Purpose

Articles In This Section:

· The Setup

· Purpose

· Qualities Desired in the Player

· Mechanics of the Setup Position prior to set

· Contact with ball and follow-through

· Over-the-head set

· Other sets

· Technical Aspects and Strategy

· Conclusion

The sole purpose of the setup is to place the ball in position in relation to the net from which the most effective spike can be made. Whereas there is much difference of opinion as to what constitutes the best height, the best direction, the best distance from the net, the best arc of fall, and the best floor target for which the setter should aim his set, there can be little disagreement with the premise that the best set ball is the one which enables the spiker to make an effective spike. To enable the spiker to make an effective spike must be the intention of the set. The set is not the blow which obtains a point, and therefore must be considered a supporting play. A reasonable consistency in setting the ball in a position in relation to the net from which the most effective (not necessarily the hardest) spike can be made fulfills the purpose of the set. Strategy and application must not confuse this purpose. It should be pointed out that a team must vary the set intentionally when the blocking gets tough. A mixture of high and low sets and sets close and back from the net is necessary to overcome a good blocking team.²