Opposite Hitter in Volleyball: Role, Position and Skills

An opposite hitter in volleyball is a right-side attacker who plays opposite the setter in the rotation. The position is also called opposite, right-side hitter, OPP or opposite spiker. Opposite hitters are often key scorers, strong blockers and important attacking options in both front-row and back-row rotations.

Quick answer: An opposite hitter in volleyball usually attacks from the right side of the court, blocks the opponent’s outside hitter and often acts as one of the team’s main scoring options. The opposite plays across from the setter in the rotation.

This page explains what an opposite hitter does, where the opposite plays, how the position differs from an outside hitter and which skills are most important for this role.

What is an opposite hitter in volleyball?

An opposite hitter is a volleyball player who usually attacks from the right side of the court. The position is called “opposite” because this player is placed opposite the setter in the rotation. In many teams, the opposite hitter is one of the most powerful attackers and a key blocker against the opponent’s left-side attack.

The opposite hitter position combines attacking, blocking, transition and tactical awareness. Unlike many outside hitters, opposites often have less serve-receive responsibility, which allows them to focus more on scoring and blocking. To understand how this role fits into the full team structure, visit our overview of volleyball positions.

What does an opposite hitter do in volleyball?

The main job of an opposite hitter is to score from the right side and help stop the opponent’s outside hitter at the net. Opposites are often used in high-pressure situations because they can attack against difficult blocks, handle imperfect sets and provide a reliable scoring option when the team is out of system.

• Attack from the right side: usually from position 2 in the front row.
• Block the opponent’s outside hitter: one of the most important defensive tasks of the position.
• Provide a back-row attack option: especially from position 1 in some systems.
• Support transition play: move quickly from blocking or defense into attack.
• Score in difficult situations: handle high balls, imperfect sets and pressure points.
• Reduce pressure on other attackers: give the setter another strong attacking option.

For a deeper explanation of right-side attacking mechanics, use the general guide to spiking technique. This page stays focused on the opposite hitter as a position, not on every technical detail of attacking.

Is an opposite hitter the same as a right-side hitter?

In most volleyball systems, yes. The terms opposite hitter and right-side hitter often refer to the same role. The player is called a right-side hitter because they mainly attack from the right side of the net. They are called an opposite because they are positioned opposite the setter in the rotation.

Some coaches use slightly different terminology depending on country, level or system. You may also see the position written as OPP, OP, RS or right side. In most cases, these terms describe a similar right-side attacking role.

What does OPP mean in volleyball?

OPP stands for opposite hitter. It is a common abbreviation for the right-side attacker who plays opposite the setter. Some stat sheets, line-up systems or coaching materials may also use OP, RH or RS to describe the opposite or right-side hitter position.

This abbreviation is useful because the role has several names, but the core responsibility stays the same: attack from the right side, block the opponent’s outside hitter and provide balance to the team’s offense.

Why the opposite position is important

The opposite volleyball position is essential because it gives the team attacking balance. If a team only attacks strongly from the left side, the opponent’s block becomes easier to organize. A strong opposite hitter forces the block to respect the right side as well.

• Provides a constant attacking option from the right side.
• Blocks the opponent’s outside hitter, who often receives many sets.
• Creates balance when the setter is in the front row.
• Helps the team score in out-of-system situations.
• Can attack from the back row in more advanced systems.

At higher levels, the opposite is often one of the most important point scorers. A strong opposite can turn difficult rallies into scoring chances and reduce the pressure on the outside hitters.

Rotation and court positioning of the opposite

The opposite hitter rotates across from the setter. This means that when the setter is in one part of the rotation, the opposite is positioned on the opposite side of the court. This balance helps the team keep attacking options available in different rotations.

In the front row, the opposite usually attacks from position 2 on the right side. In the back row, the opposite may defend in position 1 and can sometimes attack from behind the three-meter line. You can learn more about court areas in our guide to volleyball court zones.

Front-row rotations

When the opposite is in the front row, they are usually responsible for right-side attacking and blocking. They must be ready to attack a back set from the setter, close the block against the opponent’s outside hitter and transition quickly after block defense.

• Attack mainly from position 2.
• Block the opponent’s outside hitter.
• Stay available for fast transition sets.
• Communicate with the middle blocker during blocking situations.

