Volleyball is usually seen as a game for tall people, but it’s not just about height. In this guide, we’ll explain how being short doesn’t have to hold you back in volleyball.
We’ll talk about specific positions where shorter players can do really well, especially the libero position. Liberos don’t need to be tall, and we’ll show you why that’s a good thing.
Best Volleyball Positions For Short Players: Libero is the best position for short volleyball players. Their height doesn’t matter much, and liberos excel in defense and passing. Other options include a setter and an outside hitter.
We’ll also share some practical tips to help you play your best, even if you’re not the tallest player on the court. So, if you love volleyball but worry about your height, don’t worry anymore, we’ve got you covered!
Can Short People Play Volleyball?
Absolutely, there’s no law saying short folks can’t play volleyball! While you might not become a middle blocker or the opposite, shorter players have succeeded in other positions. However, reaching the pro or Olympic level gets much tougher.
What’s the Minimum Height Requirement for Volleyball?
There’s no set height requirement for volleyball, but if you’re very short, you’ll likely excel most as a libero. In casual play, you can try any position, but in competitive teams, your choices may be limited to avoid impacting the team’s success.
Top Positions to Concentrate On
Certainly, your top choice should be aiming for the libero position.
1. Is it possible for a Volleyball Setter to be Short?
Whether you can be a short volleyball setter depends on your goals. For social or club volleyball, it’s doable. However, at higher levels, tall setters are more common, with Olympic setters usually being 4 inches taller than liberos.
Being 6 feet tall is different from being 5’8″. Yet, there are exceptions like Matías Sánchez from Argentina’s national team, who’s a pro setter at 5’8″. Still, becoming a short-setter in competitive volleyball is a much bigger challenge than being a libero.
2. Your Ideal Choice: Pursuing the Libero Position
The libero stays in the back and can’t spike, but that’s not because they’re short, it’s just a rule! They’re super important because a strong defense sets up the offense. Liberos need to pass and dig well, and agility matters more than height for these tasks.
Interested in Becoming a Professional Libero?
If you want a volleyball career as a short player, focus on becoming an outstanding libero. But know that it’s tough to make it as a pro libero. There’s stiff competition, lower average pay, and fewer chances.
It’s not impossible, but you have to be exceptional. For more on why it’s challenging for pro liberos, check out my article on pro volleyball player salaries.
Is Being Short Necessary for Liberos?
Liberos might seem short on TV, but that’s because they’re surrounded by tall players. In reality, they’re often quite tall themselves. The average height for a men’s libero is 185cm, which is taller than the average guy.
So, if you’re thinking about being a 6’8″ libero, you might actually do better if you were a bit shorter!
3. Is it Possible to Become an Outside Hitter if You’re Short?
Yes, short players can be outside hitters, but they need exceptional jumping skills. Olympic men’s outside hitters are nearly 6.5 feet tall and have impressive jumps. So, if you’re shorter, you’ll need an extraordinary leaping ability to compete at that level.
Striving to Emulate Mireya Luis
Around a decade ago, Mireya Luis from Cuba had the highest spike height among women’s volleyball players globally, reaching 339cm. What’s amazing is she was only 175cm tall (5’9″), which is 3 inches shorter than the average Olympic women’s outside hitter today!
Mireya’s a great example of not letting height limit her. While you might not jump as high as she did, you can aim to get close.
What Volleyball Skills to Focus on if You’re Not Very Tall?
If you aim to be a libero, practice passing and digging a lot. Also, work on your setting skills since you’ll need to do that sometimes. For setters or outside hitters, focus on improving your jumping ability it’s a must.
Blocking Techniques for Short Volleyball Players
When you’re shorter, your blocking options are limited. Try swing blocking and hope they don’t set the ball to a much taller opponent. Ultimately, if you can jump really high, you’ll likely do well.
Tips for Short Players on Spiking in Volleyball
When you’re not jumping very high for a spike, be careful where you aim. Since you can’t go over the block easily, practice hitting the fingertips or going high off the hands when there’s a block. If you can’t hit sharp angles, aim for the back corners of the court more often.
Is This True for Women’s Volleyball Too?
The libero position is the same for both men and women. The only difference is the average height: men typically range from 185cm to 210cm, while women range from 170cm to 195cm. Short females can certainly excel as liberos too!
Why Libero Is Ideal for Short Volleyball Players
The libero is a special position in volleyball introduced in 1999. You can easily spot them because they wear a different jersey. Liberos focus mainly on defense, even during the offense. They typically stay in the back left corner.
Their job is to receive serves, pass the ball for setting, and also play a key role in defense, known as digging. They start by guarding the middle of the court near the 10-foot line and can move back to the end line when necessary.
Can Short Individuals Excel in Volleyball?
Many think height matters most in volleyball, but it’s not the whole story. Short players can be excellent with training. They’re often more agile and have good ball control, making them great for positions like libero.
Shorter players can also develop powerful hits and serve with proper technique. Some of the best hitters in volleyball history were not tall!
So, being short doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. Work hard, improve your skills, and you can perform great on the court, no matter your height!
Why Do Volleyball Teams Always Have Short Players?
In volleyball, height and athleticism are valued, but there’s a place for shorter players too. Shorter players are quick and agile, which is great for defensive roles like libero. They’re also good at reading the game, even if they can’t reach as high.
Short players bring energy and excitement to the court, motivating everyone around them. So, even in volleyball, being short has its advantages and adds a lot to the team!
Notable Short Volleyball Players Who Achieved Success
Short volleyball players who’ve had great careers include Farhad Zarif, a 165cm-tall Iranian player known for his seven best libero awards, three best receiver awards, and one best digger award.
Then there’s Joella Marie de Jesus, who’s 152cm tall, played for Ateneo de Manila University and now for Perlas Spikers. She’s been recognized as the best blocker and spiker in high school and has won lots of championships with her university team.
These players prove that height isn’t everything in volleyball!
FAQs About Best Volleyball Positions For Short Players
Q1: Can short players excel in volleyball?
Absolutely! While height can be an advantage, short players can excel by focusing on positions that suit their agility and skills, such as libero, setter, or defensive specialist.
Q2: What are the best volleyball positions for short players?
Short players often shine as liberos due to their defensive skills and quickness. They can also consider setter or outside hitter positions if they develop a strong vertical jump.
Q3: Is there a height requirement for volleyball positions?
Volleyball positions don’t have strict height requirements, but certain positions may favor taller players. However, short players can still succeed with the right training and technique.
Q4: Can short players become professional volleyball players?
While it’s challenging, short players can make it to the professional level, especially as liberos. Success depends on dedication, skill development, and hard work.
Q5: Are there examples of short players who have excelled in volleyball?
Yes, there are notable short players who have achieved success in volleyball, such as Farhad Zarif and Joella Marie de Jesus. They demonstrate that height is not the only factor determining success in the sport.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the world of volleyball is not exclusively reserved for tall players. Short individuals can thrive in this sport by harnessing their unique strengths and focusing on positions like libero, setter, or defensive specialist.
This article debunked the myth that height is the sole determinant of success in volleyball and provided valuable insights into why shorter players can excel in specific roles. It showcased examples of successful short players who have made significant contributions to the game.
Ultimately, with dedication, training, and a focus on skill development, short players can enjoy fulfilling and successful volleyball careers, proving that height is not the only path to triumph on the court.
We hope you will be well aware of the best volleyball positions for short players, after reading this comprehensive article. If you have any queries or concerns, don’t hesitate to feel free to comment below!