Position Guide
PACE-Powered Analysis
OPPOSITE HITTER
The right-side powerhouse
The opposite hitter is the most powerful attacker on the court. You attack from the right side, block the opponent's best outside hitter, and often serve as the team's primary scoring weapon. Opposites are built differently — part blocker, part attacker, all competitor.
Did You Know?
The opposite position is sometimes called the 'right-side hitter' or 'right-side blocker' — it's the mirror image of the outside hitter position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Right-side attacks require exceptional height
Generating velocity from difficult angles
Matching up against opponent's best outside
Attacking from back row and front row
Opposites are often primary servers
KEY SKILLS
Right-side attack from various set tempos
Back-row attack (pipe and right-side bic)
One-on-one blocking against outside hitters
Serving as a weapon (jump serve, float serve)
Transition from back row to front-row attack
Shot selection from tight and off-the-body sets
PACE ARCHETYPE FIT
Which PACE personality archetypes naturally thrive in the Opposite Hitter role — and why.
Driven Leader
Ideal Fit
Performance + Attitude creates the dominant, confident attacker who takes over matches and thrives as the primary scoring weapon.
Strategic Competitor
Ideal Fit
Performance + Endurance builds the complete opposite who can attack, block, and serve at elite level for 5 sets.
Resilient Performer
Strong Fit
Attitude + Endurance creates the mentally tough opposite who bounces back from blocks and keeps attacking with confidence.
Tactical Playmaker
Good Fit
Performance + Cooperation builds a smart, system-oriented opposite who executes the game plan and creates opportunities for teammates.
TRAINING FOCUS
Right-Side Mechanics
Attacking from the right side requires a different approach angle and arm swing than outside hitting. Work with a coach to develop a consistent right-side swing.
Back-Row Attack
The best opposites are dangerous from both front and back row. Develop your pipe and right-side bic to give your team a 6-rotation offensive weapon.
Blocking Footwork
Opposites block the opponent's best outside hitter every rotation. Work on your closing footwork and hand positioning to become a true two-way threat.
Serve Development
A powerful jump serve from the opposite position can change the entire momentum of a match. Invest in your serve as a primary weapon.
RECRUITING BENCHMARKS
What college coaches look for when recruiting a opposite hitter.
24"+ (F) / 36"+ (M)
Approach Jump
Highest vertical in the sport
.280+
Attack Efficiency
Kill percentage minus errors
0.8+
Blocks Per Set
Blocking productivity
0.3+ per set
Serve Aces
Serving as a weapon
Coach's Perspective
The opposite position requires the most physical gifts of any position in volleyball. When recruiting, look for athletes with exceptional vertical jump, arm speed, and competitive fire. The technical skills can be developed — the athleticism cannot.
EXPLORE OTHER POSITIONS
Know Your Game
WHAT'S YOUR PACE ARCHETYPE?
Every great opposite hitter has a unique competitive personality. Discover yours in about 8 minutes — free.