Attacks are the primary actions that lead to scoring points. Among all hitters, the opposite hitter or right-side hitter often plays a main role, receiving the most sets and having the biggest responsibility of converting those opportunities into points. To excel in this position, opposite hitters must be tall, strong, and able to convert difficult balls to points.
The difference between opposite hitters and other positions is they focus mainly on spiking and serving, though those are not their only required skills. Playing primarily on the right side in zones 1 and 2, they must also defend, block, and some situations even set the ball. The opposite hitter always starts diagonally to the setter; for example, if the setter’s starting zone is in zone 3, the opposite hitter begins in zone 6.
attacking
In most games, the opposite hitters are the players who get the most sets and need to execute as many points as possible. To do that, they need to have different variations in attack, from spiking the line & diagonal, making tips, and if they can, using the block either to make a block out or replay the action. Attack from zone 1 is usually more challenging than from zone 2 because; firstly: the player needs to be careful not to step over the 3m line; secondly: it is harder to make a replay due to the farther distance from the block thirdly: transition in the front row is much easier than the back row That’s why many teams use the double substitution, allowing the team to have the opposite hitter in front three whole rotations.
Blocking
While the opposite hitter’s primary role lies in attacking, they also play an important role in blocking. Their primary focus is to block the opponent’s outside hitter (left-side attacker). Still, they should also be prepared to assist in the first tempo (quick attack), especially if the opponent’s middle blocker approaches for a KC or K7 attack, which is placed two to three meters in front of the setter.
Serving
Opposite hitters are also often considered the strongest servers on the team because as I said they are in most cases the strongest attackers in the team. To cause as much damage for the opponent team, and if the situation allows, the opposite hitter usually has the coaches’ permission to take the most risk on serve, which is necessary on a high level. If you watch volleyball games you will see their main serve is jump spin serve and In men’s volleyball those serves can fly even 130 Kmh while in women’s those can get close to 100 kmh.
The best position for lefties
One of the facts for the opposite hitters is that many of them are left-handed players. Because they play on the right side of the court most of the time, being lefty has its advantages. Spiking the line is much easier. One of the best examples of left-handed opposites is Yuji Nishida who is also considered as one of the best players in the world.
In short, the opposite hitter is a position that needs to be the best attacker and best server, the leading scorer altogether, and the best offensive threat of the team. If you want to know more about the opposite hitter Volleyball Position stay tuned, more posts coming in the future!
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