Setter playing back row in a 5-1 offense

Question
QUESTION: We play 5-1 rotation. When the setter is in the back row, what should she do when the 3 in the front row go to block? Is it better for her to go up to the net, but not block (as that is illegal)? Or is it best for her to stay back and catch tips?

Thanks for your help!
Natasha

ANSWER: Hey Natasha!  Welcome to www.allexperts.com!

OK, I'm assuming that you're a female volleyball player, and not the coach.  If I'm wrong, then let me know.

FIRST, do whatever your coach tells you to do.  The coach has a plan.  If your parents or I tell you something different, don't do it unless it just reinforces what your coach has already told you.  NO NEVER LISTEN TO PARENTS, TEAMMATES or ME.  Do what your coach says do always.  


SECOND, this is what I expect my setter to do when she's in the back row.  (a) When the other team is attacking, it's useless to stand at the net!  (b) If the other team is attacking, it's illegal to jump over the height of the net and touch the attack.  (For it to be illegal, the back row blocker must be reaching over the net AND touch the ball.)  Therefore, my setter digs.  Good setters are good diggers.  A setter who can't dig has a deficiency in her game.  And, if she digs, the coach has a plan regarding who takes the 2nd hit.  It's OK for a setter to take the 1st hit. In fact on some teams, the setter digs more balls than anyone else.  

I hope that this helps. If you have more questions, please let me know!  But once again, do what your coach says.  

Have a great day!  Hope you have great practices this week!  My team practices on Wed and Thurs.  You can see us on my team's website at www.coachhouser.com

Coach Houser

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes sir, I am the coach. I am young, yes, and I coach high school girls. :)

Thank you for your help. This was what I was thinking, just wanted to make sure I was on track.

Thank you very much!
Natasha

Answer
Good morning!

In my opinion, you are 100% on the right track.  Setters MUST dig.  They must be good diggers for your team to be the best it can be.

Are you coaching a club team right now, or does this question linger from fall high school ball?  Please contact me if there's anything else I can do for you.

And if you're interested in an inexpensive, yet fun and intense site camp for your girls, my staff and still have weeks open.  Just check out the 2010 Site Camp page at www.coachhouser.com.

Have a great week!
Tom