Get 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Volleyball Positions on the Court: Backrow Rotations in Volleyball

Learn the descriptions and the different backrow volleyball positions on the court and how the rotation in volleyball works in the backrow player positions.

When a team, usually composed of at least one setter, two hitters, middle blockers and a libero wins a rally, they rotate clockwise one position on the court.

Volleyball Positions on the Court

If you're In the back row here's where you go on offense and/or defense if you're an

outside hitter
opposite hitter
middle blocker
setter

Improve your hand positioning with this volleyball setting trainer I use in my private sessions

Volleyball Positions on the Court: Back Row Rotations in Offense and Defense

Volleyball Positions on the Court - for Zone 1

If you're In volleyball rotational Position 1/Zone 1 here's where you go on defense and/or offense if you're an

outside hitter
opposite hitter
6 position middle blocker
libero
setter

If you are a left side hitter/blocker

if serving - after completing your serve you run into the court to get into base defensive position in Rotational position 5, (left back, LB, Zone 5) If you win the rally, your team earns a point and you go back to serve again.
in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely when your team is served, as the libero you'd pass from RB (Position 1, P1, Zone 1) and when the ball goes over the net you'd switch to Position 5 to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly hitting from backrow* until the rally is completed.
*many teams, depending on their offensive strategies will place left side hitter in the MB position (P6) so they can dig and hit backrow

Positions on the Volleyball Court: If you're a libero in serve receive, depending on the offense you run when your team is served, you'd pass from RB (Position 1, P1, Zone 1).

Positions on the Volleyball Court: If you're a libero in serve receive, depending on the offense you run when your team is served, you'd pass from RB (Volleyball Rotation 1, P1)

If you are a libero/middle hitter/blocker

if serving - after completing your serve you run into the court to get into base defensive position in Rotational Position 6, (middle back, MB, Zone 6) If you win the rally, your team earns a point and you go back to serve again.
in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely as the libero, when your team is served, you'd pass from RB (Position 1, P1, Zone 1) taking as much court responsibility as possible and when the ball goes over the net you'd switch to Position 6 to continue the rally digging, playing defense from backrow* until the rally is completed.
*many teams, depending on their offensive strategies will place liberos in the LB position (P5) so they can dig the cross court attacks and set when necessary from the backrow.

If you are a setter or right side hitter/blocker

if serving - after completing your serve you run into the court to get into base defensive position in Rotational position 1, (right back, RB, Zone 1) If you win the rally, your team earns a point and you go back to serve again.
In serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely when your team is served, as the setter you'd stand behind the right front player who is passing. Once the ball is served you sprint to go to the net to Position 2/3 to be the setter target your passers pass the ball to. Once you run the offense and set one of your hitters and the ball goes over the net you return backrow to your base position to play defense.
in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely as the right side hitter, when your team is served, you'd pass from RB (Position 1, P1, Zone 1) taking as much court responsibility as possible alongside the libero in P6 and the left side hitter in P5/P4 and when the ball goes over the net you'd stay in Position 1 to continue the rally, digging, playing defense from backrow* until the rally is completed.

Positions on the Volleyball Court: If you're a libero in volleyball rotation P6: in serve receive, depending on the offense you run when your team is served, you'd pass from MB

Volleyball Positions on the Court - for Zone 6

If you're In volleyball rotational Position 6/Zone 6 here's where you go on defense and/or offense if you're an

outside hitter
opposite hitter
6 position middle blocker
libero
setter

If You're In Volleyball Rotation Position 6/Zone 6 where do you go on offense or defense?

If you are a left side hitter/blocker

on defense - you start in Rotational Position 6 and after your team serves, you switch going to your base defensive position in Rotational position 5, (left back, LB, Zone 5) to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly hitting from backrow* until the rally is completed.
in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely when your team is served, you'd pass from MB (Position 6, P6, Zone 6) and when the ball goes over the net you'd switch to Position 5 to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly hitting from backrow* until the rally is completed.
*many teams, depending on their offensive strategies will place left side hitter in the MB position (P6) so they can dig and hit backrow

Improve your blocking hands positioning with the volleyball blocker pads I use in my private sessions

If you are a libero/middle hitter/blocker

on defense - you start in your base defensive position in Rotational Position 6 and stay there after your team serves, to continue the rally, digging, playing defense until the rally is completed.
in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely as the libero, when your team is served, you'd pass from MB (Position 6, P6, Zone 6) taking as much court responsibility as possible and when the ball goes over the net you'd stay in Position 6 to continue the rally digging, playing defense from backrow* until the rally is completed.
*many teams, depending on their offensive strategies will place liberos in the LB position (P5) so they can dig the cross court attacks and set when necessary from the backrow.

