Volleyball is a game of giants. Sorry, no position for short players!
Just kidding!
Volleyball players tend to have significantly greater height than the average person. Professional male players stand at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), while their female counterparts have an average height of 6 feet (183 cm).
But not all volleyball positions necessitate exceptional height. According to my guide on the ranking of volleyball positions from easiest to hardest, middle blockers and opposite hitters often require exceptional height for their role in blocking around the net.
If you’re a shorter player, the best volleyball positions for you would be libero, and sometimes setter or outside hitter!
I will also share some valuable tips to elevate your performance as a shorter player.
Can I play volleyball if I’m too short?
You can totally play volleyball even if you’re not super tall! In fact, many short players have achieved great success in professional volleyball.
However, it’s important to note that certain positions like middle blocker or opposite hitters require high jumping to block opponent’s attacks, so height is a must for those roles.
Height is crucial for a volleyball player to excel, regardless of their position. Achieving an ideal height significantly contributes to becoming a skilled player in this sport.
Ideal Volleyball Positions for Short Players
Go for Libero position, it’s your best option
Unlike other positions on the court that require jumping high or spiking, this particular position does not necessarily require height. Thus, height is not a mandatory requirement for this role’s performance and evolution.
The height requirement for that position is not mandatory. However, mastering the skill set for this role poses a significant challenge: adeptness in digging, passing, and swift agility in movement.
The libero position is often associated with shorter players, but in reality, their height is not significantly below average.
In men’s leagues, the average height for liberos ranges from 5’10” to 6’2″ (178-188 cm), while in women’s leagues, it ranges from 5’6″ to 5’10” (168-178 cm).
As you can see, the height of liberos is not too short by any means.
Can short players excel as Outside Hitters?
Yes, you can.
If you aspire to excel as a hitter in volleyball, it’s important to note that the standard net height for men is 2.43 meters (7 feet 11 5/8 inches), and for women, it’s 2.24 meters (7 feet 4 1/8 inches).
As a shorter outside hitter, having exceptional jumping ability is crucial! Make sure you can make your palm higher than the volleyball net to execute the powerful spikes.
Short players looking to secure a position in volleyball might consider designating outside hitter as their second choice. This is because outside hitters typically require greater height compared to liberos.
Can short players be good setters?
Another yes from me.
But if you’re short and choose to become a setter, it will be a harder choice than becoming a liberos.
Check out this awesome setter dump by Matias Sanchez,
a 173cm tall male setter from Argentina!
In professional leagues, height can be a determining factor, where the game is dominated by giants. Even if you stand at 180 cm, you would be considered below average height among your team members.
One reason why a taller setter may have an edge when executing a setter dump is due to their height advantage.
Typically, setters are shorter players since they need to be quick and agile in order to set up their teammates for attacks.
However, a taller player will naturally have longer arms and reach, allowing them to tip or push the ball over the net from higher up.
This not only makes it more difficult for opposing blockers to anticipate and defend against, but it also gives the setter a better angle to place the ball in hard-to-reach spots on the court.
What training is best for short players?
Jumping ability
Short players need a strong jump in volleyball. Height may not help them reach the ball, but good jumping skills can give them an edge over taller opponents.
Short players should focus on proper footwork and body positioning to understand the mechanics of a good jump. By bending their knees, using explosive leg movements, and swinging their arms down forcefully, they can generate more power and height in their jumps.
To enhance performance on the court, focus on building leg and core strength. Short players can benefit from exercises like squats, lunges, and plyometric training, which improve jumping ability and overall athleticism.
Finally, when purchasing volleyball shoes, it is important to choose ones that offer both cushioning and responsiveness. This is crucial because you need proper shock absorption upon landing and efficient energy return when pushing off for your next jump. Striking the right balance between these two factors will greatly enhance your performance on the court.
Spiking and blocking skills
To level up your spiking skills in volleyball, it’s crucial to focus on refining your technique.
Dedicate time to building strength, honing timing, and improving coordination, and you’ll see a significant boost in your performance on the court.
By diligently working on these fundamental aspects, you can take your spiking abilities to the next level and become a more formidable player.
To enhance your blocking technique, focus on practicing swing blocking. This is a crucial skill that requires dedicated attention to perfect.
If you’re still uncertain about which position to choose, I have written a comprehensive article that ranks volleyball positions from easiest to hardest, outlining their specific requirements.
Make sure to give it a read and carefully consider the position that suits you best.
Always remember, your passion for volleyball holds greater significance than your height.