If you are a volleyball enthusiast, you must have noticed that some players are taller than others. You might wonder why some players are so tall. How tall are outside hitters in volleyball, the ones who hit the ball hard? In this article, we’ll talk about outside hitters, the players who stand close to the net and jump high to hit the ball.
Now, you might ask, how tall are they? You might think they are like giants, right? Well, they are not giants, but they are tall. The truth is, not every outside hitter is as tall as a skyscraper. But most of them are taller than the average person. Why? Because they need to jump high to reach the ball coming down from their opponent’s side.
Generally, volleyball is a sport that demands athleticism, skill, and strategy. One of the most crucial positions on the court is the outside hitter, responsible for powerful attacks and crucial points.
Naturally, height plays a significant role in this position, as it allows players to reach higher and generate more power. But how tall are outside hitters typically, and what other factors contribute to their success?
What Does an Outside Hitter Do?
In volleyball, the outside hitter is like the team’s main attacker. They stand close to the net and try to hit the ball really hard to score points. Think of them as the team’s strongest defenders. Some of their roles on the volleyball court include the following:
- Attacking: Hitting the ball from the outside (wing) position, aiming for the opponent’s court.
- Blocking: Attempting to block the opponent’s attacks at the net.
- Serving: Often serving as one of the team’s primary servers.
- Receiving: Receiving serves from the opponent and passing the ball to the setter.
- Defensive specialist: Playing a key role in the team’s back-row defense.
- Scoring points: Generating points through kills, blocks, and aces.
- Creating scoring opportunities: Using their speed and agility to create chances for themselves and teammates.
- Reading the game: Analyzing the opponent’s offense and defense to make strategic decisions.
- Communicating: Calling plays, signaling blocks, and coordinating with teammates.
- Adapting: Adjusting their game to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses and counter their strengths.
Special Skills of an Outside Hitter
Below are a few skills that make an outside hitter special:
- They hit the ball hard: They have to jump high and swing hard to make the ball go fast and over the net.
- They are good at moving: They need to be quick and agile to get to the right spot to hit the ball.
- They are smart players: They need to know where the ball is going and how to hit it so it goes where their team wants it to go.
How tall are outside hitters in volleyball?
What is the average height of outside hitters? Although there’s no specific “average” height for outside hitters, the general consensus is that outside hitters are always taller than other players on the court.
The average height for male outside hitters in professional leagues like the NCAA and the Olympics is around 6’4″ to 6’6″ tall. For female outside hitters, the average height is usually around 6’0″ to 6’2″ tall.
See Also:
- Tallest Female Volleyball Players in the world
- Minimum Height for Volleyball Player Female: Average Height for Male and Female Athletic
Names of the Tallest Outside Hitters and Their Profiles
Below are some of the tallest and most renowned male and female outside hitters in volleyball history:
| Name | Country | Height | Team/League | Notable Achievements |
| Morteza Mehrzad | Iran | 247 cm | Iran Paralympic Team | Tallest volleyball player; Paralympic gold medalist. |
| Daniel Martínez Campos | Cuba | 218 cm | Sada Cruzeiro U21 | Known for strong offensive plays in youth circuits. |
| Maicon França | Brazil | 218 cm | Praia Clube | Rising star in Brazilian volleyball. |
| Matey Kaziyski | Bulgaria | 203 cm | Trentino Volley (Italy) | Renowned for his vertical jump and consistency. |
| Wilfredo León | Cuba/Poland | 201 cm | Sir Safety Perugia (Italy) | Multiple MVP and Best Outside Hitter awards. |
| Osmany Juantorena | Cuba/Italy | 200 cm | Volley Lube (Italy) | Long successful career with multiple championships. |
| Yoandy Leal | Cuba/Brazil | 200 cm | Sada Cruzeiro (Brazil) | Known for versatility and awards as Best Outside Hitter. |
| Earvin N’Gapeth | France | 194 cm | Modena Volley (Italy) | Olympic gold medalist and MVP. |
| Kim Yeon-koung | South Korea | 192 cm | Shanghai Bright Ubest (China) | Dominant player in women’s volleyball. |
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Recommended Height for Hitters
While height is advantageous, it’s not the only factor determining a successful outside hitter. The ideal height for an outside hitter depends on the level of competition and the specific team’s needs. Below are some recommended heights for outside hitters:
1. Youth Volleyball:
Height is less crucial at younger ages, as players are still developing their skills and athleticism. Focus on developing fundamental skills and technique.
2. High School and College:
Height becomes more important as players compete at higher levels. A height of 6’0″ for women and 6’2″ for men can be beneficial, but players with exceptional skills and athleticism can excel even with slightly less height.
3. Professional Volleyball:
In professional leagues, height is highly valued. Players typically stand 6’2″ or taller for women and 6’4″ or taller for men.
Skills Needed to Become a Hitter
Beyond height, several other skills are essential for a successful outside hitter:
- Jumping Ability: Outside hitters need to jump high to reach the ball and generate power. Developing strong leg muscles and proper jumping technique are crucial.
- Power and Precision: Hitters must strike the ball with both power and accuracy. Practice hitting drills to improve their swing and control.
- Court Awareness: Hitters need to be aware of their position on the court, the ball’s trajectory, and their teammates’ movements. This allows them to anticipate plays and make effective decisions.
- Passing and Digging: While hitting is their primary role, outside hitters also need to be competent passers and diggers. This ensures they can contribute to all aspects of the game.
- Agility and Speed: Hitters need to be able to move quickly and efficiently across the court. Developing agility and speed through drills and training is essential.
Volleyball Drills for Hitters
Below are some volleyball drills that can help outside hitters improve their skills:
- Jump Serve Drill: This drill helps hitters develop their jumping ability and serve accuracy.
- Approach and Hit Drill: This drill focuses on the steps and technique involved in hitting the ball.
- Blocking Drill: This drill helps hitters learn to block the opponent’s attacks.
- Passing and Digging Drill: This drill reinforces the importance of defensive skills for outside hitters.
- Game Simulation Drill: This drill simulates game situations to help hitters develop their decision-making abilities.
Conclusion
Height plays a significant role in the outside hitter position, as it allows such players to reach higher and generate more power. Nevertheless, height is not the only thing that matters for an outside hitter.
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As an outside hitter, you need to be strong, fast, and agile too. You must be able to move quickly on the court, jump high, and hit the ball with power. So, even if you are not the tallest person, you can still be a good outside hitter if you are strong, fast, agile, and skillful in the volleyball game.