how to teach setting in volleyball

3 min read 06-02-2025

Meta Description: Mastering the volleyball set is crucial for success. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to teaching setting, covering fundamental techniques, drills, and progressions for players of all skill levels. Learn how to develop proper hand position, platform formation, contact point, and follow-through for consistent and accurate sets. Improve your team's offensive capabilities with these effective coaching strategies!

Understanding the Volleyball Set

The volleyball set is a fundamental skill, acting as the bridge between defense and offense. A good set creates an optimal opportunity for a powerful and accurate attack. Teaching players how to effectively set requires a breakdown of the technique into manageable steps, focusing on proper form and consistent practice. This article will guide you through that process.

Fundamental Setting Techniques: A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Hand Position: The Platform

Proper Hand Placement: Begin by demonstrating the correct hand position. Players should form a "platform" by placing their hands together, fingers interlocked, and thumbs pointing upwards. The hands should be slightly cupped, creating a large, stable platform.
Visual Cue: Use the visual cue of making a "diamond" shape with the thumbs and index fingers to ensure correct positioning.
Practice: Have players practice forming the platform independently, then as a class, providing feedback on hand alignment and positioning.

2. Contact Point and Body Positioning

High Contact Point: Emphasize the importance of contacting the ball high above their head, ideally around their forehead. This maximizes the trajectory and accuracy of the set.
Body Positioning: Explain that the set should be performed with their elbows slightly bent and their forearms close to their body. This creates stability and control.
Drill: Practice "finger-tip taps" and tossing the ball onto their platform to begin to feel the correct contact point before attempting sets.

3. The Setting Action

Soft Contact: Players need to understand the importance of making soft contact with the ball, not hitting it. This is crucial for control and accuracy.
Follow-Through: Once contact is made, emphasize a smooth follow-through motion, extending their arms slightly upwards to guide the ball.
Drill: Use a partner drill where one player tosses and the other sets, gradually increasing the distance and speed of the toss.

4. Footwork and Movement

Proper Footwork: Proper footwork is important for getting to the ball in a balanced position. Quick steps and shuffle steps are good options.
Positioning: Teach players to position themselves in line with the ball and get low for better visibility.
Drill: Run a drill involving the movement and footwork, where the player must position themselves before they set the ball.

Drills to Improve Setting Skills

1. Wall Sets

This drill helps players develop consistent contact and improve their platform control.
Players stand close to a wall and practice setting the ball against it, aiming for the same spot repeatedly.

2. Partner Sets

This drill allows players to practice setting to a target and improves their accuracy.
Have players work in pairs, one setting to the other, who then attempts a controlled hit.

3. Group Setting

This drill simulates a game scenario and improves their reaction time and overall setting skills.
Use three or four players; one tosses the ball, and the other players attempt to set it towards a target.

Troubleshooting Common Setting Problems

Inconsistent Contact: Address this by emphasizing the importance of consistent hand placement and a soft touch.
Low Sets: Remind players to contact the ball higher, utilizing their arms fully.
Erratic Sets: Work on their footwork and positioning to get better alignment with the ball.
Poor Accuracy: Conduct more drills focusing on aiming and consistent contact.

Advanced Setting Techniques

Setting to Specific Targets: Players should learn to set the ball to specific hitters based on their strengths and positions.
Reading the Setter: Players need to start reading the hitter to understand how best to assist them.
Setting Under Pressure: Simulation drills mimicking game situations will improve their ability to perform under pressure.

Conclusion

Teaching the volleyball set effectively involves a structured approach that emphasizes proper technique and consistent practice. By incorporating these drills and addressing common issues, coaches can help players develop the necessary skills to excel at the setting position and improve overall team performance. Remember to keep the learning environment positive and encourage continuous improvement. Through patience and dedicated practice, any player can master this critical volleyball skill.