To set a volleyball, get under the ball quickly with your feet square to the target, form a window with your hands above your forehead, contact the ball on the pads of your fingers and thumbs, and extend your arms and legs together to push the ball to the hitter.
Setting technique
| Phase | Key point |
|---|---|
| Footwork | Arrive early, right foot slightly forward (for most setters) |
| Hand shape | Thumbs and index fingers form a triangle window |
| Contact | Finger pads, above the forehead |
| Extension | Arms and legs extend toward the target |
| Back set | Arch the back and push hands overhead |
Legal contact
- The ball must be cleanly contacted, not caught or thrown.
- Double contact is a fault on a set, except on the team’s first contact under FIVB rules.
- Setters may jump set or set from the ground.
- A back-row setter cannot attack a ball above the net from the front zone.
- Practise against a wall to build soft hands.
Rules reference: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules. USA Volleyball, NCAA and NFHS rules differ in some details.
Frequently asked questions
What is a double contact?
When the ball touches two parts of the body or both hands unevenly during one action; it is a fault on sets.
Should setters jump?
Jump setting speeds up the offence and allows setter dumps, but ground setting is fine for beginners.
What is a 5-1 offence?
One setter sets in all six rotations.
