Volleyball Height Guide: Are You Tall Enough to Play?

Does your height make or break your volleyball career? Spoiler: 5’5” liberos dominate the court too! Height can give you an edge, but it’s definitely not the dealbreaker. 

I remember coaching a player in her first year of college – she was one of the shortest on the team, but her hustle was unreal. She outplayed players twice her size, making game-changing plays that got everyone talking. It’s not about being the tallest, it’s about the heart and mind you bring to the game.  

And trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand. 

From high school to playing for National Collegiate Volleyball and Intercollegiate tournaments, I’ve never once felt like height held anyone back. It’s all about skill, technique, and understanding the game. In fact, those things often matter more than how tall you are.  

In this guide, I’m diving into how height affects each position, and when technique and strategy really steal the show. Keep reading to find out more! 

Why height matters in volleyball (but isn’t everything)  

While some tall players struggle with their footwork and timing, a 5’7″ libero effortlessly digs balls, setting an example for the taller players. Sure, height gives you an advantage for blocking and spiking, but there’s so much more to it.  

In fact, when it comes to making an impact on the court, your vertical jump for volleyball, agility, and timing often matter a lot. That said, height does play a role in certain positions.  

Middle blockers need that extra height for net play, while liberos and defensive specialists rely more on speed and agility.

So yes, height can be an advantage, but in the end, it’s all about skill, not size. 

Average height of volleyball players by position  

When it comes to volleyball, each position has its ideal height range, but at the end of the day, it’s the skills that truly make the difference. Let’s see how height plays a role in each position, and where technique can take the lead.  

Outside hitters  

Outside hitters are like the all-rounders of volleyball. You need that power to crush the ball over blockers, but don’t forget – agility and strong defense are just as important. 

Think about it: you can’t just be tall and strong. A great outside hitter needs to be quick on their feet for those back-row digs, too. The best example of an outside hitter is Matt Anderson.  

So, how tall do you need to be? Here’s the typical range: 

• Men: 6’2”–6’6” (188–198 cm)  

• Women: 5’10”–6’2” (178–188 cm)  

Middle blockers  

Middle blockers are usually the tallest players on a court. They’re there to stop attacks and run some fast plays at the net. And honestly, their height helps them block big shots and slam some powerful attacks.  

I’ve seen some seriously tall blockers that seem to own the net. It’s pretty wild watching them rise up and stuff an attack, then switch it up and slam one back! Dmitriy Muserskiy is a popular example of a middle blocker.  

Below is typical height range:  

• Men: 6’6”–7’0” (198–213 cm)  

• Women: 6’1”–6’5” (185–196 cm)  

Libero  

Liberos are all about defense and ball control, and honestly, height doesn’t really matter much for them. What really helps is having a lower center of gravity. It’s like being a shadow- quick footwork, fast reactions, and the ability to cover the whole court in a flash. 

Take Jenia Grebennikov from France, for example. At 5’11” (180 cm), he’s not the tallest guy on the court, but his defense and court vision are absolutely top-notch. 

Let’s look at height range for Liberos:  

• Men: 5’7”–6’0” (170–183 cm)  

• Women: 5’5”–5’10” (165–178 cm)   

Setters  

Setters are the team’s playmakers. Sure, they need precision and quick decision-making, but they also need to jump a lot to get those perfect sets. Even if they’re not the tallest, jumping drills can help them reach higher and make those key passes at the net. It’s all about reading the game and placing the ball where it counts. 

For instance, during the 2018 FIVB World Championship, Bartosz Kurek completely changed the course of the match with a single, game-changing decision. It’s that kind of skill, timing, and ability to read the game that makes a setter shine. 

Here’s a quick height range:  

• Men: 6’0”–6’5” (183–196 cm)  

• Women: 5’9”–6’1” (175–185 cm)  

Men vs. women: how volleyball player height differs  

In volleyball, men and women usually play with different net heights and trust me, it makes a big difference in how the game plays out. A higher net gives players more room to show off their power and reach, while a lower net speeds things up, leading to faster rallies and a lot more strategy. Here’s a quick volleyball net height in feet:  

• Men’s net: 7’11” (2.43 m)  

• Women’s net: 7’4” (2.24 m)  

That 7-inch height difference? It definitely impacts how players approach spiking and blocking. Female middle blockers tend to be about 3–5 inches shorter than their male counterparts. 

But women’s volleyball isn’t just about height.  

Skill, strategy, and court coverage come into play big time to make up for that height gap. It’s like the saying goes, “It’s not the size of the player, it’s the size of the game they play.” 

