The spiker can be set in about 20 different ways in volleyball.
The tempo or speed of each set differs depending on the location of the court and the tempo of the set.
Setting and spikers both need to be familiar with these different Volleyball Setter Plays so they can use a variety of different attacks on the court.
We will discuss each set you may see from a setter, what it looks like, and what it is called.
In order to give you a clear idea of what it looks like, I’ve included animations of example plays.
Let’s get started!
Right Side Setter Plays
On the right side, we have Back 2, 5, Red, and D, which is a back row attack. It’s common for the opposing hitter to run these plays.
Back 2
An attacker on the right side receives this set directly behind the setter. In positions 3 and 2, the ball should be placed.
5
Right side of the court, this is a high ball set to the sticks.
Red
Compared to a 5, a “red” is faster and lower tempo.
Back Row Setter Plays
A back row attack involves jumping from behind the 3 meter line to attack players in the back row.
Pipes (back center) and Ds (back right) are the two most common back row plays.
Also, there is the A (opposite to a D), although it is not quite as common as the D.
From positions 6 and 5, the B is a hit, and from positions 1 and 6, the C is a hit.
Back row plays are generally pipes or Ds – the A, B, and C sets are relatively rare.
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Pipe
In basketball, the “pipe” is an attack that crosses the center of the court from the back row.
D
A “D” is a right side attack from the back row, usually run by the opposing hitter.
B
B balls are back row attacks between positions 6 and 5 – they are right between an A and a pipe”.
C
Basically the inverse of a B, the “C” ball takes place between positions 6 and 1 – it’s right in between the “D” and the “pipe”.
The left side setter plays
On the left side of the court, there are usually four types of sets: 4, Hut, Go, Rip. These balls are usually attacked by the outside hitter.
4
On the left side of the court, this is a traditional high ball set.
Hut
Outside set with a slightly faster tempo and a lower arch.
Go
“Go” is an even faster tempo outside of the attack than “2nd step”.
Outside hitters should be on their second step of their approach when the setter contacts the ball for this speed of attack.
Rip/32
An outside high ball set between positions 4 and 3 is called a “rip” or a “32”.
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Middle Setter Plays
Usually, the middle blocker runs quick attacks through the middle of the court: 1, Push 1, 3/Shoot, Back 1, Slide. Additionally, there is the 2 ball, also known as a meter ball.
1
The setter sets this quick set to the middle blocker in front of but close to the middle blocker.
Push 1
This quick set is slightly off center (further left than a typical 1).
Shoot/3
This is a quick attack pushed even further to the left of the setter than a Push 1. It is either called a “shoot” or “3”.
Back 1
It is identical to a “1” except it is run behind the setter instead of in front.
Slide
MBs begin in the middle or left side of the court, but run to the right side to hit the ball. It is usually recommended to set the ball three to four feet above the net. In most cases, the attacker will jump off one leg and slide down.
2
The ball is set high to the middle of the court. Below is a picture of a meter ball, which is a lower/quicker version.
Back Row Quick Attack (BIC)
Back row quick attacks (BICs) are simply back row attacks with a faster tempo and lower intensity.
It’s simply a given that back row attacks are run quickly at the highest levels of the sport, so this BIC concept doesn’t really exist.
As a result, top volleyballers would simply refer to BIC pipes as pipes.
Lower level players would technically refer to the “pipe” demonstration above as a BIC pipe, but Saatkamp would probably just call it a pipe… or whatever the Portuguese word for pipe is.
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Combination Plays
In some cases, setters will choose to run combination plays, in which attackers run unorthodox attacks around a condensed area of the court.
In a combo play, both the middle and one of the wing attackers will attack from the center of the court. In most games, the outside hits from the left, opposite from the right, and the middle from the center.
To confuse opposition blockers, the idea is to create confusion.
X Combo Play
Combining the blocker in the middle and one of the spikers on the wings, the ‘X’ attack is often called a tandem attack. In the middle, the spiker will run a quick, while in the wings, the spiker will run a 2, Back 2, or 32.
As the two attacking players approach, their paths should cross, almost like an X.
Double Quick Combo Play
It is fairly self-explanatory what the “double quick” combination play entails. This play involves both the middle blocker and the opposite hitter, with the MB hitting a “1” and the opposite hitting a “back 1”.
Memorize The Setter Hand Signals
Setters will use corresponding hand signals to indicate to their spikers what volleyball play they want them to run for each of the above volleyball plays/sets.
You should be able to read and use these hand signals as a spiker or setter.
You may enjoy reading Volleyball Setter Hand Signals
Training and Practice for Setter Plays
Developing Technique
Practice and refinement are essential for mastering setter plays. To excel on the court, setters must improve their footwork, hand-eye coordination, and decision-making under pressure.
Enhancing Decision Making
An effective setter is able to read the game in real-time and possess a keen tactical awareness. By analyzing the positioning of blockers, defenders, and teammates, they can make split-second decisions.
Strategies for Success
Communication with Teammates
Successful setter plays require clear communication. In order to maximize scoring opportunities, setters must communicate effectively with their hitters.
Reading the Opponent’s Defense
The best setters anticipate their opponents’ defensive strategies and adjust accordingly. By exploiting gaps in the block or mismatched heights and positions, they exploit weaknesses in the defense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Poor Timing
A set’s timing can be misjudged, disrupting the offense and resulting in missed scoring opportunities. To execute plays accurately, setters must make sure their movements are synchronized with their hitters’ movements.
Predictable Patterns
Opposing teams can anticipate and counteract offensive patterns easier when they see repetitive play patterns. The setter should vary his or her plays to keep the defense guessing and maintain a strategic advantage.
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FAQs
What skills are essential for a volleyball setter?
Setters must be able to use their hands effectively, have decent footwork, be able to make quick decisions, and communicate effectively.
How can setters improve their setting technique?
By practicing footwork, hand positioning, and timing drills consistently, setters can improve their technique.
What is the role of a setter in volleyball?
It is the setter’s responsibility to coordinate the team’s offense, deliver precise passes to the hitters, and create scoring opportunities.
Why is communication important for setters?
In order to execute offensive strategies and play effectively, setters and their teammates must communicate clearly.
What are some common mistakes setters should avoid?
Setting should be timed correctly, play patterns should be predictable, and the player’s defensive strategy should be observed.
Conclusion
The Volleyball Setter Plays are the driving force behind a volleyball team’s offense, creating scoring opportunities and gaining momentum on court. The setter orchestrates plays that can turn the tide of a match and lead their team to victory with precision, strategy, and teamwork.
