Is the setter the most important position?

Question
I know all positions are important in their own way but I have always been told  in volleyball the setter is the most important.  Is this true?  Also, if a person is moved from an outside hitter to a back row or libero does that mean their kills are not as good if they have always been an outside hitter.
Thank you,


Answer
Good evening and welcome to www.allexperts.com.  I'm glad you dropped by.  

First, setting isn't the most important skill!  The most important skill is returning serve.  The 2nd most important is serving.  Setting is third.

However, the setter may be the one most single position.  I have no argument with that.  On most teams, if an OH or MB goes down, the team can continue to play at close to the same level.  But if the starting setter is sick or injured, it's very hard for the team to play at the same level.  

Your second question:  ANYONE can learn to hit from the back row.  So a girl who's been hitting front row can hit just as well as a back row player......if she's small, she'll hit even better, b/c she doesn't have that net and those blockers so close to her.  Now, most back row players won't get as many sets, so they won't have as many kills.  And some people think that back row hitting is harder to master.  However, if a person is a good hitter and good athlete, then their hits can be just as effective!  

If you have any other questions, please contact me.  And please visit me at www.coachhouser.com.  I think you'll like the smiling faces.