Outside Hitter Volleyball Position – Get Pro Tips You Need

I remember when I started playing volleyball in high school, I used to play as a Middle Blocker because I liked that position. But when I got to college and started playing in the Outside Hitter Position, I really fell in love with it. I enjoyed the attack and defense aspects, and I also loved swinging.

In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Outside Hitter volleyball position in detail—Why an outside hitter is so important?, the technical skills required to become a smart spiker, and how you can become a left or right side hitter (Opposite hitter). 

If you are confused different volleyball positions and you can’t decide which position is right for you in the volleyball court, here is our FREE Guide to the volleyball Positions.

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Let’s get started with the definition. 

What is an Outside Hitter in a Volleyball Team?

The outside hitter position is located on the left side of the court which is opposite to the setter. Outside hitters are responsible for hitting the ball from the outside of the court. They can also set the ball for other hitters on the team because they have good movement and jumping ability, arm strength, and hitting techniques.

Understanding Volleyball Player Positions is important. You might wonder how many positions are in Volleyball? Well, There are 6 positions in volleyball where an outside hitter, also known as a left side hitter, is the 2nd most important position after setter.

Outside hitters are the primary spikers in the team and are responsible for scoring a significant portion of the team’s points. They approach the net with a proper angle and kill the ball as hard as they can. They are often attributed as the hardest position in volleyball.

It is typically a left side player but can play on right side as Opposite hitter. In women’s game, Outside hitter is the only hitter known as primary hitter who can play both right and left side when needed.

The major difference between outside hitter and opposite hitter is their attacking position. Outside hitters attack from the left side whereas opposite hitter attacks form the right.

If you are following volleyball, you must want to know who is the best outside hitter in the volley. Let’s have a look.

Who is the best outside hitter in volleyball?

There are many great outside hitters in volleyball, but some of them are my favorite include:

• Zhu Ting (China): Zhu Ting is widely considered to be the best outside hitter in the world today. She is a dominant force on both offense and defense, and she has led China to numerous international victories.
  
• Paola Egonu (Italy): Egonu is another world-class outside hitter. She is known for her powerful spikes and her incredible athleticism.
  
• Gabriela Guimarães (Brazil): Guimarães is a rising star in the volleyball world. She is a skilled all-around player, and she is one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.

if you analyze their playing tactics you will get to know the secrets how to become the best outside player.

Characteristics of a Good Outside Hitter

Outside hitters are also called “passer Hitter” due to their dual responsibility in the game at different positions. They act as passers and pass the ball when they are playing at position 5,  whereas they act as hitter when playing at position 6.

There are 5 major responsibilities that are important for outside hitters. These are:

1. Serve receive
2. Reads the opponent
3. Covers other hitters
4. Runs plays
5. Blocking

The outside hitter approach can contribute to the team in all aspects of the game and have a variety of strengths.

1- A good outside hitter has excellent passing skills. 

Outside hitters are often the best passers on the team. They are the first to interact with the serve ball. This is because they need to be able to pass accurately and consistently in order to set up their own attacks and the attacks of their teammates. 

2- Left side Hitters are the Smartest Attackers

Outside hitters are the smartest attackers on the floor. They are the backbone of the team’s offense as they read the defense and make informed decisions about where to hit exactly.

They also hit a variety of different shots, including cross-court hits, down-the-line hits, and cut shots.

3- A good outside hitter has athleticism

Outside hitters must be athletic and able to jump high in order to hit over the block. They also need to be quick and agile in order to move around the court and defend against the other team’s attacks.

4- Most of the Good Outside Hitters are Right-Handed

Most outside hitters are right-handed. This is because it gives them the advantage of an extra side swing when hitting cross-court. However, this is not necessary; there are also some very successful left-handed outside hitters.

5- Outside hitter are mostly taller

Does height matter for outside hitter? Well, Outside hitters are typically the tallest players on the court but not always. This gives them an advantage when hitting and blocking. Generally middle blocker tends to be taller. 

6- Good outside hitters hit the Ball with Power

Outside hitters hit the ball with a lot of power. As they play from the left side that gives them extra side swing which allows them to score points from anywhere on the court.

7- Hitting Accuracy is their Key

Outside hitters need to be accurate with their hitting. This means being able to place the ball in specific areas of the court.

8- Versatile Outside Hitter Volleyball

Outside hitters are the versatile players. This means being able to pass, set, and defend, as well as hit.

Physical attributes of an Outside Hitter Volleyball

The physical attributes of volleyball outside hitters typically include height, agility, speed, jumping ability, arm strength, and coordination which enable them to effectively attack the ball from various positions on the court and contribute to blocking and defense.

If you want to improve your hand-eye coordination, here are some exercises for you:

• Wall drills: Practice hitting the ball against a wall and catching it with your hands.
• Pepper drills: Practice hitting the ball back and forth with a partner.
• Reaction drills: Practice reacting to different stimuli, such as a ball being thrown at you or a light turning on.

What Makes a Great Outside Hitter?

In addition to the physical attributes and technical skills listed above, The great outside hitters also have a number of other qualities, such as:

• Mental toughness: Outside hitters need to be able to handle the pressure of being the team’s primary hitter. They need to be able to stay focused and perform at a high level, even when things are not going well.
• Leadership: Outside hitters are often leaders on their teams. They need to be able to motivate their teammates and help them to play at their best.
• Work ethic: Great outside hitters are always working to improve their skills. They are dedicated to their sport and they are willing to put in the hard work necessary to succeed.

