Serve + Pass Foundation System: The Complete Skills Arsenal The two-skill mastery system that transforms inconsistent players into the athletes coaches build their lineups around. Stop Struggling With The Two Most Important Skills In Volleyball!
- Improve Your Volleyball with Coach April
- Volleyball Checklist
- 6 Volleyball Setting Checklists + At Home Drills
Volleyball Setting Printables: 6 Checklists + At-Home Drills
Are you tired of inconsistent sets that keep you on the bench?
If you're a middle school volleyball setter learning the basics, you're probably frustrated by:
- Inconsistent hand positioning that gets called for lifts
- Not knowing where to position your body under the ball
- Coaches yelling "square your shoulders!" but not explaining how
- Watching other setters get more playing time
If you're a high school volleyball freshman setter trying to make JV or varsity volleyball team and, you're struggling with:
- Setting high balls consistently but not knowing how to add faster tempos
- Back setting that goes everywhere except to your right side hitter
- Coaches expecting you to "just know" different set types (four, five, hut, red)
- Limited practice time to work on weaknesses
The most common volleyball offense strategies set to the left side: The "Hut" - a medium high/medium speed rainbow shaped set that fails inside the left antenna after peaking 5-6 feet above the net. Or The "Go" - a fast speed/low set with little-to-no-arc that falls inside the left antenna after peaking 3-5 feet above the net. Watch my Collegiate Breakfast Club players in our hitting lines working on reps.
If you're a high school volleyball JV/varsity setter preparing for college, you're dealing with:
- Jump setting that looks great but lacks accuracy
- Knowing the drills but not having a systematic training plan
- Wanting to train at home but not knowing what to practice
- Needing to stand out to college recruiters
Here's the truth: Most setters practice randomly, hoping repetition alone will make them better.
But elite setters? They follow systematic checklists that build skills progressively - from foundation to mastery.
That's exactly what my Coach April's Complete Volleyball Setting Checklist System gives you.
What is the Coach April's Complete Volleyball Setting Checklist System?
The Complete Setting System: 6 Checklists That Build Elite Setters
After coaching volleyball for 30+ years (Tennessee Hall of Fame, USA National Team), I've developed a systematic approach to setting that works for players at every level.
This isn't random tips or generic advice.
I created this as a "progressive checklist system" that takes you from beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques - the same system I use with my Vegas Volley setters and private training clients who've earned college scholarships.
Here's what makes this different:
- ✓ 120+ specific checkpoints (not vague advice like "get better hands")
- ✓ Progressive skill building (master basics before advancing)
- ✓ At-home drills included (train without a court or partner)
- ✓ 4-week training programs (structured daily practice plans)
- ✓ Self-check protocols (evaluate your own technique)
- ✓Printable PDF format (take to practice, mark up, track progress)
Each checklist focuses on ONE specific skill area so you can master it completely before moving to the next level.
What is the Coach April's Complete Volleyball Setting Checklist System?
What's Inside the Complete Setting System?
CHECKLIST #1: Hand Positioning & Ball Contact Mastery ($7 value)
What You'll Master:
- The triangle window technique that controls every set
- Exact finger positioning for all 10 fingertips
- Wrist and elbow positioning that generates power
- Hand angles for front setting vs. back setting
- Common hand errors and how to fix them
Perfect for: Beginners learning proper hand technique
Includes: 20 detailed checkpoints + wall setting drill (100 reps daily)
CHECKLIST #2: Body Positioning & Footwork Fundamentals ($7 value)
What You'll Master:
- Getting underneath the ball every single time
- Athletic ready position that generates power
- Speed-to-ball development techniques
- Squaring shoulders to target
- The "forehead and feet" positioning formula
Perfect for: Beginners/intermediate players building foundation
Includes: 20 detailed checkpoints + 5-spot movement drill
CHECKLIST #3: Setting Technique for Different Set Types ($7 value)
What You'll Master:
- High ball sets (four, five, two)
- Second tempo sets (hut, red, "32")
- First tempo sets (one, shoot, "31")
- When to use each set type strategically
- Height, arc, and placement specifications
Perfect for: Intermediate players learning offensive variety
Includes: 20 detailed checkpoints + 4-week tempo progression
CHECKLIST #4: Back Setting & Advanced Techniques ($7 value)
What You'll Master:
- The ONE hand position change that makes back setting legal
- Perpendicular body positioning
- Five set, red set, and back one techniques
- Troubleshooting common back setting problems
- Accuracy targets by experience level
Perfect for: Intermediate/advanced players adding back setting
Includes: 20 detailed checkpoints + 4-week back setting progression
CHECKLIST #5: Jump Setting Mastery ($7 value)
What You'll Master:
- When to jump set vs. standing set (strategic decisions)
- 2-3 step approach footwork
- Body control while airborne
- Contacting ball at peak of jump
- Safe landing mechanics
Perfect for: Advanced setters/college-bound players
Includes: 20 detailed checkpoints + explosive jump power training
CHECKLIST #6: Setting Drills & Training Progressions ($7 value)
What You'll Master:
- Wall setting drills (250-500 reps protocols)
- Partner setting sequences
- Self-setting progressions
- Game-situation drills
- The Coach April 30-Day Challenge
Perfect for: All levels - systematic practice guide
Includes: 20 detailed checkpoints + weekly training log template
TOTAL VALUE: $42
YOUR PRICE: $27
YOU SAVE: $15
SECTION 4: AT-HOME DRILLS HIGHLIGHT
Train Like a Pro - Even Without a Court
One of the most popular features of this system?
