Volleyball positions: names, roles and abbreviations
Six players are on court, and in club volleyball each of them specialises. Here are all volleyball positions, what they do, and the abbreviations coaches use.
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How many positions are there in volleyball?
When a team plays with specialised positions (most often the 5-1 system) it has five roles: setter, opposite, two outside hitters, two middle blockers and the libero. Six players are on court at once, and the libero replaces one of the middles in the back row.
The word “position” can be confusing, because volleyball also has zones 1–6, the places on court. The zone says where a player stands in a given rotation; the position says what they do in the rally.
| Position | Abbreviation | In Polish | Main job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setter | S | Rozgrywający (R) | sets the ball for the attack |
| Opposite | OP | Atakujący (A) | finishes rallies, attacks from the right |
| Outside hitter | OH | Przyjmujący (P) | passes the serve, attacks from the left |
| Middle blocker | MB | Środkowy (Ś) | blocks, attacks quick sets |
| Libero | L | Libero (L) | passing and defense in the back row |
Setter
The setter touches almost every second ball. They set it, usually with their fingers, so a teammate can finish the rally, and they decide who attacks. After the serve they run to the right side of the net, between zones 2 and 3.
In the front row the setter blocks on the right and can surprise the opponent by tipping the second ball over.
Opposite
The opposite stands opposite the setter in the rotation, always three zones away. They attack from the right wing and, in the back row, from behind the 3 m line. They usually do not pass the serve but get the hardest balls to finish.
Outside hitter
The two outside hitters stand opposite each other in the rotation. Together with the libero they pass the serve, then attack from the left wing (zone 4). In the back row they often hit the “pipe”, a quick set through the middle from behind the attack line. It is the most all-round position.
Middle blocker
Middles block across the whole net and have to reach every opposing attack. On offense they hit quick sets close to the setter. When a middle rotates to the back row they usually leave the court and the libero comes in.
Libero
The libero plays only in the back row and wears a different jersey. They specialise in passing and defense but may not serve, block or attack a ball from above the net. More in the libero article.
Where do players stand after switching?
The rotational order only matters at the moment of the serve. Right after it everyone runs to their own side: outside hitter left, middle in the middle, setter or opposite right, and in the back row the libero usually defends zone 5.
See it on court
Open in the 3D trainer ▶Frequently asked questions
- What are the positions in volleyball?
- Setter, opposite, outside hitters (two), middle blockers (two) and the libero.
- What does OP mean in volleyball?
- OP is the opposite: the player opposite the setter who attacks mainly from the right wing.
- Does everyone stand in their position when the ball is served?
- No. At the serve the rotational order applies; players move to their positions only after the server hits the ball.