Back-row rotations

When the opposite is in the back row, they often defend from position 1 and may become a back-row attacking option. In some systems, the opposite stays out of serve receive so they can prepare for attack more quickly.

Back-row attacking can make the opposite even more valuable, especially when the setter wants to keep pressure on the opponent’s block. For more detail, read our guide to the back-row attack.

Main responsibilities of the opposite hitter

The volleyball opposite hitter has responsibilities in both offense and defense. The role is not only about hitting hard. A good opposite needs to understand timing, shot selection, blocking discipline and match situations.

Attacking from the right side

Opposites primarily attack from the right side. This angle is different from left-side attacking and requires strong timing, body control and shot variety. A good opposite can hit line, cross-court, sharp angle, deep corner and use controlled shots when the block is well positioned.

Blocking the opponent’s outside hitter

One of the opposite’s most important jobs is blocking the opponent’s outside hitter. Since outside hitters often receive many sets, the opposite must read the setter, move laterally, close the block and take away the most dangerous attacking angles.

For general blocking technique and training ideas, visit our page with blocking drills.

Supporting transition and defense

Opposites must switch quickly from defense to offense. After blocking, covering or defending, they need to recover and become available as an attacker. This is especially important when the rally becomes chaotic and the team needs a reliable scoring option.

Because transition is such a big part of the role, opposites benefit from training that connects blocking, defense and attack. Use transition drills to make this more game-like.

Key skills for an effective opposite hitter

To perform well as an opposite hitter, players need a mix of physical, technical and tactical skills. Power is useful, but consistency and smart decision-making are just as important.

• Right-side attacking: hit effectively from position 2 and from imperfect sets.
• Blocking: read the setter and close the block against outside hitters.
• Shot selection: use line, cross-court, tips, roll shots and block-outs.
• Transition speed: move quickly from blocking or defense into attack.
• Back-row attack: become available as an extra attacking option.
• Composure: handle pressure points and difficult rallies.

Players who want to improve their attacking space and timing should also work on their volleyball approach.

Opposite hitter vs outside hitter

The opposite hitter and outside hitter are both attacking positions, but they are not the same. The opposite usually attacks from the right side and focuses strongly on attacking and blocking. The outside hitter usually attacks from the left side and often has more serve-receive responsibility.

For a full explanation of the left-side attacking role, read our page about the outside hitter position.

Opposite hitter drills and training focus

Training the opposite position should reflect match demands: right-side attacking, blocking against strong outside hitters, transition movement and back-row attacking. Avoid training only isolated hitting. Opposites need game-like repetitions that connect movement, decision-making and scoring.

u12, u18

Yes or no

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u12, u18, Seniors

Off System part 2

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u12, u18, u6, Seniors

Triple left

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u12

Decking round

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u12

Shadow Transition

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u12

Urk

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Useful training themes for opposites include right-side attack, block timing, transition after blocking, high-ball attacking and back-row attack. You can combine this page with general attack drills to build a complete training block.

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Common mistakes of opposite hitters

Opposite hitters often have a lot of scoring responsibility. Because of that, they sometimes try to solve every rally with power. The best opposites learn to combine power with patience, variation and smart decision-making.

• Attacking too close to the antenna: start the approach earlier and create more attacking space.
• Only hitting hard: use tips, roll shots, line shots and block-outs.
• Late blocking timing: read the setter and move before the attacker is already swinging.
• Slow transition: recover quickly after blocking or defending.
• Ignoring back-row options: become available behind the attack line when the system allows it.

Who is the opposite position suitable for?

The opposite hitter position is suitable for players who enjoy attacking, blocking and taking responsibility in important moments. Opposites are often confident attackers who can handle pressure and adapt when the set is not perfect.

At youth level, players should still develop all-round volleyball skills before specializing too early. At higher levels, the opposite becomes more specialized and is often selected for attacking power, blocking ability, reach, tactical understanding and consistency.

Frequently asked questions about opposite hitters

Conclusion

The opposite hitter is one of the most important attacking positions in volleyball. This player usually attacks from the right side, blocks the opponent’s outside hitter and provides balance to the team’s offense. By understanding the opposite’s role, rotation, responsibilities and key skills, coaches and players can use this position more effectively.