Dear Volleyball Mom, Do You Know What Sets My Private Volleyball Training Apart From Anyone In Vegas? I invite You to read what my private volleyball training mission says before considering hiring me as a private volleyball coach because I'm not available for everyone.Dear Volleyball Mom, Do You Know What Sets My Private Volleyball Training Apart From Anyone In Vegas? I invite You to read what my private volleyball training mission says before considering hiring me as a private volleyball coach because I'm not available for everyone.

Setting In Volleyball: My Guide To The Basic Slow Offense Setter Calls

I'll teach you the volleyball setting calls and offensive plays that beginners learn in practice while setting in volleyball including four, two and five sets.

Over my three decades of coaching setters, I've taught the USA Volleyball system of volleyball set calls that progress from basic to advanced. Whether you're delivering high outside sets, quick middle attacks, or back row plays, using the right setting in volleyball terminology helps setters and hitters stay connected and creates scoring opportunities for your team. (Shots by Shanty)Over my three decades of coaching setters, I've taught the USA Volleyball system of volleyball set calls that progress from basic to advanced. Whether you're delivering high outside sets, quick middle attacks, or back row plays, using the right setting in volleyball terminology helps setters and hitters stay connected and creates scoring opportunities for your team. (Shots by Shanty)

Setting in volleyball requires more than just putting up a hittable ball - it's about understanding and using specific set calls that allow your offense to run smoothly.

I teach the setters that I train, what the common calls to know are and how to use them effectively so that they can run successful offensive plays that score points.


Setting in Volleyball: If the setter can make the opposing middle think they're going to set middle, then the middle blocker has to stay and block the middle. Watch Sergio, my Vegas Volley 18s setter, side setting during practice.Setting in Volleyball: If the setter can make the opposing middle think they're going to set middle, then the middle blocker has to stay and block the middle. Watch Sergio, my Vegas Volley 18s setter, side setting during practice.

Over my three decades of coaching setters, I've taught the USA Volleyball system of volleyball set calls that progress from basic to advanced.

Whether you're delivering high outside sets, quick middle attacks, or back row plays, using the right terminology helps setters and hitters stay connected and creates scoring opportunities for your team.

I'll teach you the same setting terminology and offensive calls I use with my Vegas Volley setters.

We'll start with the fundamental set calls every player should know, then build toward more advanced offensive strategies that my most successful setters use to keep opposing blockers guessing.

Essential Volleyball Set Calls
Every Player Should Know

When setting in volleyball a setter's job is to pick which sets to run that beat or outsmart the opposing team's front row blockers and back row defense so your team can score a point.When setting in volleyball a setter's job is to pick which sets to run that beat or outsmart the opposing team's front row blockers and back row defense so your team can score a point.

Before setters can run complex offensive plays, they need to understand and consistently execute the basic set calls.

These are the fundamental sets I teach all my beginning setters, and they remain the backbone of any volleyball offense - from high school to college level play.


Setting in Volleyball: As a setter your goal is pick sets to run that beat the opposing team's front row blockers and backrow defense so your team scores a point. (Ralph Arvesen)Setting in Volleyball: As a setter your goal is pick sets to run that beat the opposing team's front row blockers and backrow defense so your team scores a point. (Ralph Arvesen)

Outside Sets: Your Go-To Play


The outside set is like the "outlet pass" in basketball, because it's the "go-to" a setter has when they're in trouble or when they are without any quick set options.The outside set is like the "outlet pass" in basketball, because it's the "go-to" a setter has when they're in trouble or when they are without any quick set options.

Lets think about the outside set as volleyball's version of a basketball outlet pass. It's the most common set in volleyball and often the safest choice when:

  • Your pass isn't perfect
  • Your setter is out of position or late to the pass
  • Your libero has to step in to set
  • You need a high-percentage play

The outside set is delivered by the setter to one of the two outside hitters, the left front or right front player. (Al Case)The outside set is delivered by the setter to one of the two outside hitters, the left front or right front player. (Al Case)

Outside set - the outside set is delivered by the setter to one of the two outside hitters, the left front or right front player.

