Setter

A setter has many responsibilities and the expectations are very high for this position. She is the player that runs the court and is ultimately in charge of the offense. Setters should:

• Know her hitters. She should know who is the strongest, most consistent, and who is currently leading in kills and effective attacks.

• Know who to set in various situations. This knowledge comes from meetings with the coach, a game plan, and experience.

• Recognize the strongest blockers of the opposing team and be able to run an offense that is able to work around them.

• Determine what will be the most efficient set, combination, or offensive strategy in various rotations and situations.

• Setters must be a good psychologist knowing:

  • The most efficient way to motivate teammates

  • How to show confidence in players

  • How to radiate confidence * How to handle hitters

  • How to keep all players involved in the game

  • How to keep all players involved in the offense

• To eliminate confusion in the offense. The setter must communicate the plays before serve reception and free-ball situations.

• A setter must know all overlaps in serve receive, where you are supposed to be and where hitters and passers are supposed to be.

• A setter must be able to visually and verbally communicate with the coach during the match.

• A setter should be an extension of the coach’s attitude.

• A setter must be in control of her emotions at all times.

• A setter should seek feedback from hitters.

• A setter should have the attitude that “I can take any 5 players and we will find a way to win”

• A setter must be prepared to take every second ball. If other players get in your way, it is the setter’s responsibility to make it clear that you will set unless you call for help.

• There is no such thing as a bad pass. If a pass is not perfect, it is the setter’s responsibility to improve the team’s chances of scoring by making the best possible set.

• The setter should give the hitter a set which gives her the best opportunity for a kill.

• Know where the net is as she watches the ball in transition and be able to play any ball into or close to the net.

• Read the opposing attackers to be able to release at the opportune time.

• Have a defensive mindset. She knows she is just as responsible for the first ball as she is the second ball.

• Be able to take constructive criticism. She doesn’t take feedback personally and is always open to more.

The setter is the one player who everyone looks at between every play. She must be aware of her facial expressions, emotions, words, tone of voice, and the confidence she is or is not portraying at every moment.

The setter should be the fastest player on the court physically and mentally. She should be able to react quickly to the first and second ball. She should be able to think fast and make quick decisions.

The setter should be the smartest player on the court. She should know her team dynamics better than anyone and be able to make smart decisions in seconds’ time.

The setter should be the most emotionally stable player on the court. She is the rock, the constant. She never dwells on anyone’s mistakes, not even her own. She is able to look forward and always focus on the next play without extreme change of emotions. She is able to build confidence in her passers and her hitters throughout the game.

From the coach:

We are looking for a setter who is consistent physically, mentally, and emotionally. She is committed to the growth of her team and her individual game. She has immaculate ball control. She has mental strength and consistency. She is competitive and enjoys a challenge. She is positive and encouraging. Her presence on the court is one of leadership and confidence.

Varsity Setter Rubric