How to Develop a Champion Setter

By Carey Cavanaugh

This book provides the blueprint to develop champion setters in volleyball. From identifying the traits which great setters possess, to technical, tactical and mental requirements for success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9780359604678

Book preview

Cavanaugh

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my mother, father, sister, grandma and grandpa, who spent countless hours, days, months, years driving me around and watching me play volleyball. Not only did they watch me play, but when I became a coach they drove to support me as well as the team. I would not be where I am today without all their encouragement and love. Thank you.

Introduction

This comprehensive manual describes guidelines for training a setter from the beginning stages of setting development through advanced competition techniques. It divides setting into three main categories: Technical, Mental, and Tactical. The technical elements described herein include full evolution of training a setter from the initial foundation to advanced skills for more seasoned players. The mental aspect covers the purpose and the leadership responsibilities of a setter. Finally, the tactical component discusses practical situations such as practicing/repetition, play calling, evaluating during practice and matches, as well as other responsibilities tied to a setter. These three categories sum up the important tangible aspects of the setter position as well as intangible responsibilities that are vital to the position.

To establish context for this manual, the desirable characteristics for identifying a potential setter are clarified before we start with developing Technical, Mental and Tactical aspects. A Glossary also sets the definitions of common words and phrases used throughout the book.

Setters

The role of the setter is critical to a team’s success. Working out who should be the setter in your team is just as important as training them in the various different aspects of setting.

Champion Setting

Individuals may pick up on certain parts of setting quicker than others, but it is important to master all three aspects (technical, mental, tactical) discussed in this manual.

The technical aspect is the beginning phase where the form is broken down and explained in detail. Once the foundation is built, the setter can move on to more advanced techniques. Without a strong foundation, the setter will struggle to be consistent in the long run and will have issues to fix when attempting more advanced skills.

The mental aspect can be challenging for a setter to understand and master. Maintaining a calm demeanor through frustrating and stressful situations is difficult but is a necessity in the role of setter. There is added pressure that comes with running an offense and making decisions for the team. The more a setter understands and accepts their responsibilities the more successful the team will be in the future.

The tactical aspect combines practical applications of the setter position. Through training, practice, and experience the setter will evolve and understand their position better. This in turn makes the team stronger and harder to beat. Following the guidelines in this manual will help develop a well-rounded player and optimize their chances of becoming a champion setter.

Setter Characteristics

When recruiting or identifying a setter, there are a number of basic characteristics to look for. To begin with, the selected player needs to portray athleticism, agility, and confidence. However, this does not require the individual to already have experience playing volleyball. Sometimes training someone who has never touched a volleyball before is easier than training someone who already has habits that require correcting. Typically, coaches choose a setter based on his or her height, but ultimately the ability to set and run an offense should outweigh the player’s height. Natural talent and confidence can help the setter to navigate the challenge of learning and perfecting the position.

If you have a team without a designated setter, first look for the most athletic individual, or find the player that best understands his or her body and grasps the concept of the game. The individual that has body control and body awareness will have an advantage on the competition. The setter has a matter of seconds to get to the ball efficiently and put their body in a neutral/balanced position before delivering the ball to an attacker. The athlete that comprehends the intricacies of the game as well as running an offense will significantly help the team be efficient when handling the ball. Anyone can make the second contact of three on a side, but not anyone can set and run an offense. If someone has two out of three of these characteristics, then begin training them as a setter.

Glossary

Back Row Attack/Block

This happens when a player is in the backrow and jumps in front of the 10-foot line and touches the ball, which is above the height of the net.

Base

Position on the floor that the players stand in while the ball is on the other side of the net. The setter’s base is located on the 10-foot line three feet in from the sideline on the right side of the court. It is also the position the setter should be in to defend an opponent’s first tempo attack.

Down Ball

A ball that the opponent is attacking out of system anywhere on the court other than on the