Discover Volleyball Setter Plays: Explore Various Sets and Their Numbers

Volleyball is a fast-paced and exciting team sport that requires players to be skilled in a variety of areas. One of the most important players on the court is the setter, who is responsible for distributing the ball to their teammates so they can spike it over the net.

There are many different setter plays that can be used in volleyball, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore some of the most common setter plays and their numbers.

Left Side Setter Plays


4: A high ball set right out to the sticks on the left side of the court.
Hut: A slightly faster tempo, lower arching outside set.
Go: An even faster “2nd step” tempo outside attack.
Rip/32: A slightly shorter and quicker outside high ball set between positions 4 and 3.

Middle Setter Plays

1: A standard quick set to the middle blocker in front of but close to the setter.
Push 1: A quick set slightly to the left of center, going further left than a standard 1.
Shoot/3: A quick attack pushed even further to the left of the setter than a Push 1.
Back 1: Identical to a “1” except that it’s run behind the setter and not in front of them.
Slide: An attack where the MB begins in the middle or left of the court but runs to the right side to hit the ball.
2: A high ball set to the front middle of the court.

Right Side Setter Plays

Back 2: A set directly behind the setter to the right side attacker.
5: A high ball set out to the sticks on the right side of the court.
Red: A lower, faster tempo version of a 5.

Back Row Setter Plays

Pipe: A back row attack through the center of the court.
D: A right side attack from the back row.
A: A spike from the back left.
B: A hit from between positions 6 and 5.
C: A hit from between positions 6 and 1.

Combination Plays

X Combo Play: A combination play involving the middle blocker and one of the wing spikers.
Double Quick Combo Play: A combination play run by both the middle blocker and opposite hitter.
Memorize the Setter Hand Signals

Each setter play has a corresponding hand signal that the setter will use to indicate to their teammates what play they want them to run. It is important for all players to be familiar with these hand signals so that they can execute the plays correctly.

Here are some tips for improving your setter skills:

Practice setting to all of your different hitting zones.
Learn how to set different types of balls, including high balls, low balls, and quick sets.
Develop communication with your hitters so that you can be on the same page about the plays that you are running.
Be able to read the defense and adjust your sets accordingly.
With practice, you can become a skilled setter who can help your team win matches.

FAQ(S)



Q: What is the most important setter play?

A: The most important setter play is the one that is most effective against the opposing team’s defense. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best setter play will vary depending on the specific situation. However, some of the most common and effective setter plays include the quick set, the high ball set, and the back set.

Q: How do setters choose which play to run?

A: Setters choose which play to run based on a variety of factors, including the following:

  • The location of the opposing team’s blockers.
  • The strengths and weaknesses of their own hitters.
  • The score of the game and the situation on the court.

Setters need to be able to read the game and make quick decisions in order to choose the best play for their team.

Q: What are some common mistakes that setters make?

A: Some common mistakes that setters make include:

  • Not setting a high enough ball.
  • Not setting a ball with enough accuracy.
  • Not communicating effectively with their hitters.
  • Not being able to read the defense.

Setters can avoid these mistakes by practicing regularly and by working on their communication and decision-making skills.

Q: How can I improve my setter skills?

A: There are a number of things you can do to improve your setter skills, including:

  • Practice setting to all of your different hitting zones.
  • Learn how to set different types of balls, including high balls, low balls, and quick sets.
  • Develop communication with your hitters so that you can be on the same page about the plays that you are running.
  • Be able to read the defense and adjust your sets accordingly.