NOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April For BOYS on SATURDAYS 11/8, 11/22, 11/29 For GIRLS on SUNDAYS 11/9, 11/23, 11/30 From 10-11am at the Its All Volleyball gym. Email: info@improveyourvolley.com to register or for more informationNOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April For BOYS on SATURDAYS 11/8, 11/22, 11/29 For GIRLS on SUNDAYS 11/9, 11/23, 11/30 From 10-11am at the Its All Volleyball gym. Email: info@improveyourvolley.com to register or for more information


The Setter Volleyball Position
Five Traits Good Setters Always Have 

Learn the essential traits and responsibilities of the volleyball setter position. I'll share proven strategies I use to develop successful setters in my 30+ years of coaching.

As a player in the setter volleyball position you have to hustle to go after every ball, whether its been passed right to you or if you have to chase it down its your responsibility to set every second ball in a rally to an eligible hitter on your team.(photo by Dan Morgan)As a player in the setter volleyball position you have to hustle to go after every ball, whether its been passed right to you or if you have to chase it down its your responsibility to set every second ball in a rally to an eligible hitter on your team.(photo by Dan Morgan)


The setter volleyball position is often called the quarterback of volleyball, and for good reason.

This player touches the ball more than anyone else on the court, makes split-second decisions that impact every play, and shoulders the responsibility of running the team's entire offense.

What makes the setter position unique is that you're involved in nearly every offensive play.

While other players might get a break between contacts, setters must be ready to handle the second contact of every rally, turning less-than-perfect passes into hittable balls that give their attackers the best chance to score.

Whether the pass is perfect or off-target (also called "out-of-system"), it's the setter's job to chase down every second ball and create scoring opportunities for their team.



As someone who's coached setters for over three decades, I can tell you that successful setters combine athletic ability, technical skills, and mental toughness.

They're leaders who can read the game, communicate effectively with their teammates, and maintain composure under pressure - all while delivering consistent, accurate sets that keep their offense running smoothly.


Setter Volleyball Position:
Physical Requirements That Make Great Setters


The player in the setter volleyball position gets to every second ball in a rally to set that ball to a hitter who attacks it for a point or sideout. My Vegas Volley 18s setter Mai in a gorgeous photo by Shots by Shanty is less than five feet tall.The player in the setter volleyball position gets to every second ball in a rally to set that ball to a hitter who attacks it for a point or sideout. My Vegas Volley 18s setter Mai in a gorgeous photo by Shots by Shanty is less than five feet tall.

I'm often asked if setters need to be tall to be successful.

The truth is, while height can be an advantage, I've coached successful setters of all sizes. What matters most is having the right combination of physical skills that allow you to run an effective offense.

Here's what I look for in my setters:


The Setter Volleyball Position:
How Important Are Quick Feet and Agility?


The best setters I've coached aren't always the tallest, but they're always the quickest to read where the ball is going to land after its passed and to anticipate how fast to get their feet to where the ball is going to be...before the ball gets there. 

You need to be able to:

  • Sprint to balls that are off-target 
  • Change direction if necessary to quickly position yourself underneath the ball passed to you
  • Move efficiently to get to all six zones of the court
  • Maintain body control while moving at high speeds

Four foot something, Vegas Volley 18s setter Mai demonstrates the explosive movement and quick footwork needed to get to an off-target pass which landed behind the ten foot line during one of our December 2024 practices. (Photo Shots by Shanty)Four foot something, Vegas Volley 18s setter Mai demonstrates the explosive movement and quick footwork needed to get to an off-target pass which landed behind the ten foot line during one of our December 2024 practices. (Photo Shots by Shanty)

The Setter Volleyball Position:
Athletic Ability Matters More Than Height


While being tall helps with blocking in the front row, I've found that athletic ability is far more important.

My most successful setters have:

  • Strong leg power for jumping
  • Core strength for body control
  • Upper body strength for longer sets
  • Overall endurance to maintain performance
  • Above average volleyball IQ to take advantage of dumping options

The Setter Volleyball Position:
Hand-Eye Coordination Is Critical




Setting requires exceptional hand-eye coordination.

You need to:

  • Track the ball while you're moving to get to it
  • Make split-second adjustments if the ball floats to or away from you
  • Control ball placement precisely and consistently

Remember, these physical traits can all be developed with proper training.

I've seen and helped setters dramatically improve their speed, agility and coordination through dedicated practice and the right drills.


Setter Volleyball Position:
Technical Skills Every Setter Must Master

After coaching setters for over three decades, I can tell you that mastering technical skills is what separates good setters from great ones.

Let me share the exact techniques I teach my Vegas Volley setters, clients and college players home for the summer.


