Making Good Setting Decisions in Volleyball

Introduction

• Presented by Coach Donnie, elevateyourself.org
• Focus: Making good setting decisions to maximize scoring and exploit opponent's weaknesses
• Preliminary: Check out fundamental setting tutorial videos
• Volleyball gear recommendation: Allvolleyball store (Discount code for 5% off and free shipping over $75)

Importance of Setting Decisions

• Critical for distinguishing good setters from great setters
• Personal experience with setters Daniel Yang and Ryan Bridge
• Good setting decisions are as crucial as setting execution

Building a Solid Foundation

• Develop a mental checklist to go through before each point
• Practice to make decision-making quicker

Step-by-Step Guide to Good Setting Decisions

Step 1: Identify the Garbage Man/Woman

• Reliable hitter who always handles the ball well
• Useful in emergency situations
• Not necessarily the most powerful hitter

Step 2: Identify the Hot Hitter

• Recognize which player has been performing well recently (last 3-4 points)
• Set hot hitters more often until opponent adjusts
• Utilize if no player stands out

Step 3: Evaluate Matchups

• Compare height: Taller blockers usually more effective
  • Good matchup: Tall hitter vs. shorter blocker
  • Bad matchup: Short hitter vs. taller blocker
• Experience: Match experienced hitters against inexperienced blockers
• Speed: Use fast hitters against slow blockers

Step 4: Deception and Multi-point Strategy

• Establish middle quick attack early
• Goal: Get hitters one-on-one
• Use middle blocker to fake out opposing middle blocker
• Setting against the flow
  • Opponent blockers typically follow ball direction
  • Creates distance for the middle blocker to travel
• Plan for the next 3-4 points to outsmart the opponent
  • Example strategy:
    • Point 1: Set middle (get a kill)
    • Point 2: Fake middle, set outside hitter
    • Point 3: Set outside hitter again if the middle follows
    • Point 4: Set right side on the assumption that the middle will cover both middle and outside

Summary

• Four steps to good setting decisions:
  1. Identify the garbage man
  2. Identify the hot hitter
  3. Evaluate matchups
  4. Use deception and multi-point strategy
• Take 15-20 seconds between each point for the checklist
• Practice makes the decision-making process easier

Additional Information

• Upcoming online bodyweight jump camp starting January 6, 2021
• Includes bodyweight exercises via Zoom
• Opportunity to improve vertical jump

Closing Remarks

• Comments section open for future tutorial suggestions
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• Thank you for watching!