Hardest To Easiest Positions In Volleyball [2024]

We may not want to admit it, but the difficulty of playing volleyball will largely be determined by the position you choose.

Certain positions demand a higher level of responsibility and technical expertise, whereas others involve relatively straightforward tasks to perform.

I’ve ranked the five primary hardest to easiest positions in volleyball to provide you with a better understanding of the dynamics of these roles.

If you’re uncertain about which position suits you best, this serves as an excellent starting point to help you make your decision.

So let’s start!

Determining the Difficulty of a Volleyball Position

I believe that two primary considerations determine the overall difficulty of a position.

Technical Skill Mastery

Although all players on the court should have a basic understanding of the setting, it’s the setter who will refine this skill to a level far beyond that of the other players.

Learning how to set is one thing, but mastering the art of setting with remarkable consistency is an entirely different challenge.

In the sport of volleyball, being able to time a B-quick attack as a middle blocker is another technically challenging skill to master.

In volleyball, numerous skills like this are challenging to learn but become significantly more difficult to perfect.

Consideration of Intangibles and Additional Responsibilities As Hardest To Easiest Positions In Volleyball

Another factor contributing to the difficulty of a volleyball position is what I like to call the “intangibles.”

For a setter, the role extends beyond just physically setting the ball; it involves coordinating the entire offense and ensuring that each attacker is well-informed about their plays at all times.

Furthermore, they must ensure that these offensive plays are strategically sound and align with the specific defensive configuration they are facing.

In addition, setters are required to maintain constant communication throughout each point and make ongoing adjustments to their approach.

Outside hitters face the challenge of not only mastering the spiking technique but also executing it multiple times in succession during a single rally. This can be especially demanding, and at crucial moments, they may encounter stuff blocks when the score is tied at 23-23.

After enduring previous failures, they are tasked with a substantial responsibility to side out and confidently execute their next swing, emphasizing their belief in their abilities.

The level of pressure in such situations is truly remarkable!

Conversely, a libero’s primary focus is to consistently deliver exceptional passes and do their utmost to dig the balls within their reach.

For the most part, it can be described as relatively straightforward.

Let’s dive right into my ordered list of volleyball positions, ranging from the easiest to the hardest.

5. Libero

In my perspective, the libero position can be considered quite straightforward.

Certainly, while I may be far from being a libero, I’d like to share my thoughts on this matter.

The list of tasks a libero has to handle on the court is relatively short.

Half of their responsibilities involve excelling in passing, while the other half centers around effectively digging the ball.

For the majority of liberos, serving the ball is not part of their role, which means their main focus is dedicated to becoming highly proficient in passing and defensive skills.

Digging, in a certain sense, is considered one of the most challenging skills in volleyball. However, a significant contributing factor to its difficulty lies in the fact that it’s nearly impossible to dig many of the balls hit in your direction by an elite-level spiker.

The straightforward truth is that if the blockers fail to fulfill their role, there is a strong possibility of a volleyball coming at you, regardless of how swift your reaction time may be.

In my opinion, the fact that liberos, for the most part, are not required to spike or serve the ball makes it a position that can be described as relatively one-dimensional.

Nonetheless, there are numerous counterarguments regarding why the libero position might be considered challenging.

• Obtaining a professional contract in the libero position is widely regarded as the most challenging, and it is also typically associated with the lowest compensation in the sport.
• Liberos are entrusted with the daunting responsibility of attempting to defend spikes that are nearly impossible to protect against.
• In this position, you are subjected to a higher frequency of volleyball impacts to the face compared to any other role on the team.

Although these points hold, the one-dimensional nature of the role still positions it as the easiest position on my list.

4. Opposite Hitter

I’ve designated the opposite hitter as the second easiest position in volleyball, a statement that may sound a bit unusual when spoken aloud. This choice is primarily based on the relatively straightforward nature of the role.

The role essentially involves standing at the net, possessing height, and maintaining a visually appealing presence.

Joking aside, it’s worth noting that numerous highly skilled and well-compensated volleyball players excel in the opposite hitter position.

Given this, one might question how the opposite hitter position can still be considered an easy role.

The opposite is tasked with serving, executing effective blocks, proficient hitting, defensive plays, and even hitting from the backcourt—a combination of skills that adds complexity to the position.

