Fixed set height or match the hitter’s reach

I saw the following question in a coaching group.

If you had a lights out jumper in the middle, would you prefer to have your setter set those quick sets at the height of the middle’s reach? Or would you go for low and quick over the net? Because I have seen both.

And what is your reasoning??

This topic comes up from time to time. My philosophy is simple. Set each hitter at the height that works best for them. That’s it.

Why? Because to do anything else means one or more of your players has to operate at something below their full capability. That’s not a good situation ever.

Not that this is easy, mind. Especially when it comes to middle quicks, setters have a strong tendency to under-set. It’s a fear thing. They don’t want to overshoot their hitter. It’s understandable. A hitter can usually at least do something with a low set. Not as much with a ball that goes too high.

This generally isn’t as much of a problem when the middle is up on time, though.

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John Forman

John is currently the Strategic Manager for Talent (oversees the national teams) and Indoor Performance Director for Volleyball England. His 20+ years of volleyball coaching experience includes all three NCAA divisions, plus Junior College, in the US; university and club teams in the UK; professional coaching in Sweden; and both coaching and club management at the Juniors level. He's also been a visiting coach at national team, professional club, and juniors programs in several countries.

One Response

  1. This is why it is essential that a team has an exceptional setter that can adapt to the needs of his hitters. A setter that sets at the ideal height for each players could only lead to a better winning probability.

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