Quicksets with Kenzie: Questions from Forums

"Actions speak louder than coaches." --Unknown


There are tons of questions floating around out there in forums, so here are my answers to some of them.



Question: My opposite or right side can pass and hit from the right but is not the most reliable setter on the setter-out option. Should I then keep my setter virtually hidden during defense and utilize my right side in her place all of the time?

Answer: Being a setter myself, I'll be the first to admit that I'd rather break to the net than play defense. However, playing defense is imperative. I suggest one of the following:

1) Teach the right side how to set or bump set.

2) Have the setter pass the ball tight enough to the net so that the right side can hit on two.

3) Have the middle blocker set instead of the right side (provided he/she has decent hands). Doing this also splits the defense, putting pressure on the opposite middle blocker.

Question: I have read some books on what setters should take notice on during a match. Two important strategies I picked up from this book is (1) observe who the weakest or shortest blocker is and (2) set away from the blockers. I have problems understanding #2. Can someone help elaborate? Strategies and Advice would help too.

Answer: An experienced setter can see the block on the other side of the net. For example, if the opposite middle commits and jumps on your "1," set the outside or the right side attacker so that they can swing on only one block as opposed to two. If you're having problems seeing the other middle, try to be smart with your sets. Establish your middle blocker first and then run them on numerous plays to split the blockers, such as running a "3" and a "4" and then setting the "5." This play will cause the other middle to lean to the left, so you'll have a better chance of splitting the block when you set the "5."

Question: I am 5'2" and it is really hard for me to hit a good spike because I am too short. Is there any way I can improve my jump so that my spikes aren't horrible?

Answer: Doing plyometric exercises will help to increase your vertical jump. Personally, I worked with a speed coach for 7 months and increased my vertical by 7 inches, roughly an inch a month. Also, as a short attacker, learning a variety of shots is essential. In all honesty, though, you should focus on defense because if you want to play in college, you will most likely be playing either libero or defensive specialist.

Question: I play outside and opposite … One of the setters on my team sets outside too low sometimes, and too short and high, and sometimes it isn't clear who she is setting. I tried to talk to her about it, and she asked me if I knew how hard setting is. All I want is a more consistent set that will actually let me hit the ball instead of having to free-ball it over. What can I do?

Answer: This is somewhat of a touchy question. Being a setter, I will openly say that it is the most mentally (and often, barring the middle blocker, most physically) demanding position on the court. The inconsistent sets could be due to bad passing, or the setter might just not be good enough to be consistent. Whatever the case, confronting her/him about it will not solve the problem. Personally, I get annoyed when hitters tell me what was wrong with my set after a horrible pass. If the pass was a good one, though, and I messed it up, I take full blame. No matter the case, it always seems to be the setter's fault. Thus, try to be positive with your setter. Tell her/him when you get a good set with a "Nice set!" or "Great job!" Telling the setter it was a bad set will typically result in not getting set for the rest of the match.

Question: I've used a 2 step approach to hit quicks for my entire volleyball career; however recently a new coach of mine told me to use a 3 step. As a result, my timing has been screwed up. I've researched the proper quick set approach and all sources suggest the 2 step. Is my coach wrong, or should I continue using a 3 step?

Answer: The short answer is if you want to play, use the three-step. Do what your coach asks of you. The two-step is much faster, but typically one jumps higher and hits harder with the three-step. I recommend trying the three-step out this season. You never know.. you could end up loving it.

Question: I'm currently a libero on varsity. I want to get better and be great but I have when there's a hard hit and I try to set it because it's too high to pass. It usually just rolls off my fingers and goes backwards. What can I do?

Answer: Many people confuse setting with the defensive overhand dig. First off, a set (the second contact) must be clean. The overhand dig, on the other hand, can rotate. Trying to set a hit will not work unless you have strong hands or you are a setter. For non-setters, though, getting your feet behind the ball is imperative. Use your body to stop the momentum and turn it toward the target. Inexperienced players tend to try to rely solely on arm-strength, and on a good hard hitter, this will not work. Just get behind the ball and direct it to the target without trying to make it "pretty."

And remember, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

Kenzie Aries