Q&A for How to Set a Volleyball

Try to use your legs more, this will help get more power into your set without snapping your wrists as much.

You spike a volleyball by simply smacking the ball. You want your hand to wrap around the ball while spiking it so open up your fingers. As you're doing this you need to flick you wrist down so that the ball doesn't go flying up. In sum, measure the ball, stretch your arm ALL THE WAY UP, smack the ball with your fingers OPEN, and flick your wrist in a downwards motion.

You should set the ball right in front of them. If you set it behind the hitter’s shoulder, they will have to move in the middle of the attack, decreasing the power of the hit.

You can tip it over to catch the other team off guard or squat bellow the net and wait for the ball to roll down. Make sure that you don't touch the net, either way.

Usually a proper set will have little to no sound. Be sure to somewhat absorb the hit with your fingertips while setting.

You should pass like a normal pass, but instead of passing it to the setter, pass it to the hitter.

You should always have your hands ready and always be focused on the ball so that this will not happen. If the ball does hit you in the face, you will probably be permitted to leave the game to attend to your injuries.

Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand. Make a fist with your dominant hand. Swing that hand backward, then forward and up until it hits the ball upward and forward.

Quicksets are only set to the middle, or the 2 position, on the court. It helps to be a couple feet away from the middle you are going to set. Set the ball high enough so it's about a foot and a half above the net; this way, the hitter will be able to quickly hit the ball down.

If, when you are setting, the ball comes down onto your finger and causes the pain, then that's when you know you are setting it wrong. Keep your fingers relaxed but strong while you set, and make sure to use the pads of your fingers, not the very tip of your fingers, which could be pushing down on the joints to cause the pain.

Make sure your extending both your arm and legs. Act as if your pushing something and extend your hand and fingers out towards the target.

The rules regarding setting have evolved in recent years. Your best bet is to have your coach explain how the officials in your league are likely to view setting and carrying.

Yes! Definitely! I am only 5'6", and I am one of the best hitters on the team. All in all, it's not height so much that matters, more so your technique (although height does help a bit).

Yes. However, reps are not a good way to learn things in volleyball. Try setting a hitter instead. If you don't have anyone to set, set against a wall or use something on the floor as a target.

If you're talking about bumping the ball, all you do is bend your knees, keep your feet shoulder-wide apart, and fold one hand in the other. Try to land the ball right in the middle of your wrists. Swing your arms up or to whatever direction you're hitting.

Right behind the back right line is where most players serve. It’s called “Zone 1,” and defensive specialists and setters play in that zone.

You should have your knees bent and your arms on a slight angle so that you can push the ball out.

You use a overhead set when the ball is coming around the height of where your head is or above. You use a bump pass when it’s the same height as your shoulder or below.

When the ball makes contact with your hands, you should push your arms. As your arms push out, your wrists should do the same. Imagine them as making a popping motion outwards.

If you are a setter, you are trying to "set" someone up for a hit. To do this, set it somewhere between the net and the attack line, with enough height to allow your teammate to hit it over the net.

You back up after the first contact of the ball on your side. So when a person is digging the ball and the setters going to pass it to the hitter you should already be backing up.

You can use a jump set to give you more power when you set. Most times it is preferable to use a jump set when you are farther away from the hitter.

If the ball is too far above and behind you to get into position to bump it, a set is your best chance at keeping it up.

You should seek medical attention, though in the meantime you can follow the steps in Wrap a Sprained Thumb .

You mean Libero. Yes, the Libero cannot contact the ball above the height of the net, even if it does not go over. Other players in the back row cannot attack the ball if they touch it over the height of the net unless they jump before the attack line.

You just have to hit the ball right in the middle -- do not move your hand downwards like when you spike. The advantage is that the ball moves in a zig zag pattern, which makes it hard for the defender to receive.

It varies. Bump the ball if you find you won't be able to get under it efficiently and you feel you need something more secure. Bumping is usually easier to control, but again, it varies by player and level of comfort. Set the ball if you have "good hands" and are more likely not to get a carry. You wouldn't want to risk that if you're not sure you'd be able to get a good handle on it. If it's over your head, let the back row get it and get ready to either cover or hit.

Yes, as it gives you more power. Make sure the ball is high enough to hit before you jump.

In general, the index finger and thumb are the most used in setting. Your other fingers are more or less there for guidance. Sometimes, when you are setting a 4, you would also use your middle finger to push it outside.

You are most likely poking at the ball. When setting, start out with "ballerina fingers." Ballerina fingers are where you start with your fingers relaxed waiting for the ball. When the ball comes, let your fingers go back with the ball. Try catching the ball, then setting it.