The rules of volleyball state that 12 players are needed on the court to play the game with 6 players on each side.
Usually beginners play each position they rotate to which helps them learn the game better. More advanced players move into specialized positions in the front and back rows after the first contact of the serve.
The volleyball court measures 30' x 60' with the net dividing the court in half. Each side measuring approx 30' x 30' or metrically 9m x 9m.
The court is defined by lines. They are named based on their function and position on the court.
Click to Enlarge Volleyball Court Diagram (diagram will open into a new page)
Areas on the court are identified by a numbering system 1 to 6. Players will rotate clockwise around the court when a rally is won and a point is scored.
Outside hitters play primarily in positions 4 and 5; left front and left back. These players specialize in only playing on the left side of the court.
Middle Hitters play in the middle of the court in positions 3 and 6; middle front and middle back.
Right Side players play on the right side of the court in positions 1 and 2; right front and right back.
When players specialize like this they learn to play one primary position in the front row and one in the back row.
Once contact is made on the serve, when their team is serving or after the ball is sent back over the net on serve receive, players switch to their specialized positions.
Volleyball Court Central > Volleyball Rules