What is a Pin Hitter in Volleyball plus 5 Pro Tips.

Let me tell you about the most exciting position in volleyball – the pin hitter. After 15 years of coaching, I still get fired up watching a great pin dominate the court.  

These are your go-to attackers, hanging out on the left and right sides of the net, ready to crush the ball at any moment. They need to jump high, hit hard, and make split-second decisions.  

Every time I see a pin hitter perfectly time their approach and absolutely hammer a ball cross-court, I’m reminded why this position is so crucial to the game!  

Whether you’re a player trying to master this position or just want to understand the game better, knowing what makes a great pin hitter tick is going to change how you see volleyball forever. Let’s get started! 

Understanding the Volleyball Pin Hitter Position 

In volleyball, pins are the antennas that stick up from each end of the net – they mark the court’s boundaries. A pin hitter is any player who attacks from these outer edges of the net, whether they play on the left side (outside hitter) or right side (opposite hitter).  

When a setter calls for a “pin set,” they’re sending the ball toward those antennas for their pin hitter to attack. They’re not just attackers, though – pin hitters play full rotation, meaning they’ve got to be solid all-around players who can pass, serve, and defend when they’re in the back row. 

Primary Types of Pin Hitter 

Remember those pins and pin hitters we talked about?

Well, there are actually two distinct types – the outside hitter and the opposite hitter. While both attack from the pins, their roles on the court are pretty different.  

Let’s break down what makes each one special. 

Outside Hitter (Left Side) 

Playing from the left pin, outside hitters in volleyballl are usually your team’s main scoring option. They pass serves, play defense in position 5, and take the most swings in a game. Most outside hitters are right-handed since it gives them better attacking angles from the left side.  

During serve receive, you’ll often see them starting in the back row, ready to make that perfect pass before transitioning up to hit. 

Opposite Hitter (Right Side) 

The opposite hitter works from the right pin, and their job is a bit different. They’re usually the tallest pin hitter on the team, and their main focus is blocking the other team’s outside hitter.  

While they don’t pass much in serve receive (they’re positioned opposite the setter, hence the name), they need to be strong attackers who can hit from both the front and back row.  

Many right side hitters in volleyball are left-handed, which gives them better angles at hitting. 

Pin Hitter vs. Middle Blocker: Key Differences

While pin hitters and middle blockers are both front-row attackers, their roles differ significantly:

What Does a Volleyball Pin Hitter Actually Do? 

With the pin hitter volleyball positions explained, let me walk you through the key responsibilities that can make or break any pin hitter on the court. 

Leading the Offense 

Pin hitters are your primary scorers – it’s that simple. They get the most sets in a game and have to be ready in volleyball attacking positions in any situation.  

When we’re down 23-24 and need a point, you bet we’re setting to our pins. They’ve got to read the block, adapt their approach, and know when to swing away or play it smart. 

Setting the Team’s Energy 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a single kill from our pin hitter change the entire game!  

After nailing a tough angle shot or tooling the block just right, you can feel the whole team’s energy shift. That’s why great pin hitters aren’t just athletes – they’re momentum changers. 

Defending the Net 

Your pin hitters need to be solid blockers, period. I’ve had opposites who’ve won us matches just by shutting down the other team’s outside hitter.  

You’re responsible for a third of the net, and sometimes, one great block is worth more than three kills.

In tight games, this defensive presence can be the difference between winning and losing. 

Passing and Back Row Play 

Here’s something many people overlook – pin hitters spend half their time in the back row. You’ve got to dig hard-driven balls, cover tips, and for outside hitters especially, handle serves in crucial moments.  

I’ve seen countless “power hitters” get subbed out because they couldn’t handle their defensive duties. 

5 Key Skills Every Pin Hitter Needs to Master 

Apart from understanding the pin hitter role, volleyball players also need to brush up on the core skills that separate good pin hitters from great ones. Here’s what you need to focus on: 

Physical Power and Agility 

It’s not just about jumping high – you need that explosive first step to get off the ground fast, the core strength to stay stable mid-air, and the shoulder power to put the ball away.  

I’ve seen tall players outplayed by shorter ones with better body control and quicker movements. 

Timing and Court Vision 

Reading the set’s trajectory while tracking the block in front of you – that’s the game within the game.  

You’ve got to know where you are relative to the ball, the net, and the defense at all times. Some of the best kills I’ve seen came from hitters who could adjust their timing mid-approach. 

Quick Decision Making 

Every approach is different. Sometimes you’re crushing through the block, other times you’re rolling it short or tooling the hands. The best pin hitters I know make these decisions in a split second, reading the defense and adapting their attack on the fly. 

Communication with Setter 

Your setter needs to know what sets you hit best and where you want the ball in different situations. The most lethal pin hitters I’ve worked with are constantly talking to their setters – calling out block formations, preferred tempos, and favorite spots. 

Ball Control 

Here’s one of the most underrated pin hitter volleyball skills – making solid passes as you’ll handle serve receive more than most positions. Your ability to put up a perfect pass often determines whether you’ll get set in the first place! 

Training to Become an Elite Pin Hitter (Infographic)

Now that we understand the role and physical requirements, let’s explore how to develop your skills as a pin hitter.

