5 Volleyball Setting Tips For Perfect Setting
Being the volleyball setter is a position that is both very important and very problematic. You are the one responsible for creating and keeping up a momentum and creating an offensive play. But if you’re given a weak pass or an errant hit, then it would be hard for you to do your job. Being in an important position yet having too many things out of your control can definitely be frustrating. Here are a few tips that would help you be in more control and less dependent on what is happening around you.
Hand Positioning
The first step is to master the positioning of your hand for improved volleyball setting. Practicing your hand position will allow you to keep the position even during the heat of a game. Think of this as the foundation for better volleyball setting.
Position your hands in front of you in a downward fashion with all of your fingertips close together and all your fingers spread out. With this position done and not changing, get your hands up over your head. You can now pull both of your elbows down to the sides then open up a space between your hands that allows for a ball to be held.
Contact With The Ball
Make sure that when you get in contact with the ball, your fingers are what touches the ball. Use your fingertips and your wrists as your weapons. With this, you can catch the ball better and push it with more force.
A way to practice this is to have a ball tossed to you while you catch it with the correct positioning of your hands. Then once you have that mastered, practice catching then pushing. Make sure that your hand position is always intact.
Positioning Yourself
Another important part of volleyball setting is your footwork. You need to be able to position your whole body correctly and be stable in your position. While waiting for a pass, your bodyweight should be on your right foot. This allows your body to be ready to take a left to follow the ball when passed.
Tight Pass Saving
Saving a tight pass is a useful weapon for volleyball setters. When you have a ball that drifts over close to the net, you can save the tight pass instead of just letting your opponent score.
As soon as you see a tight pass happening, you need to make a set. If it’s a high tight pass, then you can do a jump set. Make sure that you jump properly and that your arm is strongly positioned to take the hit.
Net Pass Saving
When the ball just hits the net, you need to act fast and save your ball. Find out what direction the ball is going to fall, then bend and crouch just under that spot. Once the ball pops out of the net, you can execute a bump set.
A general rule of thumb is that when the ball hits the upper part of the net, it will fall down. If it hits the lower part of the net, it will pop out. Use this to help you judge where to position yourself.
With these volleyball setting tips, you can improve your technique and strategies. You won’t have to depend so much on the passes sent to you and you can make your own plays.
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(images: FIVB)