Opposite hitters in volleyball have an important job, but being super tall isn’t the only thing that matters. Some, like Russia’s Dmitriy Muserskiy and Australia’s Thomas Edgar, are really tall, but the average guy in this position is about 6’8.5″, and women are around 6’1.5″.
How Tall Are Opposite Hitters In Volleyball? Opposite hitters in volleyball typically range from about 5’8″ to 6’8.5″ for men and around 5’8″ to 6’1.5″ for women, although height can vary among players.
Being tall can help, but it’s not everything. Opposite hitters need to be strong, fast, and agile to hit the ball from the right side and defend well. Most of them are about 5’8″ to 5’10” tall, but there’s no strict rule.
They do more than just hit; they block, defend, and serve too. They’re often the top scorers and earn good money, but it’s not just about height. Opposite hitters are like the all-round players in volleyball, and that’s why they’re so important.
How Tall Is the Average Opposite Hitter in Volleyball?
Opposite hitters’ heights change a lot in volleyball, depending on whether they’re guys or girls and if they play in college or the pros. But what’s really cool is how their heights compare to the other players on the team!
How Tall Are Olympic Opposite Hitters on Average?
At the top level of volleyball, opposite hitters tend to be about 6 feet 8.5 inches (around 205 cm) tall on average. We know this from looking at the heights of Olympic men’s opposite hitters in the 2012 and 2020 Olympics.
Opposite Hitter Height vs. Other Positions:
On the volleyball court, opposite hitters are usually the second-tallest players, just a bit shorter than middle blockers but way taller than outside hitters. In the 2012 Olympics, they found out some neat stuff about player heights.
Opposite hitters were only about 0.4 inches shorter than middle blockers but 3 inches taller than outside hitters on average. This height trend holds true worldwide, especially in top-level games.
But there are exceptions; sometimes, you might have a really tall outside hitter who’s taller than the opposite, though it’s not common. And in Asian leagues, you can spot some massive opposite hitters who tower over even their own middle blockers.
Average Height of College Volleyball Opposite Hitters:
Here are the typical heights for men and women playing as opposite hitters in college volleyball:
For Men:
- Division 1 and 2: 6’4″ to 6’8″ (193cm to 203cm)
- Division 2 and 3: 6’3″ to 6’6″ (190.5cm to 198cm)
- Division 3 and NAIA: 6’2″ to 6’5″ (188cm to 196cm)
- NAIA and CCCAA: 6’2″ to 6’7″ (188cm to 201cm)
For Women:
- Division 1: 6’1″ (185.5cm)
- Division 2: 5’11” (183cm)
- Division 3: 5’10” (178cm)
- NAIA: 5’10” (178cm)
These heights give you an idea of what to expect from opposite hitters in college volleyball, depending on the division they play in.
Is Being Tall Really Necessary for an Opposite Hitter?
So, how tall does an opposite hitter need to be? Well, the answer is pretty tall! There are a couple of good reasons for this height requirement.
Opposites: Scoring from the Back Row:
Hitting from the right side also involves spiking from the back, which can be tough, especially when facing multiple blockers. Taller players have an advantage here because they can reach higher when hitting the ball, making it easier to score with these back-row attacks.
Blocking the Opposite Hitter:
When we talk about outside or left-side hitters, we usually think of skilled and powerful spikers. But when it comes to the right-side or opposite hitters, they go up against the other team’s left-side hitter, and we want a big blocker to stop their attacks.
Taller players usually make better blockers, so it’s smart to have our best blocker facing off against the other team’s top hitter. On the other side of the court, our outside hitter faces the opposing team’s opposite hitter, often in the back row.
Since the opposite hitter often hits from the back, they’re easier to block, so we can use a shorter player (outside hitter) to defend against them.
What Height Do You Need for Opposite Hitter?
To be a successful men’s opposite hitter, it’s best to be at least 6’6″ tall, but skills matter more than height. Your jumping ability is crucial, especially for blocking and spiking effectively.
A 6’4″ opposite with a 340cm block reach can outperform a 6’6″ opposite with a 335cm block reach. For example, Japan’s Yuji Nishida is only 6’2″ but jumps really high, making him a strong opposite hitter.
For women, being around 5’10” or taller is a good start, but having a great vertical jump can make a shorter player more valuable than a taller one.
What It Takes To Be A Successful Short Opposite Hitter?
If you’re not super tall but have a fantastic left-handed swing and dream of playing as an opposite hitter, here are some tips to increase your chances of success in this role.