Positions on the Volleyball Court: In serve receive, depending on the offense you run, as libero, when your team is served, you'd pass from MB (Position 6) taking as much court as possible

>br>

If you are a setter or right side hitter/blocker

on defense - you start in Rotational Position 6 and after your team serves, you switch going to your base defensive position in Rotational position 1, (right back, RB, Zone 1) to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly until the rally is completed.
In serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely when your team is served, as the setter you'd stand behind the middle front player who may or may not be passing. Once the ball is served you sprint to go to the net to Position 2/3 to be the setter target your passers pass the ball to. Once you run the offense and set one of your hitters and the ball goes over the net you return backrow to your base position (P1) to play defense.
in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely as the right side hitter, when your team is served, you'd pass from MB (Position 6, P6, Zone 6) and when the ball goes over the net you'd switch to your base defensive position in Position 1 to continue the rally, digging, playing defense from backrow* on the right side of the court until the rally is completed.

Volleyball Positions on the Court: II you're a libero in rotational position 5 in serve receive, depending on the offense you run, when your team is served, you'd pass from LB.

Volleyball Positions on the Court - for Zone 5

If you're In volleyball rotational Position 5/Zone 5 here's where you go on defense and/or offense if you're an

outside hitter
opposite hitter
6 position middle blocker
libero
setter

If you are a left side hitter/blocker

on defense - you start in Rotational Position 5 and after your team serves, you stay in your base defensive position in Rotational position 5, (left back, LB, Zone 5) to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly hitting from backrow* until the rally is completed.

in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely when your team is served, you'd pass from LB (Position 5, P5, Zone 5) and when the ball goes over the net you'd stay in Position 5 to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly hitting from backrow* until the rally is completed.

*many teams, depending on their offensive strategies will place left side hitter in the MB position (P6) so they can dig and hit backrow

If you are a libero/middle hitter/blocker

on defense - you start in Rotational Position 5 and after your team serves, you switch going to your base defensive position in Rotational position 6, (middle back, MB, Zone 6) to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly hitting from backrow* until the rally is completed.

in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely as the libero, when your team is served, you'd pass from LB (Position 5, P5, Zone 5) taking as much court responsibility as possible and when the ball goes over the net you'd switch back to your base defensive position in Rotational Position 6 to continue the rally digging, playing defense from backrow* until the rally is completed.

If you are a libero/middle hitter/blocker on defense you start in Rotational Position 5 and after your team serves, you switch going to your base defensive position in Rotational position 6

*many teams, depending on their offensive strategies will place liberos in the LB position (P5) so they can dig the cross court attacks and set when necessary from the backrow.

Improve your spiking and hitting technique with the volleyball hitting trainer equipment I use in my private sessions

If you are a setter or right side hitter/blocker

on defense - you start in Rotational Position 5 and after your team serves, you switch going to your base defensive position in Rotational position 1, (right back, RB, Zone 1) to continue the rally digging, playing defense and possibly until the rally is completed.

In serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely when your team is served, as the setter you'd stand behind and to the left of the left front player who may or may not be passing. Once the ball is served you sprint to go to the net to Position 2/3 to be the setter target your passers pass the ball to. Once you run the offense and set one of your hitters and the ball goes over the net you return backrow to your base position (P1) to play defense.

in serve receive, depending on your coach and the offense you run, most likely as the right side hitter, when your team is served, you'd pass from LB (Position 5, P5, Zone 5) and when the ball goes over the net you'd switch to your base defensive position in Position 1 to continue the rally, digging, playing defense from backrow* on the right side of the court until the rally is completed.