The outside set is like the "outlet pass" in basketball, because it's the "go-to" a setter has when they're in trouble or when they are without any quick set options.

If the setter is in defense and digs the first ball then the libero has to step in her place to set, this player will nine times out of ten set to the outside to one of the outside hitters.


Setting In Volleyball: 
The Four Set Your Left Side Attack

Setting in volleyball: A four set is pretty much the first type of set a left-side hitter learns to attack and a setter learns to set. Watch 18s Vegas Volley asst coach and Coronado state champion Abby Paulson prep to set Coronado outside hitter Treyden an outside four set.Setting in volleyball: A four set is pretty much the first type of set a left-side hitter learns to attack and a setter learns to set. Watch 18s Vegas Volley asst coach and Coronado state champion Abby Paulson prep to set Coronado outside hitter Treyden an outside four set.

The four set is typically the first set any left-side hitter learns to attack.

Here's exactly what it looks like:

Because of its height the four set gives the opposing block time to get outside to set up a double block in front of the left side hitter, but the left side attacker also has time to transition off the net to prepare to make a good strong approach in order to contact the ball high, hard and around the block.


Because of its height the four set gives the left side attacker time to transition off the net to prepare to make a good strong approach in order to contact the ball high, hard and around the block.Because of its height the four set gives the left side attacker time to transition off the net to prepare to make a good strong approach in order to contact the ball high, hard and around the block.

A spiker hitting a four set should make a spike approach that keeps them behind the ball so that you can keep the ball that's been set to you, the opposing block forming in front of you and the digger in the court or the open space on the court to hit to. 

If you approach too soon you will end up underneath the four set ball and this will force you to only be able to look up, where now you can't see the block, or the court and have no way of knowing where the best place to hit is.

This happens when outside hitters don't trust the fact that they are fast enough to hit the four set, so they start their approach early or creep in too soon and end up completely underneath the ball, which limits their vision of the opposing team's court.

That's why outside hitters spend a ton of time in practice or in private training to work on the best timing to use so that you can keep the ball in front of you while hitting. 


Setting in Volleyball
The Five Set: Your Right Side Option


A five set is a high ball back set with an arc that reaches anywhere from eight to ten feet delivered over the head of the setter to the right front hitter. The five set for the right front hitter is what the four set is to the left side hitter.A five set is a high ball back set with an arc that reaches anywhere from eight to ten feet delivered over the head of the setter to the right front hitter. The five set for the right front hitter is what the four set is to the left side hitter.


The five set is the right-side equivalent of the four set, but with some key differences:

  • Slightly lower arc (8-10 feet)
  • Shorter travel distance
  • Requires precise timing between setter and hitter
  • Usually delivered as a back set

A five set is a high ball back set with an arc that reaches anywhere from eight to ten feet delivered over the head of the setter to the right front hitter.

The five set for the right front hitter is what the four set is to the left side hitter.


A five set is a high ball back set with an arc that reaches anywhere from eight to ten feet delivered over the head of the setter to the right front hitter. The five set for the right front hitter is what the four set is to the left side hitter.A five set is a high ball back set with an arc that reaches anywhere from eight to ten feet delivered over the head of the setter to the right front hitter. The five set for the right front hitter is what the four set is to the left side hitter.

It's a little lower because the setter is much closer to the right front player so the ball doesn't have as far to travel.

It's also for that reason that the right side player needs to watch their timing so they don't start their spike approach too soon because they have less time to adjust once they are up in the air.


Setting in Volleyball: A spiker hitting a five set should make a spike approach that keeps you behind the ball so that you can see the court and where the block is. (Ralph Arvesen)Setting in Volleyball: A spiker hitting a five set should make a spike approach that keeps you behind the ball so that you can see the court and where the block is. (Ralph Arvesen)

Opposite hitters need time to make their approach so the five set ball stays in front of them, so that they

  • can see the block,
  • the open spaces on the court, and
  • can rest assure that they have a "view to a kill'.