Setter Volleyball Position:
Footwork Patterns That Get You To The Ball

The best setters use specific footwork patterns that I call "quick to square." This means: Using a left-right step sequence to use as the last two steps you use to propel yourself to the ball so you're positioned directly underneath the ball. Kiara setting, notice right foot slightly forward, demonstrates great footwork positioning, showing how she's squared her body to her target while maintaining a strong, balanced platform during our December 2024 practice. (Shots by Shanty)The best setters use specific footwork patterns that I call "quick to square." This means: Using a left-right step sequence to use as the last two steps you use to propel yourself to the ball so you're positioned directly underneath the ball. Kiara setting, notice right foot slightly forward, demonstrates great footwork positioning, showing how she's squared her body to her target while maintaining a strong, balanced platform during our December 2024 practice. (Shots by Shanty)

The best setters use specific footwork patterns that I call "quick to square."

This means:


Setter Volleyball Position:
Setting Hands That Create Perfect Ball Control

Watch starting Vegas Volley 18s setter Kiara as she keeps her upper and lower body parts balanced when jump setting while contacting the ball in the air (Shots by Shanty)Watch starting Vegas Volley 18s setter Kiara as she keeps her upper and lower body parts balanced when jump setting while contacting the ball in the air (Shots by Shanty)

If you're a setter then your hands are your tools.

Here's exactly what I teach:

  • Create a ball-shaped window above your forehead
  • Keep fingers relaxed but strong
  • Position thumbs pointing back toward your eyes
  • Maintain a consistent contact point every time

Setter Volleyball Position:
Jump Setting: When and How


Watch as this varsity setter holds the opposing middle blocker with her, while she is jump setting, which makes the middle blocker late to try and block whoever she (the setter) ends up setting. This is how a setter gives their hitter an advantage in possibly scoring a point since the hitter now gets to hit against one outside blocker instead of two blockers. The setter's job is to help the hitter gain an advantage and a point against opposing blockers which is easier to get if they have to hit against one blocker instead of two. (Photo by Ralph Aversen)Watch as this varsity setter holds the opposing middle blocker with her, while she is jump setting, which makes the middle blocker late to try and block whoever she (the setter) ends up setting. This is how a setter gives their hitter an advantage in possibly scoring a point since the hitter now gets to hit against one outside blocker instead of two blockers. The setter's job is to help the hitter gain an advantage and a point against opposing blockers which is easier to get if they have to hit against one blocker instead of two. (Photo by Ralph Aversen)

Jump setting isn't just for show.

Here's when and how to use it effectively:


Setter Volleyball Position:
Emergency Setting Skills That Save Points

Not every pass will be perfect, so I teach my setters these emergency techniques: One-handed setting tips Back-row rescue set options Out-of-system solutions Setting while moving backward Watch as I coach Vegas Volley 18s starting left handed setter, Kiara, use her right hand for a one handed dump. (Shots by Shanty)Not every pass will be perfect, so I teach my setters these emergency techniques: One-handed setting tips Back-row rescue set options Out-of-system solutions Setting while moving backward Watch as I coach Vegas Volley 18s starting left handed setter, Kiara, use her right hand for a one handed dump. (Shots by Shanty)

Not every pass will be perfect, so I teach my setters these emergency techniques:

Remember, these skills take time to develop. I always tell my setters: "Perfect practice makes perfect sets." Focus on proper technique during every rep, especially during warm-ups.






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Do You Follow Me on Pinterest?

Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!


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. 



Setter Volleyball Position:
Where Should You Go From Here?


Good times! Where do you need to go now? Here are three options: 

  1. Learn more about the Volleyball Setter by exploring the Related Links below. 
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
  3. Or visit the pages in the Volleyball Positions section in the drop down menu at the top of the page. 
  4. Reintroduce yourself to Miss Ricci the Raccoon, #5 , the setter and team captain for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star Team. 


Reintroduce yourself to Miss Ricci the Raccoon, #5 , the setter and team captain for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star Team.Reintroduce yourself to Miss Ricci the Raccoon, #5 , the setter and team captain for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star Team.

You might like these setter volleyball pages!

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NOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April For BOYS on SATURDAYS 11/8, 11/22, 11/29 For GIRLS on SUNDAYS 11/9, 11/23, 11/30 From 10-11am at the Its All Volleyball gym. Email: info@improveyourvolley.com to register or for more informationNOVEMBER Group Training with Coach April Registration is NOW open

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Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

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as seen as on USA News InfluencerTennessee Athletics Honors April Chapple at Champions Weekend for Legendary Volleyball Achievements

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! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

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May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

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Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

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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!


Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.
In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

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