Strong Side?

Table Of Contents

Why is the left side the strong side?

The left side hitter is considered the "strong" hitter and the right side hitter is considered the "weak" hitter. Is this because the guy on the left has big muscles, and does it mean the right side hitter is wimpy? Not at all.

The reason the left side is considered strong is because, in general, right-handed people hit better on the left side, and most people are right-handed. It's not actually the left side that causes you to hit better; it's because the setter is on your righ t side. When the ball comes from your right side, you can see the ball *and* your hitting arm while waiting for the ball to come into the right position, then "Whammo!" But when the ball comes from your left side, you *can't* see your hitting arm while wa tching the ball. You don't actually see your hitting arm until just before you strike the ball.

(The above applies to right-handed people. The principle is simply reversed for left-handed people; i.e., they hit better on the right side.)

This also explains why the setter sets from the right side of the court. This way, he has more hitters (left and middle) on the strong side than on the weak side (right side hitter). And since it is generally better for the setter to be on the right, this explains why it is better for a setter to be left-handed. With your right shoulder to the net, it is much easier to get a good swing at the ball (and put it in the court) with your left arm than with your right.

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