What College Coaches Look for in a Right Side

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Modern Right Side Role</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The right side position has become one of the most versatile roles on the court. College coaches want players who can impact the game in several ways rather than specializing in only one skill. A right side must defend, block, transition, and terminate consistently against high-level competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Physicality still matters, but coaches pay close attention to how players handle pressure situations and adapt during rallies. They want right sides who compete aggressively while still making smart decisions. The position requires confidence, consistency, and the ability to stay involved from start to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Blocking Presence Changes Matches</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest traits coaches look for is a strong blocking presence. Right sides often line up against an opponent's top outside hitter, so they must handle tough matchups throughout a match. Coaches value athletes who close blocks quickly, stay disciplined with their hands, and take away attacking angles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A right side does not need to record a block every rally to make an impact. Consistent touches at the net can slow offenses down and force hitters into uncomfortable swings. Footwork, timing, and lateral movement all play a major role here. Coaches notice right sides who stay active and disciplined instead of drifting or reaching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["828227"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a011a48880c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cheatham brings a strong physical presence to the right side, and her background as a middle clearly shows at the net. She closes blocks well, seals space effectively, and makes it difficult for hitters to tool around her hands. Her timing and positioning allow her to take away angles and disrupt opposing offenses consistently. Offensively, she creates problems with her quick, explosive approach and ability to get off the floor fast. She stays versatile across the front row and can attack effectively from either pin or through the middle. That flexibility, combined with her blocking instincts, makes her a high-impact option in multiple rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Terminal Attacking Mentality</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches also want right sides who attack with a terminal mindset. They want players who look to score instead of simply sending the ball over. Aggressive attackers place pressure on opposing defenses and help create momentum for their team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shot selection matters just as much as power. Coaches love right sides who can adjust to different set locations, attack seams, and stay effective in both system and off-system situations. A confident right side continues swinging aggressively, even after mistakes or long rallies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776333"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a011a48881c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Booth creates problems for defenses with her speed and elevation on the right side. She attacks with confidence and generates strong contact at the point of attack. Her line shot stands out because she reaches it quickly and keeps defenders guessing. At the net, she moves well laterally and stays disciplined with her block positioning. She also competes hard during extended rallies, chases down extra touches, and brings a high level of intensity throughout the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ability to Swing on the Outside</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another major separator is the ability to swing on the outside. Many college systems rely on versatility, and coaches value right sides who can comfortably move to the left pin when needed. That flexibility allows teams to adjust rotations, create matchup advantages, and keep offensive options open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players who can attack from both pins often transition more smoothly to the college game. They understand different tempos, approach angles, and shot options across the net. That versatility gives coaches more freedom when building lineups and managing rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The athletes featured below continue to show the blocking presence, versatility, and terminal attacking mentality that stand out to college coaches at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Closing Thoughts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the game continues to speed up, the value of a complete right side only continues to rise. College coaches want athletes who can control the net defensively while still providing consistent offensive production. Blocking presence, versatility across both pins, and the ability to terminate under pressure all separate high-level right sides from the rest. The athletes below continue to showcase the traits that translate well to the next level and make a lasting impact on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Follow me on instagram, @prepdigcolorado !:)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->