Varsity Volleyball Sets: A Guide to Offensive Plays and Set Tempos
In order of the slowest set to the fastest set that's run as a part of varsity volleyball set collection to each from the front row zones
In order of the slowest set to the fastest set that's run as a part of varsity volleyball sets collection to each from the front row zones (Ralph Arvesen)
The varsity volleyball sets we use in the game of volleyball, play a vital role in a team's offensive strategy.
Throughout this page, I dive into the world of varsity volleyball sets, exploring the various options available and how they can elevate our performance as a team.
Let's unlock the secrets behind these sets and work together to maximize our scoring opportunities on the court.
I'll go In order of the slowest tempo sets which are also called third tempo sets to the fastest set called first tempo sets run as a part of varsity volleyball set collection to each from the front row zones...check out below.
Varsity Volleyball Sets to Zone 4
Sets to Zone 4 (Left Front)
"The Four" - (slowest tempo) is a high ball that's shaped like the letter "A" to Zone 4
"The Hut" - this varsity volleyball set is shaped like a rainbow and is a medium tempo ball that's delivered to Zone 4 and falls four feet inside the left antenna also known as the left front position on the court
"The Go" - a "go" set also known as a "shoot" set is the fastest tempo set delivered 3-4 feet above the net and is the fastest paced ball delivered to Zone 4
Varsity Volleyball Sets The Four Set aka The High Ball
Watch as the libero gets setting reps in practice working on setting the high ball outside to Zone 4 to her outside hitter.
Movement: The setter positions themselves near the net, facing Zone 4 (left front).
Positioning: The setter uses their fingertips to deliver a high set that peaks at its highest point to Zone 4.
Hand Placement: Palms are open and facing the ceiling.
- Purpose and Use: The four set is a slower tempo "A" shaped high ball that's usually 10 to 12 feet above the net and once delivered from the setter's hands the set reaches a peak at its highest point before it drops back down four feet off the net and four feet from the sideline inside the antenna.
Watch Tstreet Vegas 17s-1 Coach Kenny set a hut to Tstreet Vegas 17s-2 Coach Kenny who hits.
Movement: The setter positions themselves near the net, facing Zone 4 (left front).
Positioning: The setter uses their fingertips to deliver a medium-tempo rainbow shaped set with no peak in the middle to Zone 4.
Hand Placement: Palms are open and facing the front wall behind Zone 4 while keeping elbows high to form a rainbow-like shaped ball.
-Purpose and Use: The hut set is a slightly faster paced "rainbow" shaped medium-high ball that's usually 8 to 10 feet above the net at its highest point and once delivered from the setter's hands the set, a rainbow shaped arc, drops back down four feet off the net and four feet from the sideline inside the antenna.
- Common Terminology: A hut set is also known as a "rainbow set." - Description: The setter delivers a medium-tempo ball shaped like a rainbow to the left front zone (Zone 4), providing the hitter with an opportunity to attack the ball.
Varsity Volleyball Sets The 'Go" Set aka The Shoot Set
Different Types of Varsity Volleyball Sets
Watch as setter Sierra Leone sets a "Go" to the outside hitter
Movement: The setter positions themselves near the net, facing Zone 4 (left front).
Positioning: The setter uses their fingertips to deliver a quick, fast-paced set 1-2 feet above the net just above full length arm reach of their oncoming attacker
Hand Placement: Palms are open and facing the direction of the intended target, which is in front of the path of oncoming attacker's spiking arm .
- Purpose and Use: The "Go" set is one of the sets delivered in the middle of the net in Zone 3 used to quicken the tempo of the offense with the purpose of catching the opposing blockers and defenders off-guard.
It calls for a faster arm swing which quickens the attack and is effective for a middle hitter who has a quick arm swing along with the ability to hit around the opposing team's middle blocker to open areas on the court.
- Common Terminology: A "go" set is sometimes referred to as a "shoot set." - Description: The setter executes a fast-paced set 4-6 feet above the net pushing the ball so it goes all the way out to the left front zone (Zone 4), allowing the hitter to use a quick arm swing to quickly attack the ball.
Varsity Volleyball Sets Sets to Zone 3 (Middle Front)
Movement: The setter positions themselves near the net, facing Zone 4 (left front).
Positioning: The setter uses their fingertips to deliver a quick, fast-paced set 1-2 feet above the net just above full length arm reach of their oncoming attacker
Hand Placement: Palms are open and facing the direction of the intended target, which is in front of the path of oncoming attacker's spiking arm .
- Purpose and Use: The "One" set is one of the sets delivered in the middle of the net in Zone 3 used to quicken the tempo of the offense with the purpose of catching the opposing blockers and defenders off-guard.
The "One" belongs to a collection of sets called "first tempo sets" and are the fastest types of sets that are delivered by a setter for an attacker.
Other first tempo sets are
the front one
the back one
the three also called a 31
and some people would call the red a back "Go" a first tempo set depending on how fast the setter delivers the ball (otherwise it belongs to the group of second tempo sets which is a little slower and a little higher
The "One" calls for a faster arm swing which quickens the attack and is effective for a middle hitter who has a quick arm swing along with the ability to hit around the opposing team's middle blocker to open areas on the court.
- Common Terminology: The one set is commonly called a "quick set" or simply a "one." - Description: The setter sets the ball quickly, approximately one foot above the net, in front of them to the middle front zone (Zone 3), providing the middle hitter with a quick attack opportunity.
Varsity Volleyball Sets The Two Set
The Two Set:
- Movement: The setter positions themselves near the net, facing Zone 3 (middle front).
- Positioning: The setter uses their fingertips to deliver a medium-tempo set on top of their head, approximately two feet above the net in Zone 3.
- Hand Placement: Palms are open and facing the direction of the intended target.
- Purpose and Use: The two set is a versatile second tempo set that can be used for medium tempo attacks in the middle or pushed just off the middle location of the net and can be combined with other offense plays in order to set up hitters at various spots along the net.
- Common Terminology: A two set is often referred to as a "push two" " or just a "two." - Description: The setter executes a medium-tempo set above their head, approximately two feet above the net, to the middle front zone (Zone 3) for the middle hitter to attack.
These sets provide a variety of options for offensive plays, each with its own tempo, purpose, and preferred positioning.
By utilizing different sets, teams can keep the opposing defense guessing and maximize scoring opportunities.
Setters play a critical role in executing these sets accurately and efficiently, working closely with their teammates to create effective offensive plays.
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