How to Set a Volleyball

Learn how to become a setter and set a volleyball with the proper technique. A setter is the nucleus of the volleyball team. That is why setting the volleyball well is extremely important to the team's success. If you would like to learn how to set a volleyball follow this easy guide.

The thumb, pointer finger and middle finger on the left and right hands are used primarily to set a volleyball.
Bring the left and right hands together making a triangle with your the fingers. See the picture for a demonstration of how the hands should be formed around the volleyball.
The knees should be bent and the feet should be shoulder width apart giving the setter a firm and balanced platform.

The point in which you set a volleyball begins at the forehead.
Hands should be directly over the forehead holding the ball with the elbows pointing to the sides.
One foot should be slightly in front of the other (which ever is most comfortable) and facing the direction in which you want to set the volleyball.
Keep the knees bent.

The hands, wrists, arms and legs need to work simultaneously with each other to set the volleyball with proper form.
The volleyball should only remain in the hands for one second. Say to your self "one-one thousand". That is the time it should take for the ball to come into your hands and then released back out of your hands. Holding the ball longer than one-one thousand, will result in a lift called by an official. With time setters learn to use their hands and wrists together to release the ball smoothly and without flicking their wrists too much.

To get more distance or more power behind a set, use the legs in addition to the arms.
You will see a big difference in your set by bending and pushing up through your legs as your arms and hands release the ball, as compared to setters who primarily use their arms and hands.

Get to the ball in enough time to catch the ball in your hands just above your forehead. This means getting to the ball, getting your feet in position and facing the target. Allow your wrists to retract as the ball comes into them and bend the arms. Push your arms up through the ball using your fingers and wrists to extend in the direction of your target.

If you take into account these guidelines, you can learn how to set a volleyball with the proper technique.