The Outside Hitter

The outside hitter, also known as the left side hitter, is a very common position among volleyball players, and it usually contains some of the strongest hitters on a volleyball team.  This player hits and blocks on the left side of the front row.  Outside hitters are not always the tallest players on a team, but they often have a very high vertical jump and a strong arm.  Even though this is a front row position, it also requires some defensive skills, such as digging and covering blocks and tips.  Because of their talent in many fields in volleyball, outside hitters are the go-to hitters, and they are commonly set the most out of each of the three hitters on the court.  In most cases, when the pass to the setter is not perfect, the set goes to the outside hitter.  As a result, outside hitters must be both consistent and aggressive in their attacks.  They have to be able to work well with an out-of-system set, in which the setter gives a bad set or is unable to reach the volleyball in time.  Being an outside hitter requires court awareness and the ability to make smart decisions in a second's notice.  This player may be set or passed to at any time in the game.  The outside hitter is a very popular, impressive position in the game of volleyball.