which is more important, outside hitter or middle?

Question
i just started my first year of club volleyball, and my coach made me a middle, i had never played middle before and had a lot of experience as an outside hitter, but I was excited to become a middle. My coach decided to switch me to outside because I was having a hard time adapting to it, but it was when I felt like I was just getting used to it! And now I feel kind of like a failure, because I feel like outside is where coaches put the players they don't know what to do with. So am I right, or is it really important?

Answer
Welcome Abbey to www.AllExperts.com

Well Abbey, I used to be in your same and exact position. One thing I have noticed throughout my experience is that a middle player is a much quicker position with a lot of agility, speed, and quick hand eye coordination. It is much more tiring so you have to have more stamina and you must especially track the ball down and strike it at a faster rate than any other position. You thinking skills are challenged so that you have to make quicker decisions. The quick burst of energy needed for a quick jump is facilitated if you have a taller middle hitter. Keep in mind that you will also have to be a middle "wall" to your opponent.

I am very sure that at the time, your coach felt that you would be a great asset for your team because your coach felt that this would another position you could help your team with. Not every body can be a middle hitter. I'm sure your coach saw some of the middle hitter qualities in you.

Just remember that not all players can be good in all positions. I truly believe that as far as a coach is concerned, they must fill in the middle position first and then the others because of the range of skill proficiency in each.

All players being of equal size and skill level, I would place the front row players as which ones are harder than others ex.(R - Outside hitter, middle, outside hitter).

Just think of it this way, If your coach placed you as a right outside hitter, would you do better or worse. Most front row players excel as outside hitters than any other position.

If you are an outside hitter just remember this, you will be given the ball more times than any anyone else so don't be too hard on yourself.

When I started ,I could not even be allowed to practice or see a club team practice. After four years, I became their captain. Your time will come if you remember this rule: play each practice ball like if the whole world was looking at you and depending on you to make the play. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF SO THAT COACHES WILL TOO!

Hopefully this advice helps. If you need more to this please ask me any thing else.

When you have time come visit me at my website where you can have fun learning about volleyball plays and other fun stuff. Membership is always free. Especially read my quotes at www.volleyballplaystorun.com

COACH TOVAR