Setting In Volleyball
The Two Set: Your Middle Attack

The two set serves as your basic middle attack which lands a 'handshake" distance between the front of setter and the middle blocker The two set is designed to give the middle blocker time to make a three-step approach and to hit around an opposing team's middle blocker (Shots by Shanty)Sets in Volleyball: The two set serves as your basic middle attack which lands a 'handshake" distance between the front of setter and the middle blocker The two set is designed to give the middle blocker time to make a three-step approach and to hit around an opposing team's middle blocker (Shots by Shanty)

The two set serves as your basic middle attack:

  • the ball is higher than a quick set
  • the ball reaches a top height of about 2-4 feet above the net
  • the ball lands a 'handshake" distance between the front of setter and the middle blocker 1-2 feet off the net
  • gives the middle blocker time to make a three-step approach and to hit around an opposing team's middle blocker

Setting In Volleyball:
Frequently Asked Questions


A 4 set is a high ball to the left side that reaches 10-15 feet at its peak, while a 5 set is a back set to the right side that's slightly lower (8-10 feet) because it travels a shorter distance. Treyden outside hitter hitting outsideA 4 set is a high ball to the left side that reaches 10-15 feet at its peak, while a 5 set is a back set to the right side that's slightly lower (8-10 feet) because it travels a shorter distance.

Q: What's the difference between a 4 set and a 5 set?

A: A 4 set is a high ball to the left side that reaches 10-15 feet at its peak, while a 5 set is a back set to the right side that's slightly lower (8-10 feet) because it travels a shorter distance.

Q: Why do setters jump set some balls but not others?

A: Setters jump set to speed up the offense, disguise their intentions, and create better angles for their hitters. However, not every ball needs to be jump set - especially when running a basic offense or working with less experienced hitters.


Setters jump set to speed up the offense, disguise their intentions, and create better angles for their hitters. However, not every ball needs to be jump set - especially when running a basic offense or working with less experienced hitters. (18sboys Vegas Volley Connor jump setting)Setters jump set to speed up the offense, disguise their intentions, and create better angles for their hitters. However, not every ball needs to be jump set - especially when running a basic offense or working with less experienced hitters. (18sboys Vegas Volley Connor jump setting)

Q: How do I know which hitter to set to?

A: Look for these factors:

  • which hitter is hot who's been scoring points and consistently putting balls on the floor,
  • who has a single blocker in the middle of a rally,
  • who's matched up against a shorter opposing blocker
  • who's ready and calling for the ball the loudest, and 
  • what the score situation is. 

I advise you to start with high-percentage plays like outside sets when you're learning.

Q: What makes a good set for hitting?

A: A good set has consistent height, is the right distance off the net (usually 1-2 feet), and gives your hitter enough time to make their approach. The ball should come down where your hitter can contact it at their highest reach point.

Q: How do I improve my setting accuracy?

A: Focus on proper hand position, getting your feet to the ball quickly, and squaring your body to your target. Practice basic sets until they become automatic before moving to more advanced techniques.

Q: Why do setters need to be vocal?

A: Setters should communicate with their hitters about the type of set coming, call out defensive coverage, and provide leadership during plays. Clear communication prevents confusion and helps run an effective offense.



Q: What's the most important skill for a new setter?

A: Consistent ball control is crucial. Before learning complex plays, focus on delivering accurate, hittable balls to your outside hitters using basic set calls like the 4 set.

Q: How far off the net should sets be?

A: Basic sets should be about 1-2 feet off the net. This gives hitters room to approach and swing while keeping the ball close enough to hit sharp angles.

Q: What should I do if I get a bad pass?

A: Focus on getting consistent footwork and speed to get to the ball quickly and setting a high outside ball (4 set) to give your hitter time to adjust. This is safer than trying to force a more complex play under a stressful situation.



Q: How do I know if my sets are too high or too low?

A: Watch your hitters' timing. If they're waiting at the net or having to rush their approach, adjust your set height. For basic sets like 4s and 5s, aim for that distinct "A-shaped" arc we discussed.


The Setting In Volleyball Vocabulary
Where do you need to go now? 


Here are three options: 

  1. Learn more about the volleyball words, terms and terminology in 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 Information section in the drop down menu at the top of the page. 

Read more about setting in volleyball on these pages. 


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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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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.
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