Unlocking the Secrets of the Outside Hitter: Rules, Positions, Tips & Tricks, and Role-Explained

ByAnderson Felix
After watching volleyball, you might wonder who the left-side player is, what his role is, what his importance is, what his position benefits are, or something similar. You might also wonder how to become a good outside hitter.

The left-side player in volleyball is known as an outside hitter whose main role is to play an offensive role during the game and be responsible for spiking the ball over the net to score points. While they play an offensive role, they should master defensive gameplay for the team’s overall victory.

Outside Hitter

What is an Outside Hitter In Volleyball?

In volleyball, an outside hitter, also known as a left-side hitter, has to attack or hit the ball from the left side of the court and cover the left-side area of the offensive zone. These players are especially the spikers in teammates and receive the most balls after the sets. If the pass is off the net and other options aren’t available, the outside hitter showcases their unique hitting skills.

Role of Outside Hitter

Role And Importance:

All the players in a volleyball team have their roles and importance, but the role and importance of opposite hitters and outside hitters are the same. The key responsibilities of an outside hitter are:

Attacking:

One vital role of outside hitters is to be good offensive players for the team. They are responsible for attacking the ball and scoring points for the team. Outside hitters perform well-timed fitness spikes to overcome opponents’ defenses.

Blocking:

The opposite hitter’s second role after attacking is to defend their side area, which is why they play a unique role in the team’s blocking strategy. Their main goal is to stop opponents’ attacks at the net. 

Passing:

Passing is another role of outside hitters, but it is not mandatory, and they are often involved in serve-receive formations. For overall team offense gameplay, their exceptional passing skills are required, along with accurate footwork, agility, and the ability to anticipate the other team players.

Versatility:

Outside hitters are versatile, and they are capable of adapting to various game scenarios, such as transitioning quickly from defense to offense or adjusting their hitting technique based on the set they receive.

Leadership:

Outside hitter also plays the role of leadership by communicating effectively with other teammates, and they provide suggestions during critical gameplay by making quick decisions.

Rules For Outside Hitter

Rules And Regulation:

The rules and regulations for all volleyball players are the same except for the libero. However, the general rules and regulations for outside hitters are given below:

Rotational Order:

The rotational order is the same for every player, and they follow a clockwise direction before receiving a serve and after winning a point. Outside hitters must know their rotational order, and when it’s their turn, they should rotate in the correct position.

Serving:

The outside hitter, like all players, must follow the serving rules. These include serving from behind the end line, not stepping on or over the edding line during the line, and following the rotational order of service.

Attacking:

Outside players have specific rules when hitting the ball. For example, they must jump from behind the attack line (also known as the 3-meter line) when attacking from the back row. They must avoid the back-row attack violation if they attack the ball above the net while in front of the attacking line.

Blocking:

Outside hitters also participate in blocking, and they should know the rules of blocking, which include jumping to block without contacting the net and reaching over the net to block only after the attacker contacts the ball.

Defense:

The outside hitter should know how to play a role in defense, including digging and receiving. All these actions must be done in accordance with the rules, including not contacting the ball illegally or interfering with opposing plays that break the respect and professionalism of the game.

Substitution:

After the rotation, when an outside hitter comes to the back row, they have the opportunity to substitute with the libero, but they can also substitute from the front row. Keep in mind that except for the libero, all other players have limited substitutions they can make, whether from the front row or back row, and a team can substitute 12 times. These substitutions determine when an outfielder may be substituted into the game during the dead ball.

Behavior:

The rules regarding sportsmanship, behavior, and respect for officials apply to all players, including outside hitters. The behavior rules include staying away from arguments with officials or opposing team players and using vulgar language to behave unsportsmanlike.

Qualities of a good outside hitter

Qualities in Good Outside Hitter:

Outside hitters showcase different qualities that combine technical skills, mental toughness, and strong teamwork. And the combination of all these skills plays a role in the winning of the team. The qualities of a good outside hitter are given below:

Powerful Hitting:

The first and main quality of an outside hitter is powerful hitting because this is what challenges the opponent’s defense. Powerful hitting produces good straight and strong jumping ability.

Accuracy:

Strong power and jumping ability are essential, and accuracy is equally crucial because a good outside hitter represents himself by presenting strategically arranged attacks that aim to land the ball in the gaps of the opponent’s defense or target a specific area where the opponent’s player is not available.

Versatility:

Versatility should be found in every player in volleyball and the same as found in outside hitters. They should be capable of reading for offensive and defensive gameplay. They should know what time they have to block, attack, or defend, which makes a strong impact on the overall performance of the team. 

Agility & Speed:

A good outside hitter is always quick and agile, and those skills help them move around the court effectively. They also have good lateral movement, which allows them to do unique passing and play quickly and efficiently.

Jumping Ability:

As we all know, volleyball is a jumping game, and every player demands good jumping ability. For outside hitters, a good and strong vertical jump is needed, which helps them reach high and spike the ball from the most challenging point.

Court Awareness:

Along with the outside hitter, court awareness is significant for every player, which facilitates them knowing about the opponents’ moves and making quick decisions accordingly. The outside hitter should possess a thorough understanding of the course to analyze the situation and adjust their gameplay. 

Communication:

An Outside Hitter often plays a leadership role, so they communicate with their teammates. That’s why good communication and understanding with the team are other qualities of an outside hitter.

Mental Toughness:

Volleyball is a sport of mentality and demands a good and strong mind. A good outside hitter also possesses mental skills and is always focused on the game, especially during the critical movement of the game. 

