Learning how to set a volleyball properly is crucial for any player wanting to contribute to their team's offense.
After coaching volleyball for over three decades, I've developed a systematic approach to teaching setting technique that works for players at every level.
Through my daily private training sessions and coaching the Vegas Volley 18s teams three times a week since November 2024, I've found that breaking down the setting technique into specific body parts and positions helps players develop this essential skill more quickly.
Whether you're a dedicated setter or a player working to improve your all-around game, understanding proper setting technique creates your foundation for success.
Before diving into the specific techniques, I want you to remember that setting combines both technical skill and instinct.
I'll show you exact hand positions and body mechanics that you'll need to practice until they become automatic. Let me share the same techniques I use with my Vegas Volley setters to help you develop consistent, accurate sets.
I'll show you exact hand positions and body mechanics that you'll need to practice until they become automatic. Let me share the same techniques I use with my Vegas Volley guys and girl setters along with my college players I train each summer as seen in this video to help you develop consistent, accurate sets.
Are you setting a volleyball correctly?
Since my goal for you is to become a better setter, I write articles in a way that on your own, you'll be able to check yourself to see how to set a volleyball correctly so you can tell whether you are setting the ball using the right technique.
I included the above two coaching videos to show you exactly what I look for when teaching setting technique.
Now, let me break down the first and most important aspect of setting - how to position your body correctly.
Ideally you want your whole body to be lined up underneath the ball every time, before you get ready to set it.
Now that you understand how your body should be positioned, let me show you how to get there quickly.
The speed you need to move to the ball is critical - I tell my Vegas Volley setters this during every practice.
You want to run to position and place yourself underneath the ball, QUICKLY.
Let me say it again...
..you should not be leaning to the ball but
The slight "knee bend athletic ready position" will give you a bit of added power from your legs to help you push the ball to your intended target (or to jump set should you choose to) once your fingers make overhead contact with the ball.
Your body is erect and perpendicular while your legs are doing the work. To become a better setter, its best to use your forehead and your feet to guide you as you position your whole body underneath the ball.
Getting to the ball quickly is just the first step.
Here's something you should remember...when the ball has reached its highest height, it can only come straight down.
With this in mind, once you determine...
Then, it's a matter of moving your legs quickly enough to get your forehead, followed by your shoulders, chest, hips and the rest of your body underneath the ball in order to get in the correct slightly squatted ready position for setting it.
There's one more thing for players to remember before making contact with the ball.
Once you've developed your movement to the ball, I need you to focus on something that many young setters overlook - but it's crucial for accurate sets.
During my Vegas Volley practices, I constantly remind my setters about this next fundamental.
Once you've determined where you need to be in order to set the volleyball - you need to square your shoulders to the left side hitter position, or face whoever you are setting to before you contact the ball.
In the picture above, my 18s Vegas Volley setter, Mai has been working on positioning herself correctly, directly underneath the ball, so she isn't leaning forward, or reaching backward, while ending up perpendicular to the net.
What I mean by this is that she has positioned herself perfectly to be able to set to her three or four possible positions, whether its to the middle for a quick set, to her left front hitter on the outside in Zone 4, to a back row hitter or even to her right side hitter if she decides to set backwards, which would be to Siena (pictured behind her) who's the opposite hitter waiting to see if she's going to get set.
If she wanted to back set, she is in great position as well because she isn't turning her shoulders or leaning to her right or her left.
If she chooses to, she will just set the ball within the plane of her body directly behind her to the right front hitter
After you've developed proper body positioning and movement, it's time to focus on what most players ask me about first - your hands.
I spend a lot of time with my Vegas Volley setters perfecting this next technique because it's important for consistent ball control.
When you're learning how to set a volleyball correctly, creating the right hand position is very important.
Here's exactly what you want to do with your hands:
Remember, when learning how to set a volleyball you don't want to:
This allows you to control the ball better and direct it exactly where you want it to go.
When you contact the ball the palms of your hands should be facing the target that you're setting if you're setting the ball in front of you.
As you can see, setting a volleyball involves more than just putting your hands up - it's about combining quick footwork, proper body positioning, and precise hand technique.
These are the same setting fundamentals I teach during my Vegas Volley practices and private training sessions, and I've seen players improve dramatically when they focus on these key elements.
Ready to develop your setting skills further?
Check out my article 'Setter in Volleyball: A Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Technique' for an in-depth look at the setter position, or 'What Is Setting In Volleyball: Skills and Drills I Teach My Players?' for essential drills you can practice.
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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.
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