8 Effective Volleyball Setting Drills: Improve Your Setting Skills

I’ve put together a list of my top volleyball setting drills because setting is one of the most important skills to have on the volleyball court. Whether you’re a setter or not, being able to set the ball accurately and consistently can make a big difference in the outcome of a game.

I’ll cover a variety of drills and exercises that will help you improve your overall skills. We’ll cover everything from triangle setting drills to blindfolded and multi-tasking drills. By the end of this article, you’ll have a whole arsenal of drills to choose from.

Table of Contents

What is Setting in Volleyball?

If you’re new to volleyball, you might wonder, “What is setting in volleyball?” It is a crucial skill in volleyball that involves accurately positioning the ball for a teammate to attack. Setting in volleyball typically done by the team’s designated setter, but any player on the court can set the ball if needed.

Setting in volleyball plays a critical role in helping a team score points. A good set can make it easier for a teammate to hit the ball over the net and past the opposing team’s defense. Without an accurate setting, it’s much harder to make powerful attacks and score points.

How to Set a Volleyball?

If you want to become a skilled volleyball player, mastering the primary technique for setting is essential. So, let’s dive into the basics of how to set a volleyball!

First, let’s start with the hand position. The ideal hand position for setting is with your fingers spread apart, forming a triangle shape with your thumbs and pointer fingers. You’ll want to position your hands above your forehead, with your elbows high and your wrists firm but flexible.
Next, footwork is key. As the ball is coming towards you, take a step towards the ball with your non-dominant foot and then a second step with your dominant foot. This helps you get into the proper position for setting.
As you make contact with the ball, push upwards with your fingers and follow through with your arms. Your goal is to position the ball accurately and consistently for your teammates to attack.

Now, let’s talk about some tips for improving your volleyball setting accuracy. One of the most important things you can do is to keep your eyes on the ball at all times. This helps you track the ball’s trajectory and position yourself accordingly. Additionally, focus on keeping your elbows high throughout the set..

Top Volleyball Setting Drills

Volleyball setting drills are crucial for any player looking to improve their setting skills. By working with these drills on a daily basis, you’ll be able to increase your accuracy, consistency, and overall performance on the court.

One of the key benefits of volleyball setting drills is that they help you develop muscle memory. As you practice setting the ball in various scenarios, your body will memorize the correct technique and movement patterns. This will make it easier for you to execute a successful set during a game, even under pressure.

Drill 1: Triangle Setting Drill

One of the most effective volleyball setting drills is the Triangle Setting Drill. This drill is designed to improve your setting accuracy, footwork, and overall technique. One of the important things to keep in mind during this drill is to focus on the ball at all times.

To start, set up three cones in the shape of a triangle, with each cone about 10 feet apart. Have a partner stand at each cone, ready to receive your sets.

Here’s how the drill works:

Begin by standing at the first cone and setting the ball to your partner at the second cone. Use proper technique, with your hands forming a diamond shape above your forehead and your elbows high.
Once your partner has received the ball, they’ll pass it back to you. You’ll then move to the second cone and set the ball to your partner at the third cone.
After your partner at the third cone receives the ball, they’ll pass it back to you again. This time, you’ll return to the first cone and repeat the drill.
Keep this pattern for multiple minutes, and focus on your footwork, hand position, and follow-through.

Drill 2: Wall Setting Drill

Another excellent setting drill that can really help you improve your skills is the Wall Setting Drill. As the name suggests, this drill involves using a wall to practice your setting technique and accuracy.

Here’s how the drill works:

Find a flat, smooth wall with a high ceiling, such as a gymnasium wall. Stand about 10 feet away from the wall, facing it.
Start by setting the ball against the wall with both hands, aiming to hit the spot about halfway up the wall. Use proper technique, with your hands forming a diamond shape above your forehead and your elbows high.
After the ball bounces back to you, set it again against the wall, this time aiming for a spot higher up on the wall. Continue to set the ball against the wall, each time aiming for a higher spot.
As you become comfortable with this, you can start to increase the speed of your sets. Start with controlled and slow pace, and gradually increase the speed.

One essential tip for success with this drill is to focus on your hand placement and follow through. Keep your hands in the diamond shape and your elbows high throughout the drill, and follow through with your hands after making contact with the ball.

Drill 3: Over-the-Net Setting Drill

This drill is great for simulating game-like scenarios where you need to set the ball over the net to your teammate. It’s important to practice this type of volleyball setting drills because it requires a higher level of skill and precision.

To start this drill, set up a net and divide your team into two groups. One group will be on one side of the net and the other group on the opposite side. The goal is to pass the ball back and forth over the net using only your hands.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for the drill:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
Hold your hands up in front of you with your fingers spread apart and thumbs touching to form a triangle shape.
Have a teammate on the opposite side of the net toss the ball to you.
Use your fingertips to direct the ball to your teammate on the other side of the net.
Your teammate will then set the ball back to you in the same manner.
Continue passing the ball back and forth over the net for a set amount of time or until a certain number of successful passes have been made.

