How to Improve Your Game - Setting

VOLLEYBALL TECHNIQUES for SETTING

Setting
A good set leads to a great attack.  Setting is anything before the attack, yet it is usually the second contact on a side.  A set can be a bump-set, an overhand set, a pancake set, and really anything. Lets start with proper setting position.
______
Where do you stand when you set?
When you set, you are to set perpendicular to the net, to the right of the court, and finally above the 10 foot line.  This gives you a very good position to set to the outside hitter (I will refer to them as OH) and to a middle (They are sometimes refered to as "2 sets") to allow for powerful attacks. 
______

Overhand Sets

Overhand setting is the most common form of a set.  When overhand setting you have the most control over where the ball goes.  Here we go with the basics:

•  Open your palms and fingers up but keep them relaxed.  
•  Put the opened hands over your head like "moose antlers".  Make a triangle with your thumb and pointer fingers
  

•  Get low and extend your arms and push up as the ball enters your "triangle".  Let the ball come in and out without carrying it.

Tips:

• Face where the ball is coming from and then step with your opposite dominant foot into where you want it to go.

• Keep your hands relaxed!  It will definitely help your control.  Setting is much more difficult when a ball is bouncing off your fingers.  

_____

Bump Set

The bump set is a great pass in a moderate emergency, if you cannot overhand set the ball in time.  It is to only be used in case you cannot reach the ball.  The procedure for bump sets are the same as a normal bump, except instead of passing to a setter, you are passing to a hitter.
 A word of caution:  Don't get too used to bump sets.  You need to practice hand setting before you can start mastering bump sets.
_____ 

Where should I set to?

There are a few different places you want to set to depending on what hitter you are setting to.  For Outside Hitters (OH):

• At almost the total end of the net, but not so much that your hitter has trouble hitting it.

• Set a nice amount of space off the net, 3-4 feet on average.  This prevents the hitter from running into the net.

Middle Hitters (2):

• Just set UP and right in front of you.  Set about 8-9 feet in height. 
• Set about 5 feet off the ten foot line.

Back Row Hitters (A, Pipe, C):

• Do not set anywhere in front of the 10 foot line, as back row hitters should not be going in front of it for any purpose.
  

• Set about 10-12 feet in height.

That's all for today!
I hope you enjoyed this article on Improving Your Game - Setting!  More tips on volleyball techniques, volleyball training, and volleyball skills soon!

- Stanupa