Setter Development Part 4
Posted on Dec 09, 2007 under Technical Instruction |We will now look at the importance of developing the ability of deception.
A setter needs to develop the ability to “fool” the opposition, creating 1-on-1 situations for the hitters. To fool the blockers, a setter must show consistent body posture in delivery (making all sets look the same), have an effective strategy, and make correction reactions to what the defense gives her. It is important to remember that deception should not be sacrificed for consistency of the location and pace of the set.
Fan Drill
Starting at the left sideline, the coach tosses balls to the setter who sets to a designated area. The coach slowly moves around the court, in an arc, until she reaches the right sideline. This allows the setter to see passes from coming from different angles. She can continue to work on holding posture and delivery, as it becomes more difficult when the ball comes from different areas of the court.
To create a consistent body posture and delivery, a setter must deliver the ball the same each time. If the setter jump sets, she must work to jump every time. She must also attempt to contact it from the same position above her forehead every time. Finally, she must face the left front part of the court each time, so as not to give away the intended location of her set.
Film (game or practice)
Allowing players to watch themselves allows them to do a little self-teaching and to devise solutions for possible problems.
Advanced setters can perform the first two drills by jump setting every repetition. A passer can also be utilized to make the drills more game-like.
Exercises:
Set from a pass with a coach calling the set at the last second
Setter must get to the ball hold a balanced posture until she hears the set, requiring her to be consistent, balanced, and focused on the ball. The setter can then do the same with visual cues from the movement of a middle blocker.
The ultimate goal of deception in a setter is to force the opposition’s defense to hold as long as possible before they have to react, or force them to guess. By holding the defense in their base, they do not have as much time to move into their adjusted position (i.e. two blockers on your outside hitter). Ultimately, if they are consistently late, they will be forced to guess early, at which point your setter should have already developed her proper reactions. At this point you can pick them apart on your way to victory.