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PIN HITTER TRAINING PYRAMID │
│ │
│ Game IQ & Strategy │
│ ▲ │
│ Shot Selection & Variety │
│ ▲ │
│ Timing & Approach Technique │
│ ▲ │
│ Physical Power & Conditioning │
│ ▲ │
│ Fundamentals (Passing, Defense) │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

The Pin Hitter Development Pyramid shows the progressive skills needed to become an elite attacker

Technical Drills for Pin Hitters

1. Approach Practice
   • Four-step approach from various positions
   • Focus on footwork timing with the set
   • Practice transitioning from defense to attack

 NET
   B       B
       S
     
       H
   
   C       C

Approach Drill: H (Hitter) practices transitioning from back court, S (Setter) sets, B (Blockers) provide resistance, C (Coaches) toss balls to initiate defense-to-offense transition

2. Shot Variation Drills
   • Line shots vs. cross-court attacks
   • Roll shots and tips for off-speed attacks
   • Back row attacking from positions 1 and 6

     NET
   T1      T3
       S
   
       H
   
       T2

Shot Selection Drill: H (Hitter) must attack to different targets (T1=line shot, T2=roll shot, T3=cross-court) based on coach’s signal

3. Block Evasion Practice
   • Hitting around the block to designated targets
   • Tooling the block (deliberately hitting off blockers’ hands)
   • Working against multiple blockers

Strength and Conditioning

For pin hitters, I recommend focusing on:

• Lower Body Power: Squats, lunges, box jumps, depth jumps
• Core Stability: Planks, Russian twists, medicine ball throws
• Shoulder Health: External/internal rotation, scapular strengthening
• Explosive Power: Clean pulls, medicine ball slams, plyometric push-ups

Game IQ Development

The mental side of being a pin hitter is just as important as the physical:

• Study film of your matches and those of elite pin hitters
• Learn to read block formations pre-jump
• Understand defensive positioning to find open court
• Develop awareness of score and situation (when to be aggressive vs. conservative)

Common Challenges Pin Hitters Face

Even the best pin hitters encounter obstacles. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:

The Double Block

When facing a well-formed double block, try:

• Developing a higher contact point to hit over the block
• Working on sharp cross-court angles that are difficult to defend
• Using off-speed shots to exploit defensive gaps

NET SIDE
B B
|
S – – H
|

BACK SIDE

Double block scenario: H (Hitter) faces well-formed double block (B). Options include hitting high over the block, sharp cross-court (dotted line), or off-speed shots to exploit gaps

Defensive Reading

Many pin hitters struggle with:

• Recognizing attack patterns from the opposing team
• Positioning for different hitters
• Quick reaction to tips and off-speed attacks

Solution: Dedicated defensive drills and position-specific film study.

Consistency Through Fatigue

Pin hitters take the most swings and often play six rotations, leading to fatigue that can impact technique.

To combat this:

• Focus on conditioning specific to volleyball movements
• Practice attacking while fatigued to build resilience
• Develop efficient movement patterns that conserve energy

Mental Pressure

As the go-to attacker, pin hitters face significant pressure in crucial moments.

Develop mental toughness through:

• Situational practice (game-point scenarios)
• Visualization techniques
• Pre-performance routines to manage anxiety

Notable Pin Hitters and What Makes Them Great

Studying the best can provide valuable insights for your own game. Here are some exceptional pin hitters worth watching:

Women’s Volleyball

• Jordan Larson (USA): Known for her all-around excellence and clutch performance in the 2020 Olympics
• Paola Egonu (Italy): Possesses incredible jumping ability and hitting power
• Zhu Ting (China): Master of shot variety and court vision

Men’s Volleyball

• Earvin N’Gapeth (France): Creative attacking and exceptional back-row play
• Wilfredo León (Poland): Explosive jumping and serving power
• Matt Anderson (USA): Versatility as both an outside and opposite hitter

What makes these players exceptional isn’t just physical ability, but their game intelligence, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure.

Wrapping Up  

What is a pin hitter in volleyball? After breaking this position down, it’s clear they’re the players who truly do it all!  

They have got to score in crucial moments, play solid defense, and keep their cool when the game’s on the line. Look, there’s no perfect formula for being a great pin hitter – every player brings their own style to the court.  

But if you focus on building these core skills and stay hungry to learn, you’ll be on your way to becoming the kind of player every team needs. Trust me, there’s no better feeling than tooling that block for match point! 

FAQs 

Is there any difference between pin hitter and outside hitter?  

While every outside hitter is a pin hitter, not every pin hitter is an outside hitter. The term “pin hitter” includes both outside hitters (left side) and opposite hitters (right side).  

They’re called pin hitters because they attack from near the antennas, or “pins,” on either side of the net. 

What are the 6 positions in volleyball? 

The six positions in volleyball represent the number of players on each team on either side of the court. These positions include the outside hitter, the opposite hitter, the middle blocker, the setter, the libero, and the defensive specialist.  

Which position in volleyball spikes the most? 

Outside hitters (also known as left-side hitters) are the players who typically spike the most. Since they are positioned on the left side of the court, they handle a variety of sets, thus making them the primary attackers in many plays.  

Pin hitters are expected to spike from both the front and back row, making them key players in volleyball attacking positions with some of the most frequent opportunities to score.