Setting is how you lift the ball high and soft with your fingers so a teammate can attack it. Setters are the team's playmakers!
Move quickly so you are standing right under where the ball is coming down. Face the teammate you want to set to, or the direction you'll send the ball.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Get there early, then wait for the ball like a goalkeeper.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't let the ball drop in front of you or behind you. Get your feet right under it.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward. Bend your knees so you are ready to push up. Keep your back straight and your eyes on the ball.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Bent knees are like a spring that will help power your set.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't stand with straight legs. Setting with only your arms is much harder.
Raise your hands above your forehead. Spread your fingers and curve them like you are holding a big ball. Your thumbs and pointer fingers make a triangle-shaped window you can look through.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Look at the ball through your triangle window!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't put your palms flat together. Only your fingers should touch the ball.
Let the ball come down into your fingers, about a ball's width above your forehead. Touch it with your finger pads, not your palms. Your wrists bend back slightly to cushion it.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Soft fingers! Catch the ball's energy for a split second, then push.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't let the ball hit your palms or slap it. That can be called a fault.
Push up through your legs and straighten your arms at the same time, all in one smooth movement. The power should come from your whole body, starting from your legs.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Legs, then arms, all in one smooth push, like a jack-in-the-box!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't just flick your wrists. Use your legs and arms together.
Finish with your arms straight and your hands pointing at your target, high in the air. A good set goes high and drops down near the net for your attacker.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Aim high! Higher sets give your hitter more time.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't finish with your arms going sideways. Point both hands at the target.