Probably dumb volleyball question!!

Algarveaddick said:

Is it permitted? From what I recall of playing vollyball at school many decades ago, you have to move positions on the court after each point? 

Greer01 said:

Would volleyball benefit from positionless play, like some basketball teams use?

soapy_jones said:

All i know about Volleyball is you are not allowed to boot it... Oh! And the women are fit as!

iaitch said:

Hal1x said:

who really cares so long as they have to wear the skimpy beach volleyball kit.

Assume you're talking about the womens game?

Chizz said:

Positionless play in volleyball could be an interesting concept, but it would come with significant challenges. Unlike basketball, where players can move freely and interchange roles based on matchups, volleyball has strict rotational rules and specialized positions that make a fully positionless approach difficult.

Potential Benefits of Positionless Volleyball:

1. Versatility & Unpredictability – If all players could set, hit, pass, and defend at a high level, teams would be less predictable and harder to scout.

2. Athletic Development – Players would need to develop a well-rounded skill set, leading to more complete athletes.

3. Defensive Coverage – Without strict roles, teams could optimize their defensive schemes dynamically.

4. Rotation Flexibility – Teams wouldn't have to worry about mismatches when rotating through the front and back rows.

Challenges:

1. Specialization Matters – Positions like setter and libero require very specific skills that take years to master.

2. Rotational Constraints – Volleyball rules dictate where players must start each rally, making free-flowing position swaps harder.

3. Height & Physical Differences – In basketball, a shorter guard can still be effective anywhere on the court, but in volleyball, height is a major factor for blocking and attacking.

4. Efficiency Loss – Specialized roles exist because they maximize efficiency. A team of all-around players might struggle against a team with dominant middles, skilled setters, and dedicated defensive specialists.

Alternative Approach: Hybrid Specialization

Rather than full positionless volleyball, teams could encourage more hybrid players—outsides who can set, setters who can attack, and middles with strong back-row skills. This could create more tactical flexibility without losing the benefits of specialization. Probably.