Questions from the back row setter in training!

Question
hey coach,

I'm currently training to be a setter for my club team for next fall. I have a few general questions about running the 6-2 from a setters prespective.

1st: When is it appropriate to transition from the backrow, to the front row to set?

I feel like im always late, and can never run the middle because of this.

2nd: How can i get better at transitioning?

3rd: Im only 5-5 so obviously im going to be sub-ed out so, should i learn how to jump set? How can i get better at jump setting?

Thanks Coach,  your input is greatly appreciated!

Answer
Good afternoon!  

Welcome to www.allexperts.com!  I'm in Charlottesville Va, on the UVa campus, helping my stepd. in her first ever coaching endeavor!  I'm used to giving directions; but it's all right just sitting on the bench, helping people that I've never even met before.  

You asked great questions.  

1# When is it right to transition?

You leave your setting position when either (a) your right side have come off the net on a free ball and, thus, your spot is covered by her or (b) the ball has come over the net, and a teammates is taking it.  Some coaches will say, "No, you leave on a free ball when YOU say "FREE".  I disagree.  Suppose you holler "FREE!!!!", but your teammate is still standing at the net b/c she thinks she may be able to block the ball.  Does the setter run to the net?  NO!  She plays her position

There can be more than one reason you feel as though you're late.  (a) You could be spectating too long, after it's clear that the 1st contact is going to a teammate.  Thus, they're passing the ball to target, and you're still standing and watching.  (b) Your teammates could be passing too low and/or too far off target.  That will make you late w/o any fault of yours.  

2) Getting better.

Watch other girls.  Listen to me; but, more importantly, listen to your coaches and do what they say.  Think about it, don't just spectate...think! And play volleyball more and more.   That should do it.

3) Jump setting.

Every above-average setter, who plays back row, must jump set some.  It's nearly the only way you can save those tight passes.  And it's the best way.  The other options are most often rally-enders:  dropping and hoping to save the ball as it comes out of the net, or an illegal back row attack/block.  

Jump setting is like performing a "stick back" in basketball.  In basketball, the rebounder jumps, catches the ball, and lays it up before she hits the floor.  Jump setting is the same way:  jump, set, then land.  And how do you get good at it?  Doing it.  You can practice away from your team, by having someone make very easy tosses to you.  You will jump up, set the ball, then land on the floor.  

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I think that answers all your questions.  What else can we do for you?  I hope you'll have time to visit www.coachhouser.com!!  You'll enjoy the smiling faces, and you'll even want to attend of my NINE summer site camps in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Colorado!   

Later!
Coach Houser