Not all attackers are created equal.
Coming off a weekend at Nationals in Edmonton, and still reflecting on the recent university season, I was reminded of something legendary coach Mike Hebert once wrote. In one of his books, he introduced a concept that's stuck with me for years: the "One Hitter System."
His argument was simple but powerful:
"If the average kill efficiency of a championship team is .265, then only players hitting at .265 or better should be swinging."
Let that sink in.
If your team only has one athlete producing at that level?
Then only that athlete should be attacking. Everyone else should be supporting—digging, covering, blocking—so the team's offense stays efficient enough to compete at the highest level.
It may sound harsh, but it's rooted in reality. Attacking, like a quarterback throwing deep or a striker taking penalty shots, isn't a right—it's a privilege. Volleyball is not a democracy when it comes to who gets the ball in crunch time.
Role Clarity Wins Championships
Every high-performing team I've studied—and coached—follows a variation of the same structure. The details change, but the formula doesn't:
The Stud
This is your offensive engine. The athlete who takes the big swings and wants the ball when the match is on the line. They're built through reps, trust, and opportunity—not just talent. Coaches recognize their potential early and double down on it.
The Winner
Sometimes it's the setter. Sometimes it's the libero. This player sets the emotional tone of your team. They're relentless, vocal, and impossible to ignore. They don't just refuse to lose—they make everyone else play like they refuse to lose.
The Stabilizer
These are your glue players—the ones who make few mistakes, pass well, defend hard, and deliver consistent, error-free touches. A team without stabilizers is like a house with no foundation. They aren't flashy, but they're essential.
The Myth of Equal Offense
Too many coaches still spread the offense evenly, thinking it builds confidence or keeps everyone engaged. But psychology tells us the opposite. The more people share responsibility, the less each person feels accountable.
In social psychology, it's called the bystander effect. One person on a beach is more likely to save a drowning swimmer than a crowd of 1,000. Why? Because when everyone is responsible, no one feels responsible.
Volleyball's the same.
If everyone gets equal swings, no one feels the urgency to score.
If you don't identify your studs and train them to carry the load, you'll get mediocrity masked as fairness.
Build with Purpose
Championship teams aren't built at Nationals. They're built in January. And February. And every week leading up to the final match.
Roles must be defined early. Your go-to hitter should be swinging under pressure all season long—not just when the gold medal is on the line. That means identifying them, challenging them, and backing them up with systems that let them thrive.
Ask Yourself
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What's your team's current kill efficiency?
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How does that compare to the top teams in your division?
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Who on your roster is producing at that level?
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Are they getting the majority of your swings? If not—why not?