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.

These sets provide a team with different options to score points at various locations along the net and give us the opportunity to keep the opposing defense guessing.

Each set has its own tempo, purpose, and preferred positioning on the court.

However, it's up to our setters to execute these sets accurately and efficiently

As setters, you have the important responsibility of delivering the ball to our hitters in the best position possible to create successful offensive plays.

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.

Different sets have different heights and are delivered to different locations along the net.

A combination of sets that are directed to various zones along the net are called volleyball plays. 

For example a four set is a very high ball that's delivered outside to Zone 4 and the five set is a high ball that's delivered backwards over the head of the setter to Zone 2. 

Varsity Volleyball Sets And Offensive Plays Players Need To Know (Al Case)

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.

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 

Here are more detailed descriptions of each set, including specific movements, positioning, and hand placement involved, as well as the purpose and typical use for each set in offensive plays:

• 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.

This type of set is the highest set given to an outside hitter who specializes in playing in Zone 4 and it allows high jumping hitters to use their spike approach to jump higher than the opposing block and to attack the ball at their highest reach and with power. 

- Common Terminology: A four set is commonly referred to as a "high ball" or "outside set" or simply a "four."
- Description: The setter delivers a high ball in the shape of an "A" to the left front zone (Zone 4) for the outside hitter to attack.

• 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.

This type of set is a medium-to-high set given to an outside hitter who specializes in playing in Zone 4 and it allows shorter or medium height hitters to use their quick arm swings and their faster foot speed used in their spike approach to beat the block before it forms. 

- 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.

• 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 to Zone 3 (Middle Front) One - is a quick set and is about one foot high in Zone 3, delivered in front of the setter (Ralph Arvesen)

Common Varsity Volleyball Sets to Zone 3 

• The One - is a quick set and is about one foot high in Zone 3, delivered in front of the setter
• The Two - a medium tempo set on top of the setter's head, two feet up in the air in Zone 3
• The 31 - a fast half shoot 1-2 feet above the net delivered to fall between Zone 3 and Zone 4
• The Back One - a quick set, one foot high in Zone 3, delivered behind the setter's head
• The X - a two ball pushed by the setter so its delivered 3 feet away from wherever she is

Here are more detailed descriptions of each set, including specific movements, positioning, and hand placement involved, as well as the purpose and typical use for each set in offensive plays:

The One Set

• 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.

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.

  Coach April Chapple's Volleyball Passing Tips For Youth Volleyball Players

MY PASSING EBOOK QUICKLY HELPS YOU IMPROVE YOUR PASSING SKILLS. Learn how to perform one of the most important skills you need to know to gain more playing time on the court!

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These are back sets that a setter delivers over their head and behind them to the right front position on the court. Five - high ball to Zone 2

Sets to Zone 2  (Right Front)

These are back sets that a setter delivers over their head and behind them to the right front position on the court. 

• Five - high ball to Zone 2
• Red - a rainbow medium temp ball 2 - 4 feet high delivered near the Zone 2 antenna
• Slide - a fast back shoot set, 2-3 feet high delivered 2-3 feet behind the setter above the net to Zone 2

Depending on the position you play there will be a number of sets to understand which you will do as you learn more about how to play volleyball. 

What you just read was just  a warmup!

Just like in volleyball practice, you do a little stretching to warm up your muscles before getting into the real meaty part of practice.

Here you go through a light review of everything before you really begin to dig deep and take each rule, each position, each skill and really explore it, learn to do tons of reps and go over each drill repeatedly until you get it right. 

Read...  How To Play Volleyball and Win to get started...

1. Improve Your Volleyball Performance with Private Volleyball Coach April Chapple
 ›
2. Six High School Varsity Volleyball Skills That Top Prep Players Crush
 ›
3. Varsity Volleyball Sets: A Guide to Offensive Plays and Set Tempos
 ›


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