2024 Rankings: New Opposite Hitter Additions
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The opposite position doesn’t get the love that the position deserves; especially at the highest levels of volleyball. You are starting to see the level of importance that the opposite position brings in the international game be translated into the…
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Continue ReadingThe opposite position doesn’t get the love that the position deserves; especially at the highest levels of volleyball. You are starting to see the level of importance that the opposite position brings in the international game be translated into the collegiate and even the youth levels. The game has evolved to allow both sides of the net to dominate the game to best suit either a specific system or team configuration. Having a good opposite hitter in college is almost just as vital than having good outside hitters because of the versatility that the opposite position can give their offense. If you look at some of the top collegiate programs from this past national championship, both Nebraska and Texas had exceptional right side hitters that made huge impacts for their respective teams throughout the tournament. In the youth game, you’re starting to see an emphasis not just given on opposite hitters both offensively and defensively at the net, but also in the backrow on defense, serve receive, and offense as well. These three athletes have shown that their individual contributions on their respective high school and club teams created ample opportunities for their players to succeed. Each of these prospects give a different look on what the position brings and what they specifically bring to the table.
Sophia Marini Sophia Marini 6'0" | RS Hagerty | 2024 State FL (#95)
Sophia has the total package of skills that you could ask for from the opposite position. No matter the situation or the type of technique is required of her on any given play, she has the ability to execute at a high level. She’s an all around player who utilizes those skills to perform at a high level both in the front row and the back row. Her offense mainly stems from her front row rotations, running anything from a go to the pins or even a two ball in the middle. She always finds a way to be an option for her team no matter the situation. For example, in row one her club team would repeatedly use her in the middle on two balls to allow their outside to stay on the left and for their middle to run a slide. Yet anytime she was given the opportunity to hit the two ball, she always gave her team a chance to score. When it comes to her hitting technique, she uses her body to drive through the ball and allows her arm to be nice and relaxed when swinging aggressively. Her arm swing is smooth and allows for different angles to finish to. The offensive prowess she shows doesn’t hide the fact that her defense and blocking is exceptional as well. She has great vision and understanding of space on the court allowing her to line up her blocks very well. Her blocking technique is sound; pressing over the net with disciplined hands on contact. No matter which way you look at it, Sophia is the new wave of opposite hitters and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her at the next level.
Avery Campise Avery Campise 6'2" | RS Trinity Catholic | 2024 State FL (#124)
Avery is a powerful hitter who looks to put the ball down anytime she is given the opportunity. She has a fluid arm swing from both sides of the net which gives her teams the versatility on offense. The way she’s able to whip her arm through her rotation not only to create speed but to also use her height and reach is what impresses me the most. Arm swings like that are hard to teach and yet she has been able to really push her game to the next level because of her swing. It’s not only her arm itself, but it’s how her body works together to optimize her swings. She uses her body to drive through the ball while keeping her arm nice and loose to allow for the necessary speed she wants her arm to go at. Being able to use her body with her arm is what makes her so dangerous offensively. When you look at the other side of the ball, she uses the same height, length, and athleticism when she’s up at the net blocking opposing hitters. She has great footwork when swing blocking which allows her to cover space while also building momentum into her jump. Once she’s in the air she does a good job of keeping her eyes on her hitters and staying disciplined with her positioning. The main adjustments you’ll see her make is with her feet while staying disciplined pressing over the net with her arms and hands. This allows her middle to close to her as well as the defense behind her to fill in gaps. Playing 18 open this past year, you couldn’t tell that she was playing up with her IQ and understanding of the game. She had no issues not only adapting but being able to take advantage of the speed the game is played at the level she was playing at. Avery is a great front row opposite and would be a force no matter the team you put her on.
Aaleeah Brennan Aaleeah Brennan 5'10" | RS North Port | 2024 State FL (#125)
Aaleeah may not be the most technically sound or the most athletic player on the court, but the intangibles, effort, and aggression she brings to her teams are unmatched. She’s the type of player that any coach would want on their team. She brings a level of competitiveness to the games I was able to watch her play that a lot of kids just don’t have. When you put together the intangibles and the effort there’s not much more you can ask as a coaching staff. When it comes to her volleyball, she’s a versatile player who can play outside, middle, and the opposite position. On film you’ll see her hit in all three sections of the net and at different tempos as well. This allows her team to put her in the best positions to score, no matter what position she starts in. Her arm swing looks the most natural on the right side because she uses her body to pike through swings rather than twisting. This keeps her shoulders fairly square to the net, but allows her arm to dictate where the ball goes more-so than her body working in unison to get the ball to spot. This type of swing you’ll commonly see from right side hitters because of the inability for athletes to get their feet and hips in the “correct” position when attacking with the outside shoulder on inside sets. Yet Aaleeah does a great job of getting her feet to the ball based on the technique she uses and is able to drive her body through the ball. On the defensive side, Aaleeah uses her volleyball IQ to put herself in good positions to block or at least get a touch off the block in the front row while being able to play backrow as well. Aaleeah is the type of players I love to see make the rankings because of the work she’s put in and the loads she carries on the volleyball court.
The opposite position is one of the most underrated positions in volleyball, so I’m glad I was able to shed some light on a few players who really caught my eye. Whether it be their all around play, or the dominance they show in certain aspects, these three prospects have a long and fruitful volleyball future. I can’t wait to see what each of these players bring to their club teams this season as well as the teams they will have in the future.