The purpose of this study was to examine the variation in physical and physiological characteristics according to playing position in adolescent and adult female volleyball players. Adolescent (n=62, aged 15.6±1.1 yr) and adult volleyball players (n=58, aged 24.9±5.3 yr) were examined for anthropometric characteristics and body composition, and performed a physical working capacity test, a 3 min step test, the Wingate anaerobic test, sit-and-reach test, handgrip strength test and countermovement vertical jump with arm-swing test (CMJa). Adult players were taller and had higher fat free mass, better performance in cardiorespiratory power, anaerobic power, handgrip muscle strength and CMJa than adolescents (Cohen’s d>0.45). Positional differences in height (centers were the tallest, whereas liberos were the shortest, p<0.001) were found for both age groups. However, positional differences in weight and fat free mass were observed only in adolescents (centers were heavier than liberos, p<0.05), whereas differences in CMJa were only in adults (hitters jumped higher than liberos, p<0.05). Thus, the differences in weight, fat free mass and jumping CMJa among playing positions in female volleyball were age-dependent. These findings might help coaches and trainers to develop position-specific training programs.