FAQ: Volleyball Positions

A volleyball court is divided into three main zones: the serving zone, the attack zone and the defensive zone. The serving zone is where the designated player serves the ball, the attack zone is the first row of three players closest to the net, and the defensive zone is the row of three players behind the attack zone. Volleyball players rotate positions in a clockwise rotation whenever that team wins a point when the opposing team was serving, and the ball is returned to their side. However, in addition to having a rotational position, volleyball players may also have a playing position.

Q: What is the difference between rotational positions and playing positions?

A: Rotational positions are fixed positions where players must stand during the serve. When the team wins a point from another team’s serve, and the serve is passed from the opposing team to that team, the members move to the next rotational position, in a clockwise rotation. Playing positions are where players can go on the court after the serve, to either play in an attack role (to block the ball or attack the other team with the ball) or a defensive position (to respond to the other team’s attacks).

Q: How many playing positions are there, and what are the names of the playing positions?

A: There are seven playing positions – three offensive positions, three defensive positions and a setter. The setter runs the offense from either a front or back court position. Offensive volleyball positions are the right side hitter (also known as the right wing spiker), the left side hitter, or the left wing spiker, and the opposite hitter, also known as the attacker. The three defensive volleyball positions are the middle blocker, the libero and the defensive specialist.