How to set

How to Set a Volleyball

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Every good spike is backed by a good set. This is an easy move to learn, but a difficult one to master. This move can also be used when the ball is over your shoulders, therefore too high to bump. The set is called an overhead pass when not assisting a spike. Make sure you hit the ball with your finger tips (it is easier to control the ball that way, and you should make sure that the ball is high enough so the spiker can get the ball over the net.

Steps

1. Extend your arms up over your head.Your thumbs should be about 2 to 4 inches above your forehead. Spread your fingers apart as if someone were going to place the volleyball right into your hands. Your elbows should not be facing out,but pulled in about even with your shoulders.
2. Position your hands so that you can see them above your forehead and finish with ball shaped hands.
3. Spread your feet about shoulder width apart. For good technique, you need to have good footwork. The right foot should always be forward when you set. This helps you subtract more errors. Bend your knees and shift your weight to the balls of your feet so that when the ball comes to you, you can quickly bounce up and get it. Your release is key in the tempo of the set. Slow release means slow tempo and fast means a quicker tempo. Such as a 31.
4. When you are ready to set, center yourself under the ball, and push upwards, straightening your arms and legs as you go. If setting backwards apply the same rules except push the ball backwards. This is done with all wrists. Throwing your thumbs back. Extend your hand forward in the direction that you want the ball to go. Pull back.
5. When you set the ball get directly under it, so that it is coming right toward your forehead. Put your hands in the shape of a triangle right above your forehead (this is why a set is sometimes called a "forehead pass" ) and let the ball touch as much of your fingers as possible (all ten fingers should be touching the ball) without touching your palms. Push straight up- at the end of your set your arms should be straight and your set should be as high as possible, therefore giving your teammates as much time as possible to get under the ball.
6. When you bend your knees make sure you rise up and not jump (only for more advance setters, not beginners)

Video

Tips

• Put your arms over head, but have them bent. Your hands should be in a position where they are almost touching each other to make a triangle. When you are ready to set you must use your finger tips (try using just your thumb and your two pointer fingers) to tilt the ball forward, but your arms will change position. They will have to be higher above your head; almost like your arms spring up when getting ready to set ball.
• Do not hold the ball in your hands for even a second, this is called a carry, or hold.
• When you are getting ready to set the ball, you may want to look through the diamond "window" you made with your fingers.
• Make sure you touch the ball only with your fingertips, not your palms.
• You may practice setting against a wall to improve your skills
• You should never hear a slap from your palm this means your using your palms not your fingers.

Warnings

• If you have your hands too far apart the ball might pound you in the face.
• Do not hit the ball with too much force or you may injure your fingers or hands
• This technique takes practice and it will be difficult when you first begin

Related wikiHows

• How to Play Volleyball
• How to Bump a Volleyball
• How to Serve a Volleyball Overhand
• How to Perform an Underhand Volleyball Serve

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