Tips for Becoming a Great Defensive Specialist

Here are few tips how you can become a great outside hitter:

1. Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become. Make sure to practice all aspects of your game, including hitting, passing, setting, and defense.
2. Get feedback from coaches and trainers: Coaches and trainers can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. They can also give you tips on how to become a better outside hitter by improving your skills.
3. Watch other great outside hitters: Pay attention to how other great outside hitters play. Try to learn from their techniques and strategies.
4. Be patient: It takes time and effort to become a great outside hitter. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and working hard, and you will eventually reach your goals.

How Outside Hitter Rotate in Volleyball Court?

In volleyball, outside hitters rotate with their teammates in a specific sequence to ensure fair play and equal opportunities for all players. The rotation follows a clockwise pattern when viewing the court from above.

Here’s the sequence how outside hitters rotate on the volleyball court in the most common 5-1 & 6-2 formation:

Role of an Outside Hitter in 5-1 Formation

The outside hitters in the 5-1 formation rotate between the front row and the back row. At the front, the outside hitters are responsible for hitting and blocking while In the back row, the outside hitters are responsible for passing and serving.

Outside Hitter play Defensive in 6-2 Formation

The outside hitters in the 6-2 formation rotate between the front row and the back row, just like in the 5-1 formation. However, in the 6-2 formation, the outside hitters also have to play defensive.

Outside Hitter (Side Hitter) vs. Opposite Hitter

The outside hitter and the opposite hitter are both important positions in volleyball, but there are some key differences between the two.

Characteristic	Outside hitter	Opposite hitter
Primary role	Hitter	Hitter (secondary)
Other responsibilities	Passer, blocker, digger	Passer, blocker, digger, setter (for middle blocker)
Position on court	Left side	Right side
Sets ball to	Middle blocker, right side hitter	Middle blocker

Here are some tips for outside hitters on how to set the ball for the middle hitter.

• Make sure that you are facing the middle blocker and that you have a clear line of sight.
• Bring the ball up to your forehead and set it with your fingers extended.
• Aim for a spot on the net that is in front of the middle blocker’s hitting shoulder.

How Important is the Outside Hitter in the Game?

In volleyball, Outside hitters are most important as they are expected to score the most points for the team. This is because they are the ones who get the most sets. Outside hitters hit from a variety of different sets, including high sets, low sets, and sets that are off the net.

A good outside hitter can make a big difference in the outcome of a game. As they are the most experienced players of the team, They can take over a game as leaders with their powerful hitting, and they can also help their team to win by passing and blocking effectively.

Outside Hitter Volleyball Rules

The following are some of the basic rules that you must know if you are inspired from outside hitters:

1. Outside hitters must be in their proper position on the court before the serve is hit.
2. They can hit  from anywhere on the court, except for the back row.
3. They cannot double-hit the ball.
4. They cannot touch the net while the ball is in play.

What should be the diet of an Outside Hitter?

Outside hitters need to eat a healthy diet in order to perform at their best. Their diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Outside hitters should also avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats.

Outside Hitter Mindset

Outside hitters need to have a positive mindset in order to succeed. They need to believe in themselves and their abilities. They also need to be able to handle the pressure of being the team’s primary hitter.

As outside hitters often decide the fate of the match, to make them easy to maneuver, the quest for the ‘best outside hitter volleyball shoes’ becomes paramount.

For female players, the search extends to finding the ‘best outside hitter volleyball female’ shoes, ensuring a combination of comfort, support, and style. 

FAQs

Is Outside Hitter A Good Position In Volleyball?

Yes, outside hitter is a good position in volleyball. Outside hitters are typically the team’s primary passers and hitters, and they play a key role in the offense. Outside hitters also have the opportunity to score a lot of points, which can be exciting for players who enjoy being in the spotlight.

Should I Be An Outside Hitter?

Whether or not you should be an outside hitter depends on your skills and interests. If you are tall, athletic, and have a good vertical leap, then you may be a good fit for the position. Outside hitters also need to be good passers and have a strong arm swing.

If you are not sure whether or not you should be an outside hitter, talk to your coach or a more experienced player. They can help you to assess your skills and see if the position is a good fit for you.

Who should play outside hitter?

Outside hitters are typically the tallest and most athletic players on the team. They should also have a good vertical leap and a strong arm swing. Outside hitters also need to be good passers and have good court awareness.

What is the difference between opposite and outside hitter?

The main difference between the opposite hitter and the outside hitter is their position on the court. The opposite hitter is located on the right side of the court, opposite the middle blocker. The outside hitter is located on the left side of the court, opposite the setter.

Another difference between the two positions is their role in the offense. The outside hitter is typically the team’s primary passer and hitter. The opposite hitter is typically the team’s secondary hitter.

Final Words

Outside hitter volleyball is a great position for players who are tall, athletic, and have a good vertical leap. Outside hitters play a key role in the offense and have the opportunity to score a lot of points. 

If you are interested in becoming an outside hitter, talk to your coach or a more experienced player. They can help you to assess your skills and see if the position is a good fit for you.