Volleyball Position Guide
Opposite (Right Side)
HitterThe opposite (OPP, or right-side hitter) attacks from the right side of the court and is the team's answer to the opponent's best outside hitter. Because opposites play front-right — directly across from the opposing OH — they carry the primary blocking assignment against the other team's top scorer. Opposites are typically power hitters who can terminate a high, out-of-system ball and attack from the back row.
What Does a Opposite (Right Side) Do?
The opposite (OPP, or right-side hitter) attacks from the right side of the court and is the team's answer to the opponent's best outside hitter. Because opposites play front-right — directly across from the opposing OH — they carry the primary blocking assignment against the other team's top scorer. Opposites are typically power hitters who can terminate a high, out-of-system ball and attack from the back row.
Key Skills for a Opposite (Right Side)
| Skill | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Right-side hitting | Attacking from the right antenna, often off high, out-of-system sets when the pass is poor. |
| Blocking the OH | The opposite is the primary blocker against the opponent’s outside hitter — the most important blocking job on the court. |
| Back-row attack | Attacking from the right back (position 1) to keep the offense alive when the setter is front row. |
| High-ball termination | Putting away the “emergency” sets — the high balls that come out of a bad pass — that other hitters can’t score. |
| Serving | Opposites are often power servers who can score from the line and disrupt serve receive. |
| Transition | Moving from a block on the OH into the right-side approach without losing the attack tempo. |
Training Focus
- Right-side approach and arm-swing mechanics (often the opposite is right-handed, hitting from the right)
- Blocking the opposing OH — eye sequence, penetration, sealing the line
- High-ball termination — scoring when the set is out of system
- Back-row attacking from position 1
- Serve pressure — jump-float or topspin to score from the line
- Transition footwork from block to right-side approach
Opposite (Right Side) Drills
Position-specific drills you can run at practice or in the backyard.
- Right-side hitting lines with a focus on terminating high, out-of-system sets.
- Block-the-OH drill — coach sets the opposing OH repeatedly; opposite must close and seal the line.
- Back-row attack from position 1 off a live set.
- Serve-and-score — opposite works jump-float and topspin serves to zones.
- Transition block-to-attack — opposite blocks, lands, and immediately approaches a right-side set.
Physical Requirements
What coaches look for physically — and how important each trait is for this position.
| Trait | Importance |
|---|---|
| Power / arm swing | Critical |
| Height (DI: 5′9″+) | Important |
| Blocking ability | Important |
| Vertical jump | Important |
| Serving power | Helpful |
| Endurance | Helpful |
College Recruiting Standards
DI women's indoor opposites: 5'9" minimum, 6'0"–6'4" ideal; standing reach 8'0"+; vertical jump 26"+. Coaches look for the ability to terminate out-of-system balls and to block the opponent's top hitter. NCAA DI offers 12.0 equivalency scholarships per program.
When Should Kids Specialize?
Opposite specialization usually begins at U14–U15 (age 13–15) in the competitive club tier. Players who hit hard, block well, and like the right side often land here — many are converted outside hitters or taller, power-hitting players.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the right side as a “backup” hitting spot — the opposite must terminate when the offense breaks down.
- Losing focus on the OH block — your primary job is to stop the other team’s best scorer.
- Hitting only one zone from the right so the block can cheat.
- Weak transition from block to approach.
- Underestimating the value of a power serve from the opposite.
Pro Tips
- Own the OH block — your matchup against the opponent’s top hitter can swing the match.
- Be the safety valve: when the pass is bad and the set is high, your job is to terminate.
- Develop a power serve; opposites who score from the line are game-changers.
- Right-handers on the right side: work your line and angle equally so the block can’t guess.
Opposite (Right Side) FAQ
What is the difference between an outside hitter and an opposite?
Outside hitters attack from the left side and are primary serve-receive passers. Opposites (right-side hitters) attack from the right, often off high, out-of-system sets, and carry the primary blocking job against the opponent's outside hitter. The opposite is generally more of a power hitter and blocker, while the OH is the more versatile all-around player.
Is the opposite position right- or left-handed?
Most opposites are right-handed (hitting from the right side squares the body to the net naturally). But left-handed opposites have an advantage on the right because their dominant arm is already on the ball-side. College coaches actively recruit left-handed opposites.
How tall does an opposite need to be?
DI women's opposites are typically 6'0"–6'4", with a 5'9" minimum. Because the opposite blocks the opponent's top outside hitter, height and reach matter — but power, the ability to terminate high balls, and blocking technique are just as important to college coaches.
Does the opposite serve receive?
Usually no — the opposite is typically pulled out of serve receive so they can stay fresh for attacking and blocking. In a 5-1 offense, the libero and the two outside hitters usually handle serve receive while the opposite focuses on the attack and the right-side block.