Video:What Is the Setter in Volleyball?
with Natalie SchmittingThe setter has a number of important responsibilities on the volleyball court. This About.com video will explain what the setter does in volleyball.See Transcript
Transcript:What Is the Setter in Volleyball?
Hi, I’m Natalie Schmitting for About.com. In this video you will learn about the setter position in volleyball.
Setters Are Leaders
Setters in volleyball have a similar role to a quarterback in football. The setter essentially runs the offense for the team. Along with calling out the plays, it is their responsibility to ensure that the ball is in the right place at the right time for a hitter. Each team is allowed to contact the ball three times before sending it back over the net; the second contact is the responsibility of the setter.
Setter Delivers Ball to Hitter
For example, one player will pass the ball to the setter. The setter then delivers it to the hitter who spikes the ball. It's important that the other players get out of the setter's way unless he or she calls for help. The setter must be able to strategize about what offensive plays to run and when. He or she will be most likely looked to as the leader on the court. A lot of responsibility is put on setters to position the ball correctly for the hitters to hit well.
Setter Positioning
Depending on the offensive strategy, the setter will technically reside in either the front row or back row. Wherever the setter is, front or back, he or she must run to right front as soon as the opponent contacts the ball to serve. During rallies, the setter will alternate from being a blocker or a back row player on defense to being a setter in right front on offense.
Other Setter Traits
Setters must have great setting hands. He or she should be able to position the ball in a variety of areas along the net and at the right height for the attacker. Setters must be quick to chase after balls. The setter should get the second contact because they are the best at giving the hitters a set that is good enough to hit.
Setters should be able to block well because they are often positioned in the front row blocking the opponent's most skilled hitter, the outside hitter. The number of setters on the court varies according to the style of offense: there will be either one or two setters out on the court at a time.
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