More often than not, these individuals emerge as the primary point contributors for their teams, displaying an abundance of talent and athleticism.

The role of the opposite closely resembles that of an outside hitter, with the notable difference being that they aren’t heavily tasked with passing the ball.

The primary reason it holds a relatively high position on my list is because it’s essentially a slightly more relaxed version of the outside hitter role.

Having played as an undersized right-handed opposite at an international-level tournament, I have a full appreciation for the challenges inherent in the position!

3. Middle Blocker

Perhaps I’m influenced by my experience as a former middle-blocker, but I believe there are valid reasons for placing this position where it is on the list.

One of the factors that contribute to the difficulty of the middle blocker position is the minimal time available to react when engaged in blocking.

Block Reaction Speed

The middle blocker is tasked with attempting to block every single set, whether directed to the outside, opposite, middle or if the setter decides to execute a dump over the net themselves.

At the high level of play, the offensive strategies unfold at an incredibly rapid pace, resulting in quick sets that are pushed to the sticks faster than one can maneuver.

Observing the opposition pass the ball to the setter requires the middle blocker to prepare for a reaction marked by lightning-quick movements and flawless footwork. This is essential to have any chance of getting into position to block the spiker effectively.

The challenge of this task may not be fully appreciated by outside hitters and opposites, as they typically only need to block one player standing directly in front of them.

Offensive Timing

Another factor contributing to the difficulty of the middle blocker position is the timing required for the offensive plays.

Middles are responsible for running faster offenses than any other player on the court. Timing B-quicks becomes especially challenging, even with a perfect pass, and it becomes even more demanding when the pass is less precise.

Regardless of the pass’s destination, the middle blocker must execute a perfectly timed offense and be ready to hit from various awkward positions.

Additionally, middles are tasked with serving the ball.

The technical challenge of timing, particularly for a middle blocker, places this position among the most difficult and underappreciated spots on the floor.

2. Outside Hitter

In my opinion, the outside hitter stands out as the most challenging offensive position in volleyball, which is attributed to several factors.

One primary reason is its extreme multidimensionality, demanding a diverse set of skills to be executed effectively.

Block, Spike, Pass, Dig, Serve

Furthermore, most outside hitters play continuously across the entire court without being substituted in the back/front court, in contrast to positions like middles or liberos.

They must excel at passing the ball with precision and seamlessly transition into offense at a moment’s notice.

Outsiders, at most levels of the game, tend to receive more sets than any other position on the court, necessitating a high level of technical proficiency in spiking.

Of course, they are also required to contribute to blocking, be willing to dig, execute back-row hits, and serve effectively.

Deprived of any respite, they soldier on without a break!

Due to the extensive involvement in the game, outsiders naturally shoulder additional leadership responsibilities and are often regarded as the go-to attackers in various situations.

They must excel in communication, surpassing the standards set by most other positions on the court.

Rarely will you encounter an outside hitter without weaknesses in certain areas, as mastering the many challenging skills required is virtually impossible for any individual!

1. Setter

Little debate surrounds the acknowledgment of the hardest position in volleyball.

It’s widely accepted that the role of setter is considered about as challenging as it gets.

The responsibility borne by setters surpasses that of any other player on the court.

They play the pivotal role of uniting the backcourt and frontcourt, acting as the glue that binds the team together.

Should the setter’s performance be lacking, the quality of spiking is further diminished.

The Technical Complexity of Setting

Mastering the physical act of setting a volleyball is a unique skill that is exceptionally challenging and arguably requires a significant amount of practice and repetition to get right compared to other skills.

Additionally, when positioned in the front court, setters must possess the ability to contribute effectively in blocking.

They are also required to excel in serving the ball effectively.

The Crucial Role of Setters in Carrying Their Teams

Frequently, setters find themselves chasing down challenging passes and yet must still deliver a usable set for the hitter to capitalize on and secure the point.

In instances of mishaps, it’s often the setter who bears the brunt of the blame.

Engaged in constant communication, setters coordinate with various attackers, playing a pivotal role in orchestrating their team’s offense.

Despite not necessarily holding the title of team captain, setters are required to assume a leadership role and act as though they are the team captain.

The next time your setter doesn’t deliver a perfect set, rather than complaining, extend a handshake and express gratitude for their valuable services!

Also Read: Top 5 Best Setters In Volleyball 2024