Boost Your Jumping Ability:
The most crucial thing for a shorter opposite hitter is improving your jumping ability. It’s not about your height but how high you can reach when spiking and blocking.
You need to hit the ball from the back row and block effectively by reaching over the net. You can find tips on how to enhance your vertical jump for volleyball in my article.
Consider Switching Your Role:
If you’re not tall enough to be an opposite hitter, don’t worry. Consider playing as an outside hitter instead. Success often depends on the position you play rather than how hard you work.
A taller player, like someone 6’5″, is more likely to excel as an outside hitter than as an opposite. It’s never too late to switch positions and learn new skills like passing. Your height won’t hold you back as much in the role of an outside hitter compared to being an opposite hitter.
Become Proficient in Footwork and Agility:
To succeed as a shorter opposite hitter in volleyball, focus on improving your footwork and agility. Try ladder drills and jumping exercises to become faster and more nimble on the court, so you can get in the right position to hit the ball effectively.
Plyometric exercises like box jumps and squats can boost your explosive power and vertical jump, making your hits more powerful. Don’t forget to work on your reaction time, which helps you react quickly and make quick decisions.
You can practice with cone drills and reaction ball exercises to enhance your agility and responsiveness on the court.
Sharpen Your Hitting Abilities:
Being a successful short-action hitter in volleyball means focusing on honing your hitting skills. This involves working on your timing, technique, and versatility.
Practice hitting from different positions and distances to become comfortable with a variety of shots, making it harder for defenders to predict your moves.
Boost your hitting power by improving your vertical jump and explosiveness through exercises like box jumps and lunges.
Additionally, pay attention to your technique, including your approach, arm swing, and follow-through, to ensure that your hits are consistently powerful and accurate on the court.
Controlling and Accurating the Ball:
In volleyball, whether you’re a short opposite hitter or not, having good ball control and accuracy is vital. To enhance ball control, focus on receiving and passing drills that build comfort and reflexes with the ball.
This improves your ability to handle the ball during games. For accuracy in attacks, practice hitting specific targets on the court during training sessions to develop precision.
Proper hand positioning is crucial, so keep your hands relaxed yet firm, with fingers spread for optimal control. Additionally, practice footwork drills to swiftly and effectively position yourself for hits during gameplay.
Injury Concerns and Opposition Hitters
Opposite hitters, similar to middle blockers, are more likely to get joint injuries because they jump a lot and have a heavier build. They often wear compression gear to make their joints more stable and improve blood flow.
One trusted brand for this kind of gear is Incrediwear, which can be helpful if you have joint or muscle issues.
Understanding the Role of Opposite Hitters
Opposite hitters in volleyball have a multifaceted role on the team, encompassing both offensive and defensive responsibilities, as well as their significance within the team’s overall strategy. Here’s a breakdown of their role:
Offensive Responsibilities:
Opposite hitters in volleyball have several key offensive responsibilities:
- Spiking: Their primary role is to attack and score points for their team. They typically hit from the right side of the court, which can make their spikes harder to defend.
- Back-Row Attacks: Opposite hitters must also be effective at hitting from the back row, known as back-row attacks. This requires good timing and technique to generate power and accuracy from a more limited approach.
- Blocking: While primarily offensive players, opposite hitters are also expected to contribute to blocking at the net. They work alongside middle blockers to form a solid block, preventing the opposing team’s attacks from getting through.
Defensive Responsibilities:
- Blocking: Opposite hitters play a crucial role in blocking, not only to stop the opposing team’s attacks but also to redirect them toward their own defenders for easier digs.
- Back-Row Defense: They need to be ready to defend against powerful spikes from the opposing team while positioned in the back row. This requires good anticipation and quick reactions to make successful digs and keep the ball in play.
- Serve to Receive: Opposite hitters are often part of the serve-receive rotation, so they need to have solid passing and receiving skills to ensure the team can initiate an effective attack.
Transition Play and Versatility:
- Opposite hitters must excel in transition play, which involves transitioning from defense to offense quickly. This requires a combination of agility, court awareness, and the ability to make split-second decisions.
- Versatility is essential as they may need to adapt their playstyle based on the situation. This includes transitioning from blocking to hitting, or from playing in the back row to the front row.
Significance Within a Team’s Strategy:
- Opposite hitters are often the team’s primary scorers, making them a significant part of the offensive strategy.
- They play a crucial role in determining the team’s success in blocking and defending against opposing hitters.
