Roles of Right-Side Hitters and Liberos in Volleyball

A financial executive in Kings Park, New York, Bryon Martinsen serves as the president and CEO of The Martinsen Group Inc., where he manages over $120 million in assets for individuals and small businesses throughout the country. He focuses on wealth accumulation, retirement income, estate planning, and risk management. Besides his successful career, Bryon Martinsen also has a keen interest in coaching volleyball.

One of the most versatile positions in volleyball is the right-side hitter, also known as the opposite hitter. The right-side hitter mainly functions at the right-front side of the court, requiring the ability to dig for quick attacks, block effectively, and set the ball properly if the setter cannot hit. Additionally, the right-side hitter assists the middle blocker when the latter needs help on blocks. As such, the right side serves both offensive and defensive roles.

In contrast, the libero only plays in the back row and serves a solely defensive role. The libero’s primary responsibility is to transform the first touch into a good pass to the setter. They cannot set from the front, block, or spike the ball when it is above the net.