Opposite Hitter: Role, Skills and Rules

The opposite (also called the right-side hitter or OPP) attacks and blocks on the right side of the court. The name comes from the rotation: in a 5-1, the opposite lines up directly across the rotation order from the setter. Opposites often score a lot of points and usually don't pass serves, so their focus is attacking and blocking.

Main attacking spot

Right front (zone 2)

In a 5-1

One opposite, across from the setter

Passes serves

Usually no

Back-row rule

Take off behind the 3 m line

Starter drill

Hitting lines

What an opposite does

• Attacks from the right side, including when the setter is in the front row and only two hitters are available.
• Blocks the opponent's outside hitter, who often gets the most sets.
• Attacks from the back row (usually from right back, zone 1) on many teams.
• Covers for the setter: when the setter digs the first ball, the opposite often sets the second ball.
• Plays back-row defense, often in right back (zone 1).

Key skills, ranked

1. Attacking from the right side. Hitting sets that come from the setter's front or back, plus back-row attacks.
2. Blocking. Stopping or slowing the other team's outside hitter is a big part of the job.
3. Back-row attacking. Gives the setter an extra option when the opposite is in the back row.
4. Emergency setting. Hand or forearm sets when the setter can't take the second ball.
5. Serving and defense. Opposites rotate through the back row, so a tough serve and solid digging matter.

Where opposites play in common systems

• 5-1 (see the 5-1): The opposite is “opposite” the setter, three spots away in the rotation order. When the setter is in the back row, the opposite is in the front row, usually attacking from right front (zone 2). When the setter is in the front row, the opposite is in the back row and may hit from behind the attack line.
• 6-2 (see the 6-2): There often isn't a dedicated opposite. Instead, each setter becomes the right-side hitter when they rotate to the front row.
• Serve receive: Many teams keep the opposite out of the passing group so they can focus on attacking; they often stand near the right side or back-right corner. See serve receive and court zones.

Physical traits that often help

• A strong jump and arm swing help with attacking and blocking.
• Being left-handed can be an advantage on the right side, because the ball comes from the setter on the hitter's hitting-arm side, but right-handed opposites are common too.
• Height and reach often help blockers, but timing and positioning matter just as much.

Rules that affect opposites

• Back-row attack rule. When in the back row, an opposite may attack a ball above the net only if they take off from behind the attack line, 3 m from the center line. From in front of the line, a back-row player may only attack a ball that is at least partly below the top of the net.
• No back-row blocking. A back-row opposite can't block.
• Attacking the serve. No player may attack an opponent's serve while the ball is in the front zone and entirely above the net.
• Overlap rules. Because only the receiving team must be in rotational order at the serve under FIVB rules (both teams under US rules), the opposite has to stay in correct order with the players next to them until the serve is contacted. See overlap rules.

Mental side and communication

• Talk with the setter about tempo and where you want the ball.
• Talk to your middle blocker about who's taking which hitter on the block.
• Be ready to set when the setter digs — call “I've got it!” or “Opposite!” early.
• Stay patient in rotations when the setter is in the front row; you may get fewer sets but bigger moments.

How to get better

• Hitting lines: Hit from the right side, aiming at line and cross-court targets.
• Approach footwork: Right-side approaches differ from left-side ones; build the footwork first.
• Blocking footwork: Move along the net and seal the line against outside hitters.
• Wall setting: Keep your hands ready for emergency sets.
• Free-ball transition: Get off the net quickly and into your approach.

Safety: Land on two feet when possible, bend your knees, and stay on your side of the center line to avoid stepping on a blocker's foot. Always warm up; see injuries and plyometrics.

Gear notes

Supportive court shoes and, if you choose, ankle braces are worth a look for heavy jumpers — see volleyball equipment.

Deep dive: why it's called the opposite

In a 5-1, players line up in a fixed order. The opposite is three places away from the setter in that order, so they're always on the opposite side of the rotation. That means when one is in the front row, the other is in the back row. That gives the team a strong right-side attacker in every rotation where the setter is in the back row.

Frequently asked questions