Outside hitters are asked to do it all: pass, defend, lead, and take big swings—often when the play is out of system. In the Season 2 finale of Bump, Set, Mic, Brian and Chuck welcome back Sam Moyerman for a deep dive into one of volleyball's most demanding positions.
From what coaches look for in a young hitter to how the role changes with age and level, the conversation explores the skills, mindset, and adaptability it takes to succeed on the outside. Whether you're a player preparing for tryouts, a parent trying to understand a coach's decisions, or an athlete thinking about playing in college, this episode offers practical guidance on developing a more complete game—and finding the right fit as you progress.
Segment 1 – The Outside Hitter: Role, Responsibilities, and Evolution (0:00 – 25:34)
- Brian and Chuck introduce the Season 2 finale and returning guest Sam Moyerman, whose coaching experience spans club, high school, and college volleyball
- Chuck describes the outside hitter as the team's "workhorse": a frequent attacker who is also expected to pass, defend, and contribute from the back row
- Why outside hitters often get the most swings—including difficult, out-of-system balls—and why they need to be ready for another touch after passing
- How players may move between positions as they grow: younger athletes should learn the whole game rather than get attached to a position too early
- How the game's shift above the net can change opportunities for shorter outside hitters as players get older
- Why passing ability becomes increasingly important, and how outside hitters who can pass and attack may stay on the court for all six rotations
- The confidence and resilience coaches value: wanting the ball, accepting mistakes, recovering quickly, and leading through positive body language
- Why an outside hitter's influence goes beyond kills: they can steady a team, set its tone, and help teammates share the work and credit
Segment 2 – Evaluating and Developing Outside Hitters (26:25 – 58:39)
- What coaches notice when evaluating a hitter: size and athleticism, but also movement, transition footwork, response to teammates, and decision-making
- Height can help open doors at higher levels, but jumping ability, skill, and technique also matter; the coaches discuss how players may find opportunities across NCAA divisions
- Why young outside hitters should prioritize serve receive and passing—not just power hitting—and work on finishing the pass before transitioning to attack
- The importance of approach mechanics and avoiding a "goofy-footed" approach on the left side
- Building a varied hitting "toolbox": line and cross-court swings, rolls, tips, cut shots, and using the block
- Reading the defense and making the shot decision in the air, rather than deciding before the set arrives
- How outside hitters can contribute on imperfect sets by putting pressure on the other team, even when a kill isn't available
- Blocking as part of team defense: tracking the hitter, protecting the sideline, staying balanced, and using a soft block to keep the ball playable
- How coaches can develop aggression without recklessness, and why leadership means supporting teammates rather than blaming them
- Managing frustration and body language: take concerns to the coach at the right time, but stay engaged and composed on the court
Segment 3 – Tryouts, Playing Time, and the Road Ahead (59:25 – 1:24:43)
- What parents may miss when focusing only on kills: serve-receive performance, defensive positioning, transition, teamwork, and body language all affect a player's impact
- Why coaches may accept some attacking errors from an aggressive hitter—and why a player who avoids mistakes but doesn't put pressure on the opponent may not be as effective
- Tryout advice: show potential, athleticism, effort, and what you do between contacts; don't simply play it safe to avoid making a mistake
- How to think about an offer at a different position: stay open-minded, ask what will support development, and consider playing time and growth—not only team or position labels
- What can earn or cost playing time, including serve-receive consistency, effective swings, effort on defense, positive energy, and willingness to do the team's work
- How to stay valuable when you're not getting many sets: pass, cover, move into position, encourage teammates, and make the most of your opportunities
- What college coaches may project beyond current performance, including jump touch, athletic potential, and a player's ability to contribute in multiple skills
- Recruiting-video guidance: include serve receive and a range of attacks, sets, tempos, and shot choices—not repeated clips of the same swing
- Seek realistic feedback from multiple coaches and consider the range of programs within each college division
- Why beach volleyball and doubles can help outside hitters improve passing, transition, ball control, and all-around play
- Closing advice: don't decide what to do with the ball too early—and don't pass up a chance to play defense just to preserve your chance to hit
- The hosts close out Season 2 and share a reminder about upcoming tryouts and TNT's in-house program for players seeking more volleyball experience
