If you’re new to volleyball, this guide will break down the numbered positions on a volleyball court, as well as define the various player positions.
Girls Volleyball is played 6v6, meaning there are 6 girls on the court on each side of the net. The positions on the court are numbered, and as girls progress in the sport, they will begin to specialize in a particular position. We break down both the numeric court positions as well as the player positions involved in the great sport of girls volleyball!
Volleyball Court Positions Explained
Numeric Court Positions In Girls Volleyball
The positions on the girls volleyball court are numbered 1 – 6, with position 1 being the serving position, and then rotating counter-clockwise around the court with position #6 ending at middle back.
When girls advance to competitive play, players will specialize in a particular position. Younger/beginner leagues will have girls play every position, and rotate through all of them. The info graphic above provides the numeric court positions for each side of the volleyball court.
Position #1
Position 1 is in the back row, and is also the serving position. The player based here will be the one to serve the ball. This position is also called “right back”.
Position #2
Position 2 is in the front row, and is generally referred to as the “right front” position. This is home base for right side hitters (RS/OPP).
Position #3
Position #3 is in the front row, and is generally referred to as the “middle” position. This is home base for the middle hitter / middle blocker (M/MB). This is often the position of the strongest blockers on the team.
Position #4
Position #4 is in the front row, and is generally referred to as the “left front” or “outside” position. This is home base for the outside hitter (OH). This is often the position of the stronger hitters on the team.
Position #5
Position #5 is in the back row, and is generally referred to as the “left back” position. This can be home base for either the defensive specialist (DS) or the Libero (L), depending on the club/coach.
Position #6
Position #6 is in the back row, and is generally referred to as the “middle back” position. This can be home base for either the defensive specialist (DS) or the Libero (L), depending on the club/coach.
Girls Volleyball Player Positions
Now that you know the basics of the numeric positions on the court, here is a break down of the various player positions in girls indoor volleyball.
Setter
The setter is an essential member of the team, and is generally meant to take the second ball of play. The setter sets the ball to the hitters at the net, allowing players to attack/spike/hit the ball over the net to the opposing court.
Libero
The Libero is a backrow specific player, who is typically the most reliable passer on the team. They will wear a different color jersey than other players, and are the primary serve receive player. Their home base will be either left back or middle back (depending on how the coach or club is running play). The libero is able to sub for any player on the court at any time (so long as it is a back row position). If the setter is forced to take the first ball, the Libero is typically expected to step up for the second ball (that would typically be the setter’s ball). They are also expected to dig balls that are spiked by the opposing team (along with other back row players).
Defensive Specialist
This back row specific player is typically the next best passer to the Libero. They assist with serve receive, and take on a primary passing responsibility as well as covering balls that come off of blockers. A Defensive Specialist (DS) will typically have a home base on the court that’s either left back or middle back (depending on the coach/club).
Outside Hitter
This front row / offensive player is often the position of the strongest hitters on the team. The outside hitter’s home base is left front, and they are also tasked with blocking and covering short balls on defense.
Middle / Middle Blocker
This front row player is typically a tall player, who is both an effective hitter and blocker. The middle blocker will assist with blocks alongside both outside hitters and right side hitters, so they are a primary blocking position.
Right Side / Opposite Hitter
This front row player is stationed at right front in the front row. The right side hitter is also responsible for blocking and covering short balls on defense.
