Bartosz Kurek – Poland’s Volleyball Legend of Power and Precision

Introduction: Who Is Bartosz Kurek?

Bartosz Kurek is a name that echoes through the volleyball world. A fierce attacker, MVP winner, and Polish icon, Kurek has consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances for both club and country.

Quick Facts:

Position: Opposite (formerly Outside Hitter)
Height: 2.05m (6’9”)
Spike Reach: 370cm
Born: 1988, Poland
Current Club: ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle (2024/25 season)

Club Journey:

ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle (2024/25), Poland
Wolfdogs Nagoya (2020–2024), Japan
Vero Volley Monza (2019/20), Italy
ONICO Warszawa (2018/19), Poland
PGE Skra Bełchatów (multiple seasons), Poland
Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, Dynamo Moscow, and other top teams

Let’s dive into what makes Kurek a once-in-a-generation volleyball talent.

Playing Style – Power Meets Precision

Two volleyball players compete at the net during a match. One player in a red jersey is about to hit the ball, while the other, in a black jersey, attempts to block. The net features "Tokyo 2020" text.

Kurek combines raw power with surgical precision. His ability to hit with both force and finesse allows him to overwhelm defenses or pick them apart.

Key Traits of Kurek’s Style:

Explosive Arm Speed: Devastating spikes with unpredictable angles
Back-Row Threat: One of the rare opposites who dominates from the backcourt
Fast Transition Play: Smoothly moves from defense to offense
Jump Serve: High-torque serve that disrupts even the best receivers

He’s more than a hitter—he’s a floor general with a thunderous presence.

Strengths – A Complete Volleyball Weapon

Kurek’s success is built on elite-level fundamentals, including:

Attack Timing: Lands powerful hits with surgical accuracy
Jump Height: High and tight form gives him an edge over tall blocks
Blocking Experience: Years of play on the left and right sides help him read attackers
Mental Game: Calm under pressure, especially in five-set thrillers

His game proves he’s not just an athlete—but a volleyball tactician who reads the game as well as he plays it.

Mastered Skills – Veteran-Level Craftsmanship

Kurek’s evolution from outside hitter to dominant opposite shows his adaptability and smarts.

Expert-Level Skills:

Transition Play: Instant recovery after blocks or digs to set up for attack
Touch Discipline: Uses finesse when needed, not just brute power
Smart Shot Selection: Reads blockers, tips over hands, wipes the ball off the block

His ability to mix power with strategy sets him apart from one-dimensional hitters.

Watch this Bartosz Kurek Highlights:

Career Highlights – A Trophy-Winning Resume

Volleyball players in action during a match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. A player in red celebrates with clenched fists while a player in black kneels with a pained expression. The scoreboard in the background shows scores for Japan and Poland.

Notable Achievements:

MVP of the 2018 FIVB World Championship, leading Poland to victory
Multiple titles across Poland, Italy, Japan, and Russia
Key player in European Championship wins
Club success in CEV Champions League and national leagues

He’s proven he can dominate in any league, system, or country—true evidence of staying power and skill.

Lessons from Kurek: What Players Can Learn

A group of volleyball players in red jerseys huddle together in a celebratory and intense moment on the court, with an excited crowd in the background.

What Kurek Teaches Future Volleyball Players:

Controlled aggression – Play hard and smart, not just hard
Mental strength under pressure – Perform your best in the biggest moments
Adaptability – Grow your game and evolve your role to stay relevant
Versatility – Kurek moved from outside hitter to opposite—proof that learning new roles is key to a long career

Whether you're just starting out or climbing the pro ladder, Kurek’s journey shows that growth, grit, and game IQ lead to greatness.