What qualtities separate an outside hitter from a right side hitter?

Question

other than the fact that they hit from different places. i play right side, but i think i might be better at outside. also, i'm only 5 3 but i am almost always a hitter. would that affect which position (oh or opp) that would best suit me. i'm not interested in libero or setter.

Answer 1

As others have said, Opps are often left handed and OHs are normally right handed.  OHs approach from off the court when right handed and Opps approach straight when right handed.

Although Right Handed, I prefer to play Opp for two reasons.  Too many years of playing low level ball has left me with a straight on approach so it is more natural for me to hit that way.  I also like to block and since most teams put their best hitters in the OH spot, I get to match up against them in the Opp spot.

Another big difference between Opp and OH is the number of sets you will get.  I typically read that on average, 50% of sets go to OH, 20% to MH and 30% to Opp.  Of course this will vary but you will typically see a lot more offensive action from OH and a lot more defensive (i.e. blocking) as an Opp.

Answer 2

it is better to be a right side hitter if you are left handed.

Answer 3

the better outside hitters are generally right handed people while the right side hitters usually are lefties. however i have seen great left OH and right right-side hitters. i don't think that you will have too much difficulty adjusting you approach and arms. it's only a matter of practicing. since you play right side, i think your only problem would be the timing, assuming you are right handed. you are probably used to having a little more time when about to hit the ball, but when playing OH it's a lot quick because your right hand is closer to the setter and the ball. i hope you're right handed cuz if you are left-handed then what i just said probably didnt help at all lol

Answer 4

Many of your answerers are correct but they are forgetting some major things.

The best OHs are:

1. GREAT PASSERS

2. Hitters with great control

3. Consistent attackers

4. Well conditioned (they get the most sets)

Your handedness does not qualify you as an OPP or an OH. Your skill does. You handedness is convenient and as a lefty, you would have a tremendous advantage as a setter or an OPP, but it's not the be all and end all.

Great OPPs are:

1. GREAT BLOCKERS

2. Players with great hands (They must be prepared if the S contacts the first ball.

3. Hitters that can attack almost any angle (OPPs son't get many sets.

4. Willing to understand that they are blockers primarily, hitters second.

Every single year, my younger OPPs complain about not getting sets. They do not understand the game that well. This is just something a coach needs to get used to. It's the same idea why I call the Middle position Middle Blocker, not Middle Hitter. Opposites are big blockers and you need to be okay with that to play that position. If you want to play OH ask your coach for some things you can work on in the offseason. Either way, any position on the volleyball court is something that is contributing to your team's success.

Answer 5

usually the right sides are taller so they can block the other teams outsides which is usually their best hitter. Also its easier to be a right side when you are left handed and it is easier to be an outside if you are right handed.

Answer 6

Hey, I play as a middle hitter, never defense though. What makes outside hitters different is how they hit the ball. Outside hitters normally hit it opposite of where they're standing, but middle hitters normally hit it right in front of them. One thing I have learned from this type of hitting though is that you need to be consistent to be an outside hitter.