My at-home drills for volleyball setters that you can do solo.
Here's what setters love most:
WALL SETTING DRILLS (No partner needed):
- 100-rep daily wall setting protocol
- Target accuracy training (250-500 reps)
- Movement wall sets
- Height variation practice
- One-hand wall sets
SELF-SETTING PROGRESSIONS (Solo training):
- Set-to-self sequences (50 consecutive)
- Set-sit-stand drills
- Walking sets
- Kneeling sets (isolates hands)
- Eyes-closed setting (advanced feel)
4-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMS (Structured plans):
- Week 1: Foundation (hand position focus)
- Week 2: Movement (footwork focus)
- Week 3: Variety (different set types)
- Week 4: Game situations (pressure training)
Why does this matter?
Elite setters do 500-1000 reps per week OUTSIDE of team practice.
These at-home drills make that possible - even if you don't have a court, a partner, or a net.
Just a wall, a ball, and 15-30 minutes a day.
SECTION 5: SUCCESS STORIES
(My Committed Players)
Real Results from Real Setters
These checklists aren't theory - they're the exact system I use with my college-recruited athletes.
Meet the setters who've used this system:
In my original Boot Camp classes here in Las Vegas my strength and conditioning Coach D works on shuffle step footwork which passers, liberos and defensive specialists use when passing the ball and playing defense.
Fun fact: the player second from the left is Stanford starting senior setter Kami Miner, three year private training client, three year Voice Voice Boot Camp class and Breakfast Club member and three year and the youngest starting setter on my Volleycats Elite VBC teams
She really can do it all 💁♀️
— Stanford Women's Volleyball (@StanfordWVB) December 8, 2024
💻 » https://t.co/VXI8U6JlYN#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/QTpCsXFg6F
Kami has been serving aces like this since she was 12 playing and training here in Vegas with me. If you need proof go to my Volleycats Elite VBC Instagram account to confirm.
Vegas Volley setters girls 18s and boys 18s I trained during the 2024-2025 season
First place medal at the in it to Win It Kiara and Abby Kim Coach April and Coach Adam.
Kiara-Vegas Volley 18s Starting Setter (orange volleyball shoes)
Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season
Mastered jump setting and back setting using the tips, walls drills and workout programs in my progressive checklists
Kiara -
Vegas Volley 18s Starting Setter (orange volleyball shoes)
Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season
Mastered jump setting and back setting using the tips, walls drills and workout programs in my progressive checklistsKiara - Vegas Volley 18s Starting Setter (orange volleyball shoes)
- Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season
- Mastered jump setting and back setting using the tips, walls drills and workout programs in my progressive checklists
Mai - Vegas Volley 18s Setter
Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season
Mastered consistent back setting and setting middle using the tips, walls drills and workout programs in my progressive checklists
Mai - Vegas Volley 18s Setter
Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season
Mastered consistent back setting and setting middle using the tips, walls drills and workout programs in my progressive checklists
Mai - Vegas Volley 18s Setter
Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season
Mastered consistent back setting and setting middle using the tips, walls drills and workout programs in my progressive checklists
Mai - Vegas Volley 18s Setter
- Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season
- Mastered consistent back setting and setting middle using the tips, walls drills and workout programs in my progressive checklists
- Improved setting accuracy from 65% to 85% in one season
- Used wall drill protocols in practices
Mason - Former Tstreet Vegas 18s Setter
Trained with Coach April for 2 years during the 2023-2024 season at Tstreet Vegas and 2024-2025 season at Vegas Volley
Developed consistent jump set to the outside and middleMason - Former Tstreet Vegas 18s Setter, one of seven members of Coach April's Vegas Volley 18s boys team who played in the 4A Nevada state championship finals match and his Palo Verde team finished second as the 2025 State champion finalists
- Trained with Coach April for 2 years during the 2023-2024 season at Tstreet Vegas and 2024-2025 season at Vegas Volley
- Developed consistent jump set to the outside and middle
- Followed 4-week training progressions
Connor-Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season at Vegas Volley
Developed consistent control of his upper body in order to jump set to the middle and out of system balls consistentlyConnor - Vegas Volley starting setter, one of seven members of Coach April's Vegas Volley 18s boys team who played in and won the 4A Nevada state championship finals match and his Coronado high school volleyball team finished first as the 2025 State champions
- Trained with Coach April for 1 year during the 2024-2025 season at Vegas Volley
- Developed consistent control of his upper body in order to jump set to the middle and out of system balls consistently
- Followed wall drill regimen in team practice and at-home
What do these setters have in common?
