whether they are in the front row or back row, they are required to have a high spike success rate, and are especially expected to be able to handle high sets (high tosses from a position away from the net) when the reception breaks down. In Japan, left-handed players tend to be assigned to this position, but high offensive power and a strong mentality are more important suitability factors than dominant hand.
Famous players in this position: Nishida Yuji, Shimizu Kunihiro, Nagaoka Miyu
Setter (S)
This is the position that provides the toss (set) to the spiker. It is the position that touches the ball the most during the match, and is the most important position in volleyball. The setter is required to have excellent ball control to be able to set the ball accurately to the spiker, as well as high situational judgment ability to distribute the ball correctly and make the game according to the situation of the other players on the team and the opponent.
Famous players in this position: Naonori Fujii, Seita Sekita, Haruka Miyashita
Libero (L)
A defensive position. It is the newest position, created by the rule change in 1998. The libero mainly takes the place of the middle blocker who has moved to the back row. Not only does he play a central role in serve receiving and digging (spike receiving), but he is also required to have high communication skills on the court, such as giving instructions to other teammates from behind. Although he cannot play plays that directly lead to points, such as spiking or serving, the libero's super receive can sometimes captivate the audience more than a super spike.
Famous players in this position: Taichiro Koga, Tomohiro Yamamoto, Mako Obata
The current situation among Japanese players
In Japan, these names and roles are commonplace at the top level (especially for men), but they have not yet taken root at the student or amateur level. Left, right, and center are the mainstream position names, and the roles of outside hitter and opposite often differ greatly from the world standard. World-standard roles and tactics have been cultivated through a long history and fierce competition. It is fair to say that Japanese amateur volleyball is about 30 years behind the times, not learning from the history of the top level. Meanwhile, children in Italy and Poland play volleyball with the same concept as the top level, even in junior high school.
summary
In volleyball, there are five positions: outside hitter, middle blocker, opposite, setter, and libero. Please understand the world standard positions and their roles and use it when watching volleyball or actually playing volleyball!!!
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