Tips on Setting Volleyballs

Learning to play volleyball correctly takes a good level of practice. Most people aren't naturally gifted with perfect instincts or coordination to immediately thrive at volleyball on their first try. Picking up a volleyball set and getting to work is probably the best way to build your talents. On the other hand, in addition to gaining learned instincts and coordination, learning some techniques can dramatically improve your game, especially when it comes to setting a volley ball. A player sets a volley ball when he uses his two extended hands to place the ball over the net for another player to spike. A good volleyball set is one of the most difficult and valued abilities in sports today. Still, with some practice, it isn't beyond your reach. Here are a few ideas to help improve your volleyball set.

How to Set Volleyballs:

1. Form a diamond. Use your index fingers and thumbs to form a diamond shape. It won't be perfect because your thumbs should extend downward a bit, forming a shape kind of like a Christmas tree ornament. All your other fingers should be extended. This is how you want to receive the volleyball when you set. Don't think you need to use every finger. Some players leave their pinky fingers out of the mix, while some only use the first two fingers. You'll figure out what works best for you.

2. Square your hands over your forehead. After you form a diamond with your hands, extend your arms evenly, with your elbows bent and your hands over your forehead. If you try to set the ball with your hands in front of you, you will overcompensate and send the volleyball in the wrong direction. By keeping your hands over your forehead, you'll be able to direct the volleyball with more accuracy and without spin.

3. Use your knees. Don't let your hands do all the work; you'll be much steadier with your legs. In fact, a good deal of the force should come from your knees. Bend your knees and extend them as you push the volleyball outward. You'll get a lot more lift if you use your knees.

4. Take your time. Holding the ball or letting it rest too long is against the rules, but don't be too hasty. Don't feel like you need to slap the volleyball away with your fingers immediately. Make sure you have a good handle before you set.

5. Set the ball. Use your legs, arms and fingertips to push the ball in the direction you choose. A good set to the sides should hover over volleyball nets about two feet inside the out-of-bounds markers. Make your set a fluid motion, not a jerky slap. Use your whole body to direct the volleyball, not just your arms.