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Learn to Set a Volleyball

Learning the Basics - Getting Ready to Set

From John Thomas, for About.com

Getting Ready to Set

Getting ready to Set!

Scott Hammon
By the book it is called an overhead pass unless it is actually being set to the spiker on the second hit.  Other than a name, setting and an overhand pass are identical.  Setting is one of the easiest volleyball skills to do, yet the hardest to master.

As passing goes, it is much easier to control and direct your pass with an overhand pass than the forearm pass, or bump. Absolute to a successful set is getting set up under the ball. Set up in the ready position with your feet a comfortable distance apart, usually shoulder-width, and stride of each other (or one in front, one in back). This is so you can quickly shift your weight forward and backward. Many setters make the mistake of keeping their feet online with their shoulders. Keep your head up. Your knees should be bent and elbows bent and out.  Hands are raised about a half a foot up and away from your forehead.  Your hands should turned outward so that your thumbs and pointy finger form a diamond. This can be used as a guide by looking at the ball through this diamond.

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