They didn't just practice randomly. They followed systematic checklists that built skills progressively.
Now it's your turn.
Coach April Head Coach Tstreet Las Vegas -18s
2022 College Commitments
 Coach April Head Coach Tstreet Las Vegas -18s 2022 College Commitments for Seniors Libero Brooke Paige, Cal State Los AngelesSetter Anais Badio |
Setter Rilee Read  Coach April Head Coach Tstreet Las Vegas -18s 2022 College Commitments for Seniors Setter Rilee Read, Cal State Monterey BaySetter Mac Gross |
Coach April Head Coach Tstreet Las Vegas -18s
2023 College Commitments
 Setter, Peyton Reese  Setter, Ella Rustand |
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WHO IS THIS FOR?
Is the Complete Volleyball Setting Checklist System Right for You?
This system is PERFECT if you're:
✅ A middle school setter learning fundamentals
✅ A high school freshman trying to make JV/varsity
✅ A JV setter working to earn varsity starting spot
✅ A varsity setter preparing for college recruitment
✅ A player who wants to train at home (no court needed)
✅ Someone who learns best with checklists and structure
✅ A setter tired of random practice without clear progress
This system is NOT right if you're:
❌ Looking for a magic shortcut (this requires consistent practice)
❌ Unwilling to do at-home drills (elite setters train daily)
❌ Expecting results without effort (120+ checkpoints require work)
❌ Already setting at 90%+ accuracy (you're beyond this system)
Bottom line:
If you're willing to follow a systematic approach and practice consistently, this system will transform your setting.
If you're looking for quick fixes without effort, this isn't for you.
SECTION 7: WHY CHECKLISTS WORK
Why Systematic Checklists Beat Random Practice
Here's what I've learned coaching for 30+ years:
Players who follow checklists improve 3x faster than players who practice randomly.
Here's why:
RANDOM PRACTICE looks like this:
- "I'll just set for 30 minutes"
- No specific focus or goal
- Practice what you're already good at
- No way to measure improvement
- Inconsistent results
SYSTEMATIC CHECKLIST PRACTICE looks like this:
- "Today I'm mastering hand positioning (Checklist #1)"
- 20 specific checkpoints to work through
- Focus on weaknesses, not just strengths
- Self-check protocol to evaluate progress
- Measurable improvement week-over-week
The difference?
Checklists give you a roadmap. You know exactly what to practice, how to practice it, and how to measure progress.
That's why my college-recruited setters use this system.
And that's why it'll work for you too.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I'm a complete beginner. Will this be too advanced for me?
A: No! The system is progressive. Start with Checklist #1 (Hand Positioning) and master it before moving to Checklist #2. Each checklist builds on the previous one, so beginners can start at the beginning and advanced players can jump to the skills they need.
Q: Do I need a court or partner to use these checklists?
A: No! Most drills can be done solo at home with just a wall and a volleyball. Wall setting drills, self-setting progressions, and solo training exercises are included throughout. Partner drills are included as options, but not required.
Q: How long will it take to see improvement?
A: Most setters see noticeable improvement in 2-4 weeks if they follow the daily practice protocols (15-30 minutes per day). The 4-week training programs are specifically designed to show measurable progress each week.
Q: Are these checklists printable?
A: Yes! All 6 checklists are PDF format. Print them, take them to practice, mark them up, track your progress. Many setters laminate them or keep them in a binder.
Q: What if I only struggle with one specific area (like back setting)?
A: Perfect! You can focus on just the checklist you need. Each checklist works as a standalone resource, so if you only need back setting help, use Checklist #4. But most setters find value in working through all 6 systematically.
Q: Is this the same system you use with your college-recruited players?
A: Yes! This is the exact progressive system I use with my Vegas Volley setters and private training clients. I've just organized it into printable checklists so you can follow it on your own.
Q: What if I have questions while using the checklists?
A: Email me at info@improveyourvolley.com. I read every email and often create content based on common questions I receive.