Adaptability:

An outside hitter is highly adaptable and always strives to adapt and improve his/her skills. A good outside hitter always adapts to the opponents’ team strategies and adjusts their gameplay accordingly.

How do you become a good volleyball outside hitter?

In order to become a good outside hitter, you need to master a few skills along with dedication and good practice. To become a good outside hitter, you must possess the following characteristics:
  • Develop strong foundational skills such as passing, setting, hitting, blocking, and serving. 
  • Work on your approach, timing, and arm swing technique to generate power and accuracy in your attacks. 
  • Outside hitters should be proficient blockers to defend against opposing hitters. 
  • Outside hitters need to be strong defensive players as well. Practice digging and receiving serves to improve your ability.
  • Pay attention to the game situation, your teammates, and the opposing team’s strategies. 
  • Volleyball can be a fast-paced and intense sport. Learn to stay focused, resilient, and composed.
  • Work with experienced coaches and teammates to receive feedback on your performance and areas for improvement.
  • Watch high-level volleyball matches, analyze player techniques, and study different offensive and defensive strategies. 
  • Like any skill, becoming a proficient outside hitter requires dedicated practice over time.
Challenges for outside hitter

Challenges For Outside Hitter:

Outside hitters face several challenges that require specific skills and strategies to overcome. Here are some common challenges they encounter:
  • Strong Blocking Opponents: Outside hitters often face formidable blockers on the opposing team, especially from the middle blockers and opposite hitters.
  • Tough Serving: Outside hitters are frequently targeted by opponents with aggressive serves, aiming to disrupt their passing and receiving. 
  • Defensive Responsibilities: Outside hitters have defensive duties, including digging spikes and covering hitters on their team. 
  • Variety in Attacking: To keep opponents guessing and break through their defense, outside hitters must possess a diverse range of attacking skills, including power hits, tips, roll shots, and cut shots.
  • Adapting to Setter’s Sets: Outside hitters need to adjust their approach and timing based on the setter’s sets, which may vary in height, speed, and location. 
  • Blocking and Defense: Outside hitters must be proficient blockers and defenders to contribute to their team’s defensive efforts.
  • Mental Toughness: Volleyball can be mentally demanding, with momentum swings and pressure situations occurring throughout the game. 
  • Physical Demands: Playing as an outside hitter requires athleticism, endurance, and agility. 

Equipment For Outside Hitter:

  • Volleyball Shoes
  • Knee Pads
  • Athletic Apparel
  • Ankle Braces (Optional)
  • Water Bottle
  • Training Aids (Optional)
  • Personal Protective Gear (Optional)
  • Backpack or Sports Bag
  • Volleyball

Difference Between Outside Hitter And Opposite Hitter:

Outside Hitter:

  • Position: The outside hitter usually plays on the left front of the court (from the team’s perspective) and attacks from the left side of the net.
  • Role: Outside hitters are primary attackers and often receive a significant number of sets from the setter. They are responsible for hitting powerful spikes, covering a large area of the court, and contributing to both offense and defense.
  • Skills: Outside hitters require strong hitting technique, versatility in attacking from various angles, solid passing, and defensive skills, and the ability to block effectively.

Opposite Hitter (Right Side Hitter):

  • Position: The opposite hitter typically plays on the right front of the court and attacks from the right side of the net.
  • Role: Opposite hitters are also primary attackers, but their role may vary depending on the team’s offensive strategy. They often receive sets from the setter for powerful attacks, but they may also serve as backup setters or block specialists.
  • Skills: Opposite hitters need strong hitting skills, especially from the right side of the court, as well as the ability to block effectively. They may also require solid passing and defensive skills, although their primary focus is often on offense.

FAQs:

To spike as an outside hitter, start your approach by taking three or four steps, coordinating with the setter’s set. Time your jump, swing your arms back, then forward, and contact the ball at the highest point of your jump, aiming for the desired target on the opponent’s court.

Approach for a hit by taking three or four quick steps in a diagonal direction towards the setter, coordinating with the speed and height of the set. Focus on maintaining balance, explosiveness, and timing your jump to maximize your hitting power.

Read the setter by paying attention to their body position, hand placement, and eye contact. Anticipate the direction and type of set based on the setter’s movements, allowing you to adjust your approach and timing for an effective attack.

When hitting against a double block, aim to hit around or over the blockers by using various shot selections, such as tooling the block, hitting a cut shot, or tipping the ball strategically. Focus on exploiting gaps in the block and aiming for areas of the court with fewer defenders.

The role of an outside hitter is to be a primary attacker, responsible for hitting powerful spikes from the left side of the court, passing effectively, playing strong defense, and contributing to blocking at the net.

Qualities of a good outside hitter include strong hitting technique, versatility in attacking from different angles, solid passing and defensive skills, effective blocking ability, mental toughness, leadership, and teamwork.

The main difference is in their positions and primary responsibilities. Middle blockers play at the net, primarily focusing on blocking and quick attacks. In contrast, outside hitters play on the left side of the court, focusing on both attacking and defending from the perimeter of the court.

Conclusion:

In volleyball, the outside hitter holds a pivotal role, serving as the primary attacker from the left side of the court and contributing significantly to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. Distinguished by their powerful spikes, strong defensive skills, and adaptability, outside hitters must possess a blend of athleticism, technique, and mental endurance to excel in this position. While sharing similarities with the opposite hitter, the outside hitter’s unique responsibilities and skill set make them indispensable assets in any successful volleyball team.

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