Breaking Up The Setting Volleyball Skill: Setting Is Simple Part 1
Posted on January 5, 2009
By breaking up the setting volleyball skill by each body part I’ll teach you how to play better volleyball by learning what movements to check to see whether you are performing this volleyball skill correctly. So even without a coach you can correct or reduce your own unforced errors!
This is Part 1 of my Setting is Simple Series.
Feet
Every volleyball fundamental begins with your feet first. What your feet do will determine how well you do this fundamental.
To begin learning how to set the ball, your feet should be shoulder width apart - not too wide and not too close - but comfortably apart with knees bent slightly. For right handers - in this position slide your right foot 2 inches forward so that it’s slightly in front of your left foot. For left handers slide your left foot 2 inches forward. This gives you a better balanced position when you start setting on the run.
Midsection
Now, let’s move up to the positioning of your body’s midsection.
Whether you are setting from a stationary position (standing still) or when you have to move to set the ball, for your midsection - pretend like you have an iron rod or stick that has been inserted in your back that starts from the top of your neck and ends just at your tail bone. This iron rod won’t let you bend over at the waist which means that you can only squat up and down and you are forced to use your legs to get you to the correct position underneath the ball. This is the correct body movement for the set - you must bend your knees to squat underneath the ball as it is in the air then you raise your body out of the squat - simultaneously straightening your legs in order to meet the ball. (One more example- its like sitting in a chair with your hands above your head and having to stand up to meet the ball.
Arms
Your arms start at your sides slightly bent at your elbows in a 90 degree angle - just like you have them when you run. When the ball is approximately two feet above your head bring both arms up in front of you - as your arms come up - bring them closer together. When your hands are just above chest level your hands should start to come together so that your index fingers are barely touching and they form a triangle with the thumbs of both hands. (photo).
Hands
The correct hand position for the set is for the palms of both hands to be turned up to the sky. The palms of both hands are relaxed and open so your hands and fingers fit perfectly around the ball. Both forefingers and thumbs of each hand are barely touching each other and they form the shape of a broken triangle which is placed right in the middle of your forehead.
April Chapple is a former USA National Womens Volleyball Team member and Volleyball Professional who created Volleyball Voices the first virtual volleyball mentoring community for girls volleyball players and volleyball coaches with stories by champion women volleyball players and coaching volleyball articles that break up volleyball skills so females learn how to play better volleyball.
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