- Opposite hitters can influence a team’s strategy by creating offensive pressure, drawing blockers, and opening up opportunities for other hitters.
In summary, opposite hitters in volleyball are versatile players with both offensive and defensive responsibilities. They are critical to a team’s strategy due to their scoring potential, blocking abilities, and role in transition play.
Their impact on the game extends beyond their position, making them a key component of a successful volleyball team.
Developing as an Opposite Hitter
Developing as an opposite hitter in volleyball involves honing specific skills and attributes that are crucial for success in this position. Whether you’re shorter or taller, there are key aspects to consider:
Training Considerations for Shorter Opposite Hitters:
- Jumping Ability: Shorter opposite hitters should focus on improving their vertical jump. A strong jump allows them to reach higher when attacking and blocking, compensating for their shorter stature.
- Ball Control: Enhancing ball control skills through receiving and passing drills is crucial. Shorter players must be precise in their passes and digs to maintain offensive opportunities.
- Accuracy and Placement: Work on precision when attacking. Shorter hitters can compensate for height by aiming for open spaces on the court rather than trying to overpower blockers.
- Footwork and Agility: Agility drills and footwork exercises help shorter players quickly get into optimal hitting positions, making the most of their height.
Training Considerations for Taller Opposite Hitters:
- Blocking Technique: Taller opposite hitters should refine their blocking technique to maximize their height advantage. This includes proper hand positioning, timing, and penetration over the net.
- Hitting Variations: While height can be an advantage, taller players should also work on hitting variations, such as tips and roll shots, to keep opponents guessing.
- Quick Transitions: Focus on transitioning quickly from blocking to hitting positions. Taller players may have a larger blocking reach but need to be agile in moving between roles.
- Back-Row Attacks: Develop strong back-row attack skills to contribute effectively from the back row, taking advantage of their height when jumping from behind the three-meter line.
Balancing Physical Attributes with Skills Development:
- Versatility: Regardless of height, opposite hitters should strive to be versatile players. This means honing skills for both offensive and defensive roles, as well as transitioning smoothly between them.
- Reaction Time: Work on improving reaction time to respond swiftly to fast-paced plays and make quick decisions.
- Teamwork: Opposite hitters should practice effective communication and teamwork with setters to establish a strong connection for setting and attacking.
- Mental Toughness: Developing mental resilience is crucial. Opposite hitters often face tough blocking and defensive efforts from opponents, and maintaining confidence is essential for success.
In summary, training considerations for opposite hitters depend on their height. Shorter players should focus on enhancing jumping ability, ball control, accuracy, and agility. Taller players should refine their blocking, develop hitting variations, and work on quick transitions.
Regardless of height, all opposite hitters should strive for versatility, strong teamwork, quick reactions, and mental toughness to excel in their role on the volleyball court.
FAQs For How tall are opposite hitters in volleyball?
Q:1 How tall are opposite hitters in volleyball?
Opposite hitters in volleyball can vary in height, but at the professional level, male opposite hitters are typically around 6’6″ (198 cm) or taller, while female opposite hitters are often at least 5’10” (178 cm) or more.
However, height can vary depending on factors like the player’s position, playing style, and individual skills.
Q:2 Is height the only factor that matters for opposite hitters?
No, height is important, but it’s not the only factor. While taller opposite hitters may have advantages in blocking and hitting over the net, shorter opposite hitters can excel with strong jumping ability, precise ball control, and agility.
Skills, versatility, and athleticism also play significant roles in a player’s success as an opposite hitter.
Q:3 Can shorter opposite hitters be successful in volleyball?
Yes, shorter opposite hitters can be successful by focusing on their strengths, such as agility, ball control, and accuracy. They can compensate for height with exceptional skills and adapt their playing style to make the most of their abilities.
Volleyball is a sport where various body types and skills can thrive, and height is just one aspect of a player’s overall performance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, opposite hitters in volleyball come in a range of heights, with professional male players typically standing around 6’6″ and female players at least 5’10”. However, height isn’t the sole determinant of success.
Opposite hitters need a blend of skills, including jumping ability, ball control, agility, and versatility. Taller players may have advantages in blocking, while shorter ones can compensate with precise ball placement.
Opposite hitters are key players in volleyball, contributing not only through scoring but also in blocking, back-row attacks, and defense. Ultimately, success as an opposite hitter hinges on a combination of physical attributes and skill development.
We hope you will be well aware of how tall are opposite hitters in volleyball, are after reading this comprehensive article. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!