Setting from deep in the court

Question
If my setter (or any player for that matter) is 12-15 ft. off the net taking a 2nd ball but hoping to set an outside hitter, how close to the net should I recommend they try to set the ball?  I've been teaching them to split the difference and try to hit there, but should I be asking for a set 1-3ft. off the net to get a kill?  I have under experienced high school girls.

Answer
Good evening Coach Josh:
It's great to hear from you.  Thank you for visiting us at www.allexperts.com.

a)  I think your advise is fine.  However, there are other options to consider.  :)

b)  Your setter can set a back row player.  In fact, I believe that's a better option.  A set that's coming from 12'-15' off will appear/feel to the back row player like a normal set, and with practice, can be crushed.  Whereas, a set coming to a front row player from 12'-15' off will be very difficult to hit with both force and accuracy.  The less experienced the hitter and setter, the less likely this will work well.....in fact, if both are young/inexperienced, it will result in at best a free ball for the opponents, and at worst an attacking error.  

c)  If you are committed to setting front row players, I'd like the set aggressiveness to be proportional to your setter's experience/mastery of the setting position.   :)   In other words, the younger & less experienced the setter, the more off and inside I'd prefer the set to be.  

d)  1' off?  Never. I call that a "closet set," and I think you know why.   :)  It's b/c it's so tight that it's like setting your hitter inside a closet (and we know where that spiked ball will end up.....right back in the hitter's face).  The only hitter who can be successful the 1' set is the one who is long enough to reach over the block.  All the other hitters just have to tip/poke/roll....in other words, save the rally.  I'd rather all sets be directed to the 3' off.  In this way, the sets that are a little tight or a little too far off can still be kept in play.  

What else can we do for you?  We will do a favor for me, and visit us at www.coachhouser.com.  Dec 1st is the day when we award site camps for 2013.  We directed 11 last summer, and can't wait to travel around the country next summer teaching the game we love.

Please contact us anytime.  Or you can email me directly at [email protected].  
Coach Houser