The setter is the quarterback of the volleyball team. Precision, consistency, and quick decision-making are required to run an effective offense.

1. Hand Shape and Placement

• The “Ball” Shape: Hands should form the shape of the ball before contact. Thumbs and index fingers form a triangle (or diamond) above the forehead.
• Contact Point: The ball should be contacted directly above the forehead. If the ball is allowed to drop to the chin or chest, it results in a double contact or a deep push.
• Fingertip Control: Contact is made primarily with the pads of the fingers, not the palms or just the finger tips.

2. Setter Footwork

• Left-Right-Set: Regardless of where the setter is moving, the final two steps into the set should be Left-Right. This squares the setter’s hips and shoulders to the outside antenna (Zone 4).
• Weight Transfer: Push through the legs and extend the arms simultaneously. The power for outside sets comes from the legs, not just the wrists.

3. Squaring Up

• Deception: A good setter looks exactly the same whether they are setting front or back. By squaring the hips to the left antenna every time, the opposing blockers cannot read the set early.