How To Set A Volleyball Like A Pro? Comprehensive Guide
Are you a new player who doesn’t yet know how to set a volleyball? Or are you already a setter looking to improve your skills? Setting is a crucial skill that enables attackers to execute successful kills. It’s an essential piece of the puzzle for any volleyball team. Excellent setting requires proper technique, leading to precision and speed. In this post, you’ll learn how to set the ball correctly and enhance your setting game with variations for quick attacks, pipe attacks, and more.
The Basics of Setting
In the 6-0 system, the player in zone 3 is the setting player, while in organized volleyball systems 4-2, 6-2, or 5-1, the setter is a designated position who sets the ball.
For lower levels and beginners: Sets should be higher and precise, positioned 1m away from the net and directed towards the wing attackers in zone 4 (left) and zone 2 (right).
For advanced players: In organized volleyball, sets must be quicker to outpace the block on the other side. Setters should aim for precision and deception, making it difficult for the opposing blockers to predict where the set will go.
There are two main types of setting techniques: overhead and forearm.
- Overhead setting is the main setting technique and involves using the fingers to push the ball toward the target.
- Forearm setting is used when the ball is too low, too fast, or too far from the net for an overhead set, and it involves using the forearms to bump the ball toward the target.
Step-by-Step Guide to Overhead Setting For Beginners
1. Stance
To prepare for setting, you should first move under the ball, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and place your net foot slightly ahead of the other. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your back should be straight. You should face the direction where you will set the ball.
2. Hand Position
Your hands should be above your forehead, with your fingers spread as if holding a ball. Your thumbs and index fingers should form a triangle, and your palms should be slightly concave. Avoid touching the ball with your palms, as this can lead to a double contact or a lift.
3. Ball Contact
You should contact the ball with your fingertips, using your wrists and fingers to control the direction and speed of the set. Aim to make contact at the highest point possible and avoid letting the ball drop below your eyes.
4. Follow-Through
After contacting the ball, extend your arms and wrists toward the target. Also, follow the ball with your eyes and head, and maintain balance.
Step By Step Beginner’s Guide for Forearm Setting
1. Run as fast as possible to get under the ball:
This is particularly important for out-of-system balls, which are not in the ideal position for setting. You must move quickly to position yourself under the ball to execute a successful set.
2. Platform straight and hands together:
This is similar to passing in volleyball. You must keep your hands firm and your arms straight throughout the set.
3. Use legs and arms to give the ball momentum:
When you bump set, you need to use both your legs and arms to generate the force and direction of the ball. Bend your knees slightly and push up with your legs as you contact the ball with your forearms. Position yourself laterally to the ball and set it laterally. Also, extend your arms toward your target and follow through.
4. Set the ball close to the net:
The ideal location for a bump set is near the net but not so close that it could go over or be blocked. You want to provide your attacker with enough space and time to approach and hit the ball.
How to set back (Volleyball Backset With jump)
Once you have mastered the front overhead set, you can learn the back set. The backset is similar to the front set, but you push the ball backward instead of forward. To do this, make contact with the ball and then move your arms and wrists in a backward motion.
Pushing the Ball Up:
- Finish the back set by pushing the ball upward.
- Straighten your arms and release the ball into the air.
- Since you’ve already started the ball moving backward, it will naturally travel behind you.
- Form a “J” shape with your hands during the motion.
- Follow through with your hands after releasing the ball to guide it where you want it to go.
Jumping (for more advanced back sets):
- Start in a neutral position with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Square up directly under the ball when you see it coming your way.
- Generate power from your legs.
- Jump and contact the ball at the highest point.
guide for Setters
Okay, we’ve gone through the basics of setting the ball. Now, if you’re a setter looking to improve, there are many types of sets, depending on the ball’s speed, height, location, and direction.
Left side:
A set that goes to the left front hitter in zone 4 (outside hitter) can be slow, medium, or fast, depending on communication and chemistry with the attacker.
