How to Set a Volleyball Correctly

Setting a ball requires learning the proper technique.

The setter is arguably the most important player on any volleyball team because the setter is ideally involved in nearly every play of a volleyball match. Furthermore, a team can be full of talented hitters, but without a good setter, the hitters won't even have a chance hit. Although there may be some variations in setting style, you must have a strong foundation about the method of correctly setting a volleyball.

Instructions

1. Place both hands above your head about a foot from your forehead with your thumbs and index fingers touching. Your touching hands should create the shape of a triangle between them.

2. Pull your hands apart about two to three inches while retaining the triangle shape with your hands. This is the proper hand position for setting a ball.

3. Stand about a foot away from the net, near the middle of the net.

4. Cradle the ball in your hands with your hands in the correct position. The ball should make contact with your thumb and finger tips, but never your palms. Slightly bend your knees.

5. Push up and away from your forehead and launch the ball in the air while using your legs to generate power. Repeat this process until you've developed the muscle memory to set the volleyball correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid double hitting a ball when setting, which is an illegal move. The setter's hands much touch the ball simultaneously.

• Avoid lifting or "carrying" the ball. Carrying is a result of breaking your wrists too much or lowering your hands below your chest.

References

• Strength and Power For Volleyball: Setting a Volleyball
• Washington Post: In Volleyball, Everything Hinges on the Reliability of the Setter