What is more important in an Opposite...a strong block or the ablility to handle a second ball?

Question

I am most likely going to switch to a 5-1 (from a 6-2) next volleyball season and am trying to figure out what strengths I should look for in a front row opposite. I feel I can find the right mix in a back row opposite, but what trates are most important in the front row?

Please let me know if you have played the position before or if you have played with good opposites or if you coach or whatever else qualifies you to answer this question.

Thank you for the help!!!

Answer 1

Both the above answers are great.  I played colege ball and help coach now.  A big block is a great asset.  For the amount of times they have to get the second ball its not worth worrying about.  If possible look for a lefty and/or someone who can step in to pass the serve/play good defense.

Good luck

Answer 2

I coached a high school team for 4 years along with a club team, Ive also been playing for about 7 years. I can tell you from personal experience that the most important thing for an opposite is a strong block. The opposite is going up against (in most cases) the best hitter for the other team, so you defiantly need someone there who can either get a block or make the hit a little easier to get for the back row. Any good setter will be able to move to the ball, and if not, you should have faith in your team to either set the ball or hit a nice down ball. Without the block a good hitter will pick their spots and dominate the game.

Answer 3

Generally, look for a blocker.  As a shorter setter (5'9'' with an average vertical) I tended to get dominated against hitters, so I know that the block is more important than someone with hands.  Plus, anyone can be trained to get the ball to a hitter with some sort of accuracy, but you simply can't teach everyone to block well.

Answer 4

i would recommend to get a stong blocker...most players can get the 2nd ball ...[the plyer could  bump set rather than than actually setting]..i would also look to see if the plyer is a good hitter..

Answer 5

I play volleyball for Brampton. I am a setter and i block too. in my opinin it has to be a good block because yes, it's important for a player to get the ball to the setter. The setter sets a good pass to the hitter and the hitter spikes it. Now for blocking, i think it's better because it helps with jumping and it is fun blocking a player who is spiking the ball. You also get as point if you block them. If you miss you can hit the ball again.

Answer 6

From my experience, a strong block is more important for an opposite in the front row. Just imagine having an opposite player who can't block a ball, that's like giving the rival power hitter a free swing. So, definitely, you need an opposite who stands his/her ground well enough to force the power hitter to hit cross-court (blockable by your middle) or tool the opposite by hitting line (but the opposite should know better than to be tooled). Dinking means that the block is working well, and if the setter digs the dink, THEN handling a second ball is important. (Also if the setter digs a hard ball, in which case the opposite also should know how to set a ball.) BUT... learning how to set a ball well is easier than learning how to read and block well. So, first I would find a good blocker for your opposite. Then teach him/her how to set. Easy! Good luck.