The opposite hitter position in volleyball is a critical offensive force that operates from the right-hand side of the court. With a tall, left-handed and athletic player occupying this position, the team can exploit weaknesses in the opposing team’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
The opposite hitter’s role is not just limited to scoring points but also involves blocking and defending from the back row. This position demands a lot of physicality and athleticism, making it a well-suited role for taller players. However, even players who are not exceptionally tall can excel in this position by improving their vertical jump.
The opposite hitter’s importance in the game of volleyball cannot be overstated, as they add depth to the offensive strategy and make life difficult for the opposing team’s outside hitter. In this article, we will explore the concept and role of the opposite hitter, recruiting guidelines, and tips for improving skills, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring opposite hitters to excel in their position.
Concept and Role
Like the knight wielding a powerful sword on the battlefield, the opposite hitter in volleyball serves as the dominant offensive weapon on the court. This position demands a lot of physicality and is very much suited to taller players. Usually, the second tallest player on the court, the opposite hitter operates from the right-hand side and is not usually involved in passing. Instead, they focus on blocking the opposing team’s outside hitter and often attack from the back row.
Physical attributes necessary for a great opposite hitter include adequate height, being left-handed, and athleticism. Great opposite hitters are left-handed, tall, strong, and athletic. They add depth to the offensive strategy and make the opposing outside hitter’s life difficult.
Opposite hitters who can hit the D ball well and actually kill the ball from the back row allow teams to run rotations with a front-court setter, opening up a ton of options offensively. The position also requires jumping ability and arm length. To overcome not being crazy tall in the opposite position, improving vertical jump is the best way.
Overall, the opposite hitter plays a crucial role in neutralizing the opposing team’s offensive threat as much as possible.
Recruiting Guidelines
Recruiters seek out players who possess a combination of height, athleticism, and skill when considering potential candidates for the position of opposite hitter in collegiate volleyball. Height is a crucial factor for recruiters as taller players have an advantage when blocking and attacking. The NCSA website provides useful recruiting guidelines for women’s volleyball, with a spike height of at least 345cm considered a good starting point for D1 collegiate opposite hitters. However, the accuracy of the numbers provided on the website is uncertain, and men’s recruiting guidelines are not made public.
Aside from height, club volleyball experience is also crucial for recruiters to consider. Opposite hitters require at least 2-5 years of decent level competition to hone their skills and develop their game. Coaches look for players who have the necessary technical skills to perform well in the position, particularly in terms of spiking and blocking. Having experience in club volleyball not only shows a player’s commitment and dedication to the sport but also exposes them to high-level competition, which is necessary to develop the skills required for collegiate volleyball.
Height benchmarks required for college volleyball opposite hitters can be found in the full article, and it is important to note that recruiters consider a combination of various factors when selecting potential players for the position.
Improving Skills
To enhance performance as a player on the right side of the court, it is essential to focus on physical and athletic abilities, as well as developing skills in spiking, blocking, back row attacks, and jump serving. Opposite hitters need to work on their vertical jump to achieve better spike height and power. Increasing vertical jump requires a combination of strength training, plyometric exercises, and technique improvement. The goal is to achieve maximum height and hang time in the air to get to the ball at the highest possible point and deliver the most effective spike. Additionally, developing back row attack techniques is crucial for opposite hitters. Back row attacks can be a valuable addition to a team’s offensive strategy, allowing for more creative plays and surprise attacks. Opposite hitters need to practice hitting from the back row while maintaining proper technique and timing to ensure the ball reaches its target with power and accuracy.
In addition to vertical jump and back row attacks, opposite hitters need to focus on improving their blocking skills. Effective blocking is essential to neutralize the opposing team’s offensive threat and create opportunities for counterattacks. Opposite hitters need to work on their footwork, hand positioning, and timing to become dominant blockers. Developing a jump serve can also increase the value as an asset on the volleyball court. A jump serve is a powerful and strategic serving technique that can put pressure on the opposing team’s reception and create scoring opportunities. Opposite hitters need to practice their jump serve to achieve consistency and accuracy, while also maintaining proper technique and minimizing errors. By focusing on these physical and technical aspects, opposite hitters can become a dominant force on the volleyball court and contribute to their team’s success.
| Skills to Improve | Techniques to Develop | Benefits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Jump | Strength training, plyometric exercises, technique improvement | Higher spike height and power | ||||
| Back Row Attacks | Practice hitting from back row, maintain proper technique and timing | Valuable addition to offensive strategy | ||||
| Blocking | Work on footwork, hand positioning, and timing | Neutralize opposing team’s offensive threat, create counterattack opportunities | ||||
| Jump Serve | Practice for consistency and accuracy, maintain proper technique | Put pressure on opposing team’s reception, create scoring opportunities | Defense | Focus on reading the opposing team’s attacks, communication with teammates, and diving techniques | Prevent opposing team from scoring, create transition opportunities for offense |
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