Volleyball Positions:
Where Do You Go From Here?

Good times! Here's where you need to go now? Here are three options:

Learn more about volleyball positions and rotations and in the Related Links below.
Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
Or visit the pages in the Positions section in the drop down menu at the top of the page.

Learn more about volleyball positions on the court on the pages below!

What is the Role of Libero in Volleyball The Back Court Specialist
The role of libero in volleyball is of a backrow specialist who goes in to pass, dig and serve for one of two players they can go in for without a substitution.
Libero Volleyball Basics: A Mom's Guide To The Defense Specialist Role
Perfect for moms of young players, this guide helps you learn libero volleyball basics which helps you raise your game IQ and support your childs defensive play
Varsity Volleyball Player Positions Are Roles Players Have On A Team
The outside hitter, the libero, the middle blocker, the opposite hitter, the setter and defensive specialist are volleyball player positions that make up a team
The Setter Volleyball Position Five Traits Good Setters Always Have
The player in the setter volleyball position gets to every second ball in a rally to set that ball to a hitter who attacks it for a point or sideout.
Volleyball Setter Position: What Makes A Good Setter And Team Leader?
Like quarterbacks in football, the volleyball setter position requires the setter to run the offense by deciding the volleyball plays her offense will run.
Being A Left Handed Volleyball Setter in the Front Row Has Advantages
For a left handed volleyball setter who receives a good pass, the ball will get to your dominant hand first, which means that you can dump the ball faster.
Setters Volleyball Player Roles, Rules and Responsibilities Explained
Setters volleyball player responsibilities are to run her team's offense and they call the plays hitters run against blockers like a quarterback in football.
Volleyball Setter Training: Techniques to Improve Your Setting Skills
This volleyball setter training reviews step-by-step each body part and what it does so you learn how to correct your mistakes and improve your setting skills.
Setter Position in Volleyball: My Expert Guide & Setting Training Tips
Learn the setter position in volleyball from an expert coach. Master essential techniques, court positioning, and winning strategies to become a great setter.
A Setter in Volleyball: A Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Technique
Be a setter in volleyball who knows how to run an effective offensive attack with two or three front row hitters to beat the block and opposing defense.
Outside Hitter Volleyball Position What Is The Left Side Hitter's Job?
Outside hitter volleyball position. The left side hitter usually receives the most sets during a game and are required to pass well and hit to score points.
Outside Hitter Volleyball Position: Left Side Hitter Volleyball Tips
Want to excel in the outside hitter volleyball position? Learn responsibilities, techniques, training and match prep strategies for the team's left side hitter
The Volleyball Outside Hitter: How To Be The Smart Spiker On Your Team
A volleyball outside hitter has options for scoring against opponents to score points including tipping deep or short in the court to mix up your attack hits.

If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.

Volleyball Player Whisperer in Vegas Restoring Power + Peace + Passion To Burnt Out Players, High Performance Volleyball Coach, ImproveYourVolley Web Author, Peace Love Volleyball Collection

AUTHOR BIO

April Chapple is an elite private volleyball trainer, former USA National Team member, and University of Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee who has coached in Las Vegas for 15+ years, training hundreds of athletes and helping numerous players reach college volleyball, including Division I standouts.

She's also the head coach for girls and boys 18s at Squad VBC and offers coaches consulting on technical teaching and player development. Connect with April on LinkedIn or at ImproveYourVolley.com, where her eye for overlooked talent sets her apart.

From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Honored At UTK Champions Weekend

Lady Vol volleyball legend and record holder Coach April Chapple a University of Tennessee, Knoxville Hall of Fame Inductee, 3-time All American, 3-time SEC Champion, SEC Tournament MVP, 2-time All SEC Team is celebrated with her 1984 SEC champion teammates at Neyland Stadium during Champions Weekend on November 1-2, 2024.

utkaprilcollegepiconneylandstadiumvideoboard

Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee, Coach April Chapple is

the first First Round Draft Pick for the first American pro indoor women's league
named to the first First Team All-Pro team for Major League Volleyball in USA volleyball history
former USA National team member
one of the few American women players named as an Italian Pro League D-I Championship Finalist, Italian Cup Finalist and Cup of Cups Tournament Finalist

April Chapple The first First round Draft Pick For Major League Volleyball the first American Women's Pro League Honored At Athlete Unlimited Pro Volleyball Match

Coach April's 2026-27 Private and Semi private Volleyball Training

Pre-Registration now open for 2026-27 Private and Semiprivate Training Sessions with Coach April . Get prepared for club tryouts or train with me during club season!

