Volleyball Coaching Info

Setter Development Part 5

This is the fifth and final installment in the Setter Development series. Previously, we discussed consistency, strategy, reactions, and deception. The culmination of the previous components is execution. Without the four previous elements, execution cannot occur at a high level. It is vital the setter fully develop all four components before execution can be expected.

Execution of the offense, by the setter, combines consistency, strategy, reaction, and deception. Good execution produces 1-on-1 situations for the hitters. The goal of any offense is to put the ball on the floor. The main goal if the setter is to give the attackers the best opportunity to do that.

Execution is the application of the previously mentioned components, and is best trained in match-like situations. Preparation, evaluation, and feedback, during this training, is a constant cycle in the development of a setter.

Additional Time

Due to the importance of the setter, additional time should be put aside for her development. Developing consistency can be done mostly with setters alone, but applying the other four components requires other players. Other players are needed to help setters develop the relationships (spacing, timing, etc.) between her and the passers and attackers.

• Allow the setters to partake in the preparations of the game plan.
• Consistent feedback during scrimmage situations (also during time-outs & between games).
• Evaluations after scrimmages and matches (discuss decision make and execution).
• Did she have consistent delivery (body posture, ball location)?
• Did she establish the middle attack?
• Did she involve everyone in the offense?
• Did she attack the weaknesses of defense?
• Did she make good “out-of-system” decisions?
• More feedback.

A typical 30 minute extra session for a setter might include the following:

Early season -

• Wall sets (300).
• Double triangle drill (front and back sets X30) (can do standing or jump setting).
• Reaction training, with middle hitters and blockers, running 1’s and 31’s.

Mid season -

• Wall sets (500).
• Game film evaluation (evaluating execution and decision making).
• Fan drill (50).

Setting is the key to running any offense. Trust between coach and setter, and setter and hitters must be established through the development of the setter and her skills. The setter is, without a doubt, the most important player on the court, and must therefore be trained as such. Attention must be paid to all mental and physical skills. This article attempts to give an outline of the necessary skills and some ideas for their development. Attacking and emergency saves were not included, but are also vital to the ability of the setter.

Late season -

• Partner jump setting across net (30).
• Double triangles (40 front and back, jump setting).
• Audible drill with blocker (emphasize creating 1-on1 situations).

The 30 minutes of extra training are best done before the whole team practices. The setters are then allowed to get into a groove so the rest of the team has confidence in the timing and location of the offense. The various drills, discussed earlier in this series, are applicable to this special training of the setter.

Conclusions

Finally, it is important to emphasize that the setter is a direct extension of the coach on the bench. The extra time invested with the setter will develop that coaching presence on the court. So if you want your team to be a reflection your coaching philosophy, take the time to build the relationship with your setter and teach her how to reach her true potential