Basic set (293k)
In this first clip (.mov) , focus on these keys to setting accuracy:

• The setter's ready position is at the net, just to the right of middle front.
• As the passer prepares to contact the ball, the setter is facing leftback, with his weight on his right foot. This body position allows him to react to an errant pass in any direction -- toward the right antenna, toward the left antenna, away from the net -- by taking his first step with his left foot. This "left foot first" rule is particularly important for passes within 8'-10' of the setter, because it helps the setter square up early to left front. Which brings us to. . . .
• The setter takes two quick steps (left, right) to get stopped with the ball falling on his forehead.
• He squares up early to left front.
• As he stops and squares up, his hands come to his forehead and create an early, soft "ball-shaped" cradle. Note that there is a half-second pause between the moment his hands get in position and the moment the ball arrives. (As with passing, you must create your setting platform early and at the point of contact; don't create it somewhere else (say, at your chin or chest) and move it to the contact point at the last possible moment.
• The setter followsthrough by extending his entire body in the direction of the set.

The clips below are of sets in two different situations -- the first one is a serve-receive or freeball pass that is off the net and the second one is a set in transition. Note that the setter adheres to all the "rules" outlined above.

Setting deep pass (446k)
In this clip (.mov) , pay particular attention to the following:

• The setter stays in his "ready position" (at the net, facing leftback, weight on right foot) until the passer contacts the ball.
• His first step is with his left foot and it is long and strong, propelling himself halfway to the 10' line in one step. He then hops into position to set with both feet pointed toward left front.
• He is completely stopped when the ball arrives.
• While he is a little late in squaring his upper body to left front, his setting platform is up early.
• He followsthrough by extending his whole body in the direction of the set.

Transition set (541k)
In both a 5-1 and 6-2 offense, the setter spends a great deal of time defending in right back. But when his team digs a ball, he must be able to set the ball accurately in transition. In addition to following the rules above, he must acquire these habits (.mov) :

• The setter reads the attacker early and correctly. If the attack is not coming in his direction, he releases from his defensive assignment and sprints to his setting position at the net.
• He stops with his weight on his right foot and reacts to the dig with a long powerful step with his left foot.
• He is completely stopped, square to left front (with his hands up early) by the time the ball arrives.
• He extends his body in the direction of the set.

Updated January 2006.