Email now for information on semiprivate or private indoor skills, individual or small group training volleyball classes and my Breakfast Club for College Players training for 2026-27.

Invest in your improvement while preepping for your next level and college goals while working hard and training smart.

Email me right now to register or for more information.

info@improveyourvolley.com

Affiliate Disclosure

If you make a purchase through a link on my site, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

I only recommend products that I believe to have good value. Click to read my

(affiliate disclosure).

Donations Welcome!

If my free social media online training and/or instruction on this site has helped improve your game or meet your goals CLICK the Cash App link below to make a donation!

Thank you!

cash.app/$apchapvcevbc

Can't hire a private trainer?
Get my Targeted Volleyball Checklist Bundles by Skill Level
(only $27 each)

Bundle #1:
Complete Beginner Serving System - $27

Pre Serve Volleyball Ritual

Volleyball Serving Mistakes

Consistent Toss Mastery

The Complete Serving system

Complete Beginner Serving System: The Ultimate Support System for Beginners

Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:

🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide - $7

Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon

Stop letting pressure situations destroy your serves?

Pre Serve Volleyball Ritual Checklist pdf: You'll Get ✓3-bounce physical preparation setup system ✓Mental routine for target pre-selection and visualization ✓Technical execution checklist for automatic consistency ✓Proven tips for bulletproof toss consistency ✓Pressure-proof strategies that eliminate serving errors

You'll Get

✓3-bounce physical preparation setup system
✓Mental routine for target pre-selection and visualization
✓Technical execution checklist for automatic consistency
✓Proven tips for bulletproof toss consistency
✓Pressure-proof strategies that eliminate serving errors

Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played) Checklist pdf:

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves Guide - $7

Parents Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf ✓Learn exactly what to look for in your player's serving form so you can provide meaningful feedback. ✓Confidence Building Strategies Discover how to provide encouragement that actually improves performance and mental toughness. ✓Smart Coach Questions Know exactly what to ask coaches to show you're engaged and help your player develop properly. ✓Home Practice Ideas Simple, effective drills that don't require a gym or expensive equipment. ✓Volleyball Terminology Understand the language coaches use so you can better support your player's development. ✓Mental Game Support Help your player develop the psychological aspects of serving that many coaches don't have time to address.

You'll Get:

✓Learn exactly what to look for in your player's serving form so you can provide meaningful feedback.

✓Discover how to provide encouragement that actually improves performance and mental toughness.

✓Know exactly what to ask coaches to show you're engaged and help your player develop properly.

✓Simple, effective drills that don't require a gym or expensive equipment.

✓Understand the language coaches use so you can better support your player's development.

✓Help your player develop the psychological aspects of serving that many coaches don't have time to address.

From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

What Are You Looking For?

Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:

🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide -

Players! Learn How To Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon

Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist Guide

Parents! Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played)

Get 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April

SUSCRIBE to my email newsletter below!

Tennessee Athletics Honors April Chapple at Champions Weekend for Legendary Volleyball Achievements

Click to learn more about my weekly advanced volleyball instruction availability email me at info@improveyourvolley.com to get your questions answered and sign up for my newsletter

Click to learn more about the weekly volleyball classes and clinics or email info@imrpoveyourvolley.com for information

My schedule is out and I'm ready to send it to you if you're interested in my 2026/2027 semi private training opportunities. Sign up for email newsletter above to get all my news!

Click! Check My Mediakit For Collabs and Sponsorship

Click! My Linktree. Learn How To Train With Me

Read Testimonials For Coach April's Volleyball Training

Shop My Volleyball Bookstore For The Latest Ebooks, Planners, Diaries and Gratitude Journals

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vegas Volley (@vegas_volley)

Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.