Right side front row (opposite):
A set that goes to the right front hitter in zone 2 (opposite) can be slow, medium, or fast, depending on the attacker’s preference or call.
Right side back row (opposite):
A set that goes to the right-back hitter in zone 1, again the opposite hitter, is one that the setter sends behind and reaches the hitter beyond the 3m attack line.
Middle pipe attack (close to the setter, back):
The set that goes to the outside hitter in zone 6 is fast and reaches the hitter beyond the 3-meter attack line. A name for this attack is a pipe or BIC.
Middle quick attacks (k1,kC, k7, tempo back, slide):
These sets are directed to the middle blocker in zone 3. They are the fastest sets and require precise timing and coordination between the setter and the hitter.
k1 (Quick):
The set goes just above the setter’s hands and is hit almost immediately by the middle hitter. It is also known as a quick or a one.
Kc (Push):
A set that goes slightly wider than a K1 allows the middle hitter to deceive the opponent’s blocker and stretch the floor.
k7 (shoot):
A set that goes even wider than a KC compels the opponent’s right-side blocker to assist.
Tempo back (B1):
The set that goes behind the setter’s head and is hit by the middle hitter is also known as a back one.
Slide:
The set that goes behind the setter and is hit by the middle hitter near the left antenna is also known as a reverse slide or a back two.
Out of the system sets (high balls):
These sets are made when the pass is not ideal, and the setter cannot run the normal offense. They are high and slow, giving wing spikers time to adjust and hit the ball.
As a setter, it’s crucial to master all these sets, and more importantly, to know when to use them and how to disguise them. Observe the opponent blockers and their tactics to outsmart them. Aim to set all the balls you can with a jump, and dump some balls if they are close to the net. Focus on precision for backsets, and communicate with attackers about the tempos they prefer. Experiment with different sets, but avoid overdoing it. Precision remains essential, and in critical moments, you need to be error-free. Every move you make must exude confidence.
- Learn different kinds of sets and when to use them.
- Observe and outsmart opponent blockers.
- Set with a jump when you can, and dump close balls.
- Work on precision and communication.
- Experiment, but don’t overexaggerate.
- Be mistake-free, especially in crucial moments, and be confident.
Drills and Exercises
Wall setting with medicine ball:
This exercise is designed to strengthen your arms and wrists for setting. You’ll need a wall and a medicine ball. Stand approximately two feet (1m) from the wall and set the medicine ball against it. Maintain the ball’s position, aiming for 20 to 30 consecutive sets. You can also vary the height and speed of the sets, ensuring to maintain the correct technique.
Sitting on a superball (superball) to the target:
This exercise is designed to enhance your balance and core stability for setting. You’ll need a stability ball and a target (such as a hoop). Sit on the stability ball and set the volleyball toward the target. Maintain a straight posture and keep your feet off the ground. For added challenge, move the target to various locations and distances, aiming to hit it accurately.
Setting to the target on different locations on the court:
This exercise is beneficial for practicing your accuracy and court vision for setting. Position the target in various locations on the court, such as the left side, the right side (front or back row), pipe, and quick attack areas. Set the ball to the target from different areas on the court to recreate realistic scenarios.
High ball setting (out-of-the-system balls):
This exercise is designed to improve your out-of-system sets, which are necessary when the pass is suboptimal and the setter is unable to execute the standard offense. You will need a volleyball and a partner. Your partner should toss the ball to you from various locations and heights, including low, high, short, and deep. Aim to set the ball to the outside hitters, as they are typically the best option for out-of-system plays. Strive to make the sets high to afford them time to adjust and execute their hit.
Conclusion
Setting is one of the broadest skills in volleyball, requiring deep understanding and practice. There’s much to learn, and becoming proficient takes time. The setter’s role is also the most time-consuming to develop. I believe I’ve covered everything you need to know to begin setting or to improve your setting skills.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and that it will help you become a better setter and a more valuable player for your team. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.