How to Set a Volleyball

A set - the act of snapping the ball upward with two hands to set up a spike - is the hardest of volleyball's fundamentals to master. Here's how to do it correctly.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Volleyball Boundary Sets
• Volleyball Net Systems
• Volleyballs

1. Remember that the first contact when receiving a serve is usually a bump, or pass (see "eHow to Bump a Volleyball'), to the setter (normally positioned near the net to the right of center court), so always anticipate receiving the ball if you've been designated as this player.

2. Intercept the pass at the net (if it's a good pass). Make contact with the ball about 1 foot over your head.

3. Hold your hands above your forehead with your thumbs and index fingers nearly touching, making a diamond shape, with the rest of your fingers spread open.

4. Bend your knees.

5. Push up with your legs and arms, snapping the ball upward with your hands in the direction in which you'd like it to go (as though you're Superman flying). Ideally, this causes the ball to 'hang' in the air without rotating, resting at the peak of its flight in the perfect position for the hitter to hammer away.

Tips & Warnings

• In general, set the ball 2 to 3 feet inside and above the net so the hitter can get it over the net without its being blocked.

• When setting, you need to make enough contact to control the direction of your set without allowing the ball to come to rest (however momentarily), which is illegal and known as a 'lift.' You also must make contact with both hands simultaneously or risk getting called for a 'double hit.'