Here are some tips for success during this drill:

Maintain a consistent hand position throughout the drill.
Use your fingertips to direct the ball, not your palms or wrists.
Communicate with your partner about where you want the ball to go.
Start with a slow and controlled pace and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Drill 4: Partner Setting Drill

Partner Setting Drill is a great way to practice your volleyball setting drills while building communication with your teammate. In this drill, your partner and you will be facing each other, with a net or line separating you.

Here’s how to do it:

Stand facing your partner, about an arm’s length away from each other.
One person starts with the ball and sets it to their partner, using proper hand position and footwork.
The partner then sets the ball back, aiming to keep it at the same height as the original set.
Continue setting the ball back and forth for a set amount of time or number of repetitions.
Once you feel comfortable with one hand, switch to the other and practice setting with your non-dominant hand as well.

Make sure to communicate with your partner throughout the exercise. Let them know if the set was too high or low or if it was difficult to reach. You can also vary the speed and location of the sets to challenge each other and improve your skills.

Drill 5: One-Handed Setting Drill

If you want to challenge yourself and improve your setting skills, try the one-handed drill! Here are some step-by-step instructions and tips for success:

Start with light warm-ups to prepare your body and mind for the drill.
Begin by tossing the ball with one hand and setting it with the other hand. Alternate hands for each set.
Make sure to maintain a consistent hand position and follow through.
Focus on setting the ball accurately to your partner, and gradually increase the speed and difficulty of the sets.
Repeat the drill several times, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn and improve!

Tips for success:

Practice your footwork and body positioning to ensure stability and balance.
Keep your eyes on the ball and use your non-dominant hand to guide the ball.
Stay relaxed and have fun with the drill – it’s a great way to challenge yourself and improve your setting skills!

Drill 6: Circle Setting Drill

In the Circle Setting Drill, you’ll form a circle with your teammates and pass the ball around. The goal is to set the ball to your teammates accurately and quickly while adjusting to the different angles and distances.

Step-by-step instructions for the drill:

Form a circle with your teammates and designate one person to start with the ball.
The person with the ball tosses it to someone else in the circle, who then sets it to the next person.
Keep passing the ball around the circle, alternating between sets and passes.
Vary the height and speed of the tosses to increase the level of challenge.
Repeat the drill for several rounds, with different people starting each time.

Tips for success:

Focus on your hand position and footwork to ensure a consistent set.
Encourage communication with your teammates to anticipate the ball’s trajectory.
Vary your practice of setting from different angles and distances to develop versatility.
Stay focused on the ball and avoid getting distracted by your surroundings.

Drill 7: Multitasking Setting Drill

In this drill, you’ll be practicing setting while also completing a secondary task. This secondary task can be anything that requires your attention, such as counting out loud, reciting the alphabet, or even doing jumping jacks! By forcing yourself to multitask, you’ll be training your brain to stay focused and react quickly.

Step-by-step instructions for the drill:

Start by standing in your setting position, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands in position to set.
Have a partner toss the ball to yourself.
As you set the ball, begin your secondary task. For example, you could count out loud, “1, 2, 3” or recite the alphabet.
Repeat the drill for several sets.

Tips for success:

Begin with an easy secondary task and gradually raise the difficulty level as you progress.
Concentrate on maintaining proper technique during the setting, even when doing the secondary task.
Always keep your eyes on the ball.
If you find it difficult at first, don’t be disheartened – the multitasking aspect is meant to be challenging! Just keep practicing, and you’ll get better over time.

Drill 8: Setter’s Transition Drill

As a setter, being able to transition from defense to offense quickly is crucial for keeping the momentum of the game on your team’s side. In this drill, you’ll start by standing at the back of the court, then move forward to the setter’s position to set the ball. You’ll then transition back to the defense position and repeat the sequence.

Step-by-step instructions for the drill:

Start at the back of the court, in the defensive position.
When the coach or partner tosses the ball, run forward to the setter’s position and set the ball to a designated target.
Immediately transition back to the defensive position and prepare yourself for the next ball.
Repeat this sequence for a designated amount of time or until a certain number of successful sets is achieved.

Tips for success:

Focus on moving quickly and efficiently between the positions.
Keep your hands and feet in position to make a clean and accurate set.
Communicate with your teammates to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Keep your energy level high to simulate an actual game situation.

So, that’s a wrap! We’ve covered some top volleyball setting drills that can help improve your skills and make you better. You can develop the necessary skills to help your team succeed by practicing these drills.

Remember, consistent practice is the key to success; these volleyball setting drills are no exception. Start with the basics and work your way up to more advanced drills. Don’t forget to focus on maintaining proper technique and form, and always communicate with your partner to ensure smooth and efficient play.