A setter needs to develop the following quantities:
Intelligence: The setter should be able to interpret the coach’s wishes on the floor, make quick and rapid decisions, perceive the game as a whole, and translate the coach’s information from the sidelines into the actions on the court.
Self-confidence: Believe that you have the best hands in the business and deliver that required set. Get to the ball and lead your team to victory.
Be a sponge: Accept the responsibility for all hitting mistakes because it probably was a bad set that made the mistake. Receive feedback from the hitters to give them exactly what they want. Never get into a confrontation with the hitter and remember that all “kills” had a great set.
Emotional stability: Be stable. Do not exhibit dramatic highs and lows which could effect the team. Look for good aspects every play and avoid depression even when things are not great.
Move from good to smart to tricky: Work with the coach to make the appropriate setting choices and selections to deliver a “good” set. After accomplishing good sets, move to “smart” sets by matching your teammates strengths with the opponents weaknesses. Feeding the hot attacker and take advantage of what your offense does best while carrying out the plans of the coach. The next move for setters is “tricky” sets which will help defeat the block. Tricky sets will deceive the blockers and allow your hitters to be more successful. A tricky set must still be a good set. Remember to be good first, second be smart, and third a little tricky.