Recently, the average height for both men’s and women’s pro volleyball has gone up:  

• Men’s international average: from 6’4” (193 cm) to 6’6” (198 cm)  

• Women’s international average: from 5’11” (180 cm) to 6’1” (185 cm)  

How volleyball player heights differ by region  

I’ve seen players of all heights excel in ways that go far beyond just reach. Coaching in different regions, I noticed that while height expectations varied, the most impactful players weren’t always the tallest. 

One player, in particular, stood out- not because of her size, but because of her sharp game sense and quick decisions that turned the tide. It just goes to show that height isn’t everything-it’s how you play, no matter where you’re from! 

• Europe & North America: It’s no surprise that taller players have a bit of an edge, especially in the front row. Guys usually fall in the 6’4”–6’6” range (193–198 cm), while the ladies are typically around 6’0”–6’2” (183–188 cm). 

• Asia: In leagues like Japan’s V. League, the focus is more on speed and skill than just height. Male players typically range from 6’1”–6’3” (185–191 cm), and the women are usually around 5’9”–5’11” (175–180 cm). Players here use quick footwork, smart angles, and precise shot placement.  

Height trends by level (high school to pro)  

As players move from recreational to professional volleyball, height expectations keep increasing. For example: 

High School:  

• Girls: 5’6”–5’10” (168–178 cm)  

• Boys: 5’10”–6’2” (178–188 cm)  

At this stage, coaches focus more on potential than just height, so players of all sizes have a shot.  

College:  

• NCAA Women: 5’11” (180 cm)  

• NCAA Men: 6’4” (193 cm)  

In college, height matters more for certain positions, but standout skills can still help shorter players make a big impact.  

Pro:  

• Women’s Professional: 6’1” (185 cm)  

• Men’s Professional: 6’6” (198 cm)  

In pro leagues, height tends to be standard, but there are always players who break the mold. I’ve watched it happen time and time again- colleges recruit based on potential rather than their current performance. For example, a 6’3” freshman might get picked over a more skilled 5’10” player.  

Why? Because coaches aren’t just thinking about today’s game. They’re betting on what a player could become. 

Can you succeed in volleyball if you’re short? A coach’s tips  

Absolutely! With 15 years of coaching and playing under my belt, I’ve seen it firsthand- the shortest players can make the biggest impact on the court. It’s all about timing, technique, and outsmarting your opponent. Whether it’s a perfect pass, a well-timed dive, or a sneaky move, those little things can completely change the game. 

I’ve coached players who weren’t the tallest, but their quick thinking and smart moves always set them apart. Here’s how you can improve your volley skills: 

Strategic position selection  

If you’re shorter, focus on positions where skill and speed matter more than height:  

• Libero/Defensive Specialist: Master passing and digging.  

• Setter: Work on precise hand control.  

• Outside Hitter: Focus on speed and angles to outplay taller blockers.  

Physical development  

For this, you can focus on improving:   

• Vertical Jump Training: Plyometrics can help you jump higher, making your hits stronger and blocks more effective.  

• Speed Development: Quick reflexes and sharp footwork are essential for great defense. 

• Core Strength: A strong core improves stability, agility, and endurance. 

Play smart, play fast  

The best players don’t just rely on height. So stay light on your feet to react quicker, build that core strength for higher jumps, and always position yourself smartly to stay one step ahead. Once you’ve got ball control down, you’ll be in charge of the game. Play sharp, play smart, and make every move count! 

Drills to improve  

Back when I coached, I realized that focusing on height was pointless. So instead, I had my players work on agility and timing. 

For example, box jumps will get your agility on point, resistance bands will help build that strength, and reaction drills will make your defense sharp as ever. The more you train, the better you’ll get. Such drills help players improve their speed, coordination, and overall game awareness, helping them perform at a higher level when it counts most.  

FAQ   

Is there a minimum volleyball height requirement to play professionally?  

Nope, there’s no minimum height! Sure, some positions might favour taller players, but when it comes to positions like libero or setter, it’s all about skills. You can totally stand out no matter your height with the right moves and smarts.  

What’s more important in volleyball: height or vertical jump?  

For attacking positions, reach (standing height plus vertical jump) matter more. A 5’10” player with a solid vertical can reach higher than a 6’2” player with a weaker jump. It’s all about getting that extra boost when it counts.  

Do college volleyball scholarships only go to tall players?  

Height definitely helps, but college programs are also on the lookout for players who excel in ball control, court awareness, and those key technical skills—no matter how tall you are. There’s no minimum height for a volleyball scholarship, as most coaches care more about your overall ability and potential for growth.