Setter and middle connection

What you need

Players

4 to 12 players

Time

8 to 15 min

Level

Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Ball cart

Ball fed by

The players

Space

A full court

Setup

1. A setter starts at the target, a middle starts behind the attack line, and a feeder stands in back court with a cart.
2. Other players shag from behind the far end line and rotate in as feeders and hitters. Work with each setter in turn.

How it runs

A feeder sends a pass-like toss to the setter. The middle approaches for a quick set in front of the setter and attacks into the far court. The setter adjusts to the pass; the hitter adjusts the start of the approach. Count attacks met at full reach without waiting in the air.

Time and reps: 8 to 15 minutes.

Coaching points

• Show the setter where you will take off.
• Keep the ball in front of the hitting shoulder.
• Reset the approach when the toss takes the setter off target.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Repeat the same toss to target until the setter and hitter agree on timing.

Make it harder

• Move the toss off target and have the pair decide whether the quick attack is still available.

Terms on this page

Quick set

A very low set the hitter meets fast, meant to beat the block. It can go anywhere along the net.

Attack line (10-foot line)

The line about 10 feet (3 m) from the net. Back row players take off from behind it when they attack.

Setter

The player who usually takes the second contact and sets the ball to a hitter.

Approach

The steps a hitter takes before jumping: a slow first step, then quicker steps into the jump.

Attack

Any hit that sends the ball at the other team, other than a serve or a block. A spike, a tip and a roll shot are all attacks.