Volleyball: setter

Attacking efficiency measures kills minus errors divided by attempts. Top attackers maintain high efficiency by varying their shots, reading blocks, and selecting appropriate attacks for each situation. Power alone doesn't create elite attackers.

Shot Arsenal

Versatile attackers have multiple options:

Line shot: Down the sideline, often against cross-court blocking.

Cross-court: The high-percentage angle shot to the opposite corner.

Cut shot: Sharp angle shot that lands short in the court.

Tip: Soft placement over or around the block.

Roll shot: Controlled placement with topspin to open areas.

Reading the Block

Block position: See where hands are and hit where they're not.

Timing: Late blockers can be hit through or around.

Single vs double: One blocker offers more options than two.

Tool shots: Use the block - hitting off hands for kills.

Decision Making

Set quality: Tight sets limit options - adjust expectations.

Approach angle: Your angle determines available shots.

Game situation: When ahead, be aggressive. When behind, reduce errors.

Opponent tendencies: Know where defenders are and hit elsewhere.

Technical Foundation

Approach consistency: Same approach for all shots hides intention.

Arm swing variety: Adjust contact point and wrist action for different shots.

Late decision: Read the block in the air before committing to a shot.

Contact point: High contact gives more angles and power.

Key Coaching Points

  • Shot variety is as important as power
  • Reading the block determines shot selection
  • Same approach for all shots maintains deception
  • Situational awareness improves decision making
  • Practice all shots, not just the comfortable ones

Drills for Attack Development

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setter ANSWERS
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My daughter is in 8th grade and has made the team this?

My daughter is in 8th grade and has made the team this year as she did last. We have a new coach this year who doesn't allow the girls to use their knee pads. What is the purpose of this?   Does it help at all with development of the sport?  It seems sadistic to me and I can't understand how causing the girls pain will help them to "dig" a ball or encourage them to dive for anything. Thank you

Archived User Coach

I'm preparing for next season and new recruits?

I'm preparing for next season with some off season session plans for my team. I will probably have a 2 hour slot to look at new players for the season. There will be players of all abilities so my question is ... What are some of the recommended approaches to evaluating these new recruits? I can run then through an actual training session and see if they can handle it but I don't want to discourage players from coming out. Also just to make things a little more interesting it will be a coed session. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Glenn Tom Coach, United Kingdom

Volleyball movement for seventh grade

I can't seem to get them to talk our pass the ball to the setter it goes everywhere. They don't understand how to move with the ball. I have four passing. I tell them to stay low watch the ball into there arms and call it. Please help we have won 5 games and lost 7 they are very talented. I want them to move forward.

Angela Pfister Coach, United States of America

5-1 how is best to position the players

When playing with one setter, what options do I have in positioning the players? Do you have a good drawing or examples video? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Vigdís Gunnarsdóttir Coach, Iceland

important tips to help develop a great setter?

What are some great tips to give to setters when developing a smart, AWESOME setter? I was not a setter when I played, I know the basics but not enough to take my setter to the next level. She really wants to play college volleyball as well.

Brooke Bostelman Coach, United States of America

My daughter is in 8th grade an...

My daughter is in 8th grade and has made the team this year as she did last. We have a new coach this year who doesn't allow the girls to use their knee pads. What is the purpose of this?   Does it help at all with development of the sport?  It seems sadistic to me and I can't understand how causing the girls pain will help them to "dig" a ball or encourage them to dive for anything. Thank you

Archived User Coach

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