Setting Basics
High Hands: Keeping your hands high is one of the most effective ways to fool the opposing blockers. Bring your hands up high as soon as your feet are in the right position, or even before that. Having your hands high also allows your middle blocker to find the ball more easily, and a shorter distance between your hands/the ball and their hitting arm. This shorter distance lowers the chance for error in connection between you and your middle.
Footwork: Arguably the most important aspect of setting. If you cannot get your feet in the right position, your hands will never have a chance to do what they are supposed to do. Movements should be quick and effective, made as early as possible with a read on the ball. In other words, as soon as you see where the pass is going, get there as quickly as possible. It is much better to be early than late. Your last two steps should always be left-right, with your right foot slightly in front of your left. Your hips should always be squared up to the outside antenna.
The Second Touch: If you dig a ball and need someone else to set the second ball, call out the name of the person you want to set the ball and where you want them to set the ball (i.e. “Jessica! Set the outside!” or “Nora! Set the pipe!”). Be direct, loud, and clear. Your voice should be a command, not a request. As a setter, it is YOUR job to run the offense. If you are taken out of the offense by a dig, you still need to be an active participant. Additionally, if there is a bad pass, you need to call out the person’s name you wish to take the second ball. Anything within the first green circle you must be able to get to if you want to be a good setter. You should be able to get to anything in the yellow circle if you want to be a great setter. Anything outside that realm, however, the name of a player on your team who has a better angle on the ball should be called.
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