I also offer private training sessions where we can work on your specific setting challenges one-on-one.
Do You Follow Me on Pinterest?
Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!
I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.
Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.
If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list.
Be sure to check out more information on my checklists that you can use to improve your game.
Bench or Starter? 5 Volleyball Passing Mistakes Keeping You Sidelined
Tired of practicing more but playing less? Stop watching others get their shot and lets fix the volleyball passing mistakes sabotaging your serve receive skills
Bench or Starter? 5 Volleyball Serving Mistakes Costing You Play Time
Stop serving "safe" and start serving strategically. Reduce your volleyball serving mistakes that keep coaches from trusting you to serve in crucial moments.
My Volleyball Platform Checklist: Make Your Passes Go Where You Want
I spent years with wonky passes until I learned this one platform secret. Here's how to fix yours—with the help of my volleyball platform checklist.
Beginner Volleyball Passing: Turn Good Passes Into A Starting JV Spot
Some players always get playing time while others wonder why they dont. Here's the beginner volleyball passing checklist that makes coaches choose you to play.
Advanced Volleyball Passing: Turn Good Passes into College Offers
Tired of being a good passer who gets overlooked? College scouts want advanced volleyball passing skills, not just basic technique. Here's what they see:
Serve Receive Strategy: Are Your Good Passers Still Losing Games?
Good passers still losing games? Your serve receive strategy needs work. Here's the team plan, my serve receive checklist that beats better individual talent.
The Volleyball Checklist: Skill Development Systems That Get Results
Master serving, passing and other basic skills with a step-by-step volleyball checklist from a Tennessee Hall of Famer who trains college-recruited athletes.
5 Essential Serving Tips from Tennessee's #2 Career Aces Record Holder
I've identified the 5 essential serving tips that separate confident servers from struggling ones and you'll serve with the confidence that creates aces
If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.
Struggling with passing consistency?
I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.
Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.
From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Honored At UTK Champions Weekend
Lady Vol volleyball legend and record holder Coach April Chapple a University of Tennessee, Knoxville Hall of Fame Inductee, 3-time All American, 3-time SEC Champion, SEC Tournament MVP, 2-time All SEC Team is celebrated with her 1984 SEC champion teammates at Neyland Stadium during Champions Weekend on November 1-2, 2024.
- the first First Round Draft Pick for the first American pro indoor women's league
- named to the first First Team All-Pro team for Major League Volleyball in USA volleyball history
- former USA National team member
- one of the few American women players named as an Italian Pro League D-I Championship Finalist, Italian Cup Finalist and Cup of Cups Tournament Finalist
April Chapple The first First round Draft Pick For Major League Volleyball the first American Women's Pro League Honored At Athlete Unlimited Pro Volleyball Match
Coach April's 2025-26 Private and Semi private Volleyball Training
Pre-Registration now open for 2025-26 Private and Semiprivate Training Sessions with Coach April . Get prepared for club tryouts or train with me during club season!
Email now for information on semiprivate or private indoor skills, individual or small group training volleyball classes and my Breakfast Club for College Players training for 2025-26.
Invest in your improvement while preepping for your next level and college goals while working hard and training smart.
Email me right now to register or for more information.
info@improveyourvolley.com
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Targeted Volleyball Checklist Bundles by Skill Level ($27 each)
Bundle #1:
Complete Beginner Serving System - $27
Complete Beginner Serving System: The Ultimate Support System for Beginners
Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:
🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide - $7
Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon
Stop letting pressure situations destroy your serves?
You'll Get
- ✓3-bounce physical preparation setup system
- ✓Mental routine for target pre-selection and visualization
- ✓Technical execution checklist for automatic consistency
- ✓Proven tips for bulletproof toss consistency
- ✓Pressure-proof strategies that eliminate serving errors
Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played) Checklist pdf:
🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves Guide - $7
You'll Get:
✓Learn exactly what to look for in your player's serving form so you can provide meaningful feedback.
✓Discover how to provide encouragement that actually improves performance and mental toughness.
✓Know exactly what to ask coaches to show you're engaged and help your player develop properly.
✓Simple, effective drills that don't require a gym or expensive equipment.
✓Understand the language coaches use so you can better support your player's development.
✓Help your player develop the psychological aspects of serving that many coaches don't have time to address.
From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?
What Are You Looking For?
Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:
🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide -
Players! Learn How To Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon
Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf
🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist Guide
Parents! Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played)
Hi there!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.
Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!
Stay strong! Stay motivated!
-Coach April
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Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!
A-1 Vegas Volley VBC
In It To Win It Tournament
May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament
Gold Medalists
18s Premier Division
Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts
Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?
Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.
You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me, Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.
Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!
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