A volleyball lifter is a player who specializes in the position of setter. It’s a fundamental position for the volleyball team, as the setter is responsible for receiving the ball and strategically distributing it to the attackers during the game. With that in mind, we’ve selected the best volleyball setters in history.
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A volleyball lifter needs to have exceptional technical skills, such as precision passing and an excellent vision of the game to decide the right moment to activate the attackers.
In addition, volleyball lifters generally have a leadership role on the court, coordinating play and encouraging the team.
What the role of a volleyball lifter is like
The role of setter in volleyball involves receiving the first ball after the opponent’s serve and the second ball after the team’s defense or reception. The main task is to distribute the ball accurately and strategically to the attackers, maximizing the chances of scoring points.
Best volleyball lifters in history
Throughout history, countless volleyball lifters have delighted audiences. Take a look back at the greatest legends:
Karch Kiraly
Karch Kiraly, from the United States, is widely regarded as one of the best volleyball setters in history. He won three Olympic gold medals (two in court volleyball and one in beach volleyball), an unprecedented feat.
As a setter, Kiraly displayed an exceptional ability to organize the game, as well as a refined attacking and defensive technique. His leadership on and off the court, combined with a successful career in both court and beach volleyball, solidifies his position as one of the best setters in history.
Georgy Mondzolevski
Georgy Mondzolevski is revered as one of the pioneers of modern volleyball. He was one of the Soviet Union’s leading players in the 1960s, leading the team to several achievements, including three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1964, 1968 and 1972).
Mondzolevski was known for his exceptional vision, passing accuracy and ability to create opportunities for his teammates, setting a standard for future lifters.
Maurício Lima
Maurício Lima is a legend of Brazilian volleyball, renowned for his mastery as a setter. He was a key member of the Brazilian team that won the Olympic gold medal at Barcelona 1992.
In addition, Lima has had a career full of club titles both in Brazil and abroad, demonstrating his consistency and excellence over the years. His ability to read the game and distribute the ball accurately, combined with his inspirational leadership, solidifies his position as one of the best volleyball setters in history.
Lloyd Ball
Lloyd Ball is one of the most dominant setters who has ever played volleyball. He represented the United States at four Olympic Games and won the gold medal at Beijing 2008.
Ball was known for his imposing height and athletic ability, which made him an intimidating presence on the court. His ability to conduct the game with tactical intelligence and precision passing makes him one of the best volleyball setters in history.
Ricardo Garcia
Ricardo Garcia is recognized as one of the best setters in the history of Brazilian volleyball. He was a key part of the legendary generation of players who brought countless achievements to Brazil, including the Olympic gold medal at Athens 2004.
Garcia was admired for his ability to read the game and distribute the ball with mastery, elevating the performance of his teammates. His contribution to the success of Brazilian volleyball and his undisputed talent make him one of the greatest setters of all time.
William Priddy
William Priddy is recognized as one of the best setters in the history of US volleyball. He was a key member of the American team during his career, winning the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Priddy was known for his versatility and ability to adapt, as well as his leadership skills on and off the court. His contribution to the success of the US national team and his undeniable talent make him one of the greatest volleyball setters of all time.
Andrea Gardini
Andrea Gardini is an Italian volleyball legend, famous for his skill as a setter. He won numerous titles throughout his career, including two World Championships and an Olympic gold medal at Barcelona 1992. Gardini was admired for his refined technique, exceptional vision and leadership skills.
His ability to control the pace of the game and elevate the performance of his teammates has made him one of the best volleyball setters in history.
Sergio Santos
Sergio Santos, known as Serginho, is one of the greatest setters in the history of Brazilian volleyball. He was a key member of the Brazilian team that won three consecutive Olympic gold medals (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012).
Serginho is admired for his agility, precision passing and ability to lift the team’s spirits at crucial moments. His leadership, determination and undeniable technical talent make him one of the best volleyball setters in history.
Radivoj Korac
Radivoj Korac is a Serbian volleyball legend and one of the best setters in history. He was one of Yugoslavia’s leading players in the 1970s, winning an Olympic gold medal in 1972 and several European and world titles.
Korac was known for his tactical intelligence, exceptional technical skills and leadership abilities. His contribution to the success of the Yugoslav national team and his lasting legacy in sport place him among the greatest lifters of all time.
Laurent Tillie
Laurent Tillie is an iconic figure in French volleyball and one of the best setters in history. Although he played at a time when France was still emerging as a powerhouse in world volleyball, Tillie made his mark with his exceptional technical ability and inspirational leadership.
He won the silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. His contribution to the development of French volleyball and his impact on the sport solidify him as one of the best volleyball setters in history.
Aleksey Verbov
Aleksey Verbov is recognized as one of Russia’s best volleyball setters. He had a brilliant career, representing Russia in several international competitions and winning many titles. Verbov was known for his exceptional technical ability, especially his ability to distribute the ball with precision and tactical intelligence.
His contribution to the success of the Russian team and his impact on world volleyball make him one of the best volleyball lifters in history.
Andrea Zorzi
Italian Andrea Zorzi is one of the best lifters in history. He won the Olympic gold medal at Barcelona 1992. Admired for his exceptional vision of the game, refined technical ability and leadership skills. His contribution to the success of Italian volleyball and his lasting legacy in the sport solidify him as one of the greatest setters of all time.
Nikola Grbić
Nikola Grbić is revered as one of the best volleyball setters in history. He was a key player in the Yugoslav and then Serbian teams, winning numerous titles, including an Olympic gold medal at Sydney 2000.
Bruno Rezende
Bruno Rezende is one of the best volleyball setters in Brazilian history. He won the Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016, as well as other significant achievements throughout his career.
Lloy Ball
Lloy Ball is recognized as one of the greatest volleyball players in the United States. He represented his nation at four Olympic Games and won the gold medal at Beijing 2008. Known for his imposing height, athletic ability and tactical intelligence.
Lorenzo Bernardi
Lorenzo Bernardi represented Italy in several international competitions and won many titles, including Olympic gold at Atlanta 1996. Known for his exceptional technical ability, precision passing and leadership skills.
Nikola Kovačević
Nikola Kovačević is recognized as one of the best volleyball setters in Serbian history. He was a key member of the team, winning an Olympic bronze medal at London 2012.
Dmitry Fomin
Dmitry Fomin represented Russia and won the Olympic gold medal at Sydney 2000. His contribution to the success of Russian volleyball and his lasting legacy in the sport make him one of the best volleyball setters in history.
Lothar Trenkner
Lothar Trenkner won Olympic gold in Montreal 1976. His contribution to the success of East German volleyball and his legacy in the sport solidify him as one of the best volleyball setters in history.
Fernandão
Fernandão is recognized as one of the greatest setters in the history of Brazilian volleyball. In the Brazilian team, he won many titles, including the Olympic gold medal in Athens 2004.
List: the 20 best volleyball lifters in history
- Karch Kiraly (United States)
- Georgy Mondzolevski (Russia, then Soviet Union)
- Maurício Lima (Brazil)
- Lloyd Ball (United States)
- Ricardo Garcia (Brazil)
- William Priddy (United States)
- Andrea Gardini (Italy)
- Sergio Santos (Brazil)
- Radivoj Korac (Serbia)
- Laurent Tillie (France)
- Aleksey Verbov (Russia)
- Andrea Zorzi (Italy)
- Nikola Grbić (Serbia)
- Bruno Rezende (Brazil)
- Lloy Ball (United States)
- Lorenzo Bernardi (Italy)
- Nikola Kovacevic (Serbia)
- Dmitry Fomin (Russia)
- Lothar Trenkner (Germany)
- Fernandão (Brazil)
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