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Use of a Small Setter

Introduction:

We all face the situation where one of our more talented athletes is a small setter and blocking is not her forte. So we must try to compromise for this lack of ability with tactics that can help the team.

Tactics:

1. Late Blocking

   If blocking then blocking should be later – this setter should not try to 'stuff' block the ball but try to 'deflect' the ball. To do this jumping is usually later so the athlete is still rising when the ball is contacted. The hope is for the opponent hitter to hit the ball down, instead of deep, thus into the little blocker's hands. If we have them jumping early, like that of an 'attack' blocker' then they usually are on their way down and not effective in the block.

2. Hands – Open and Back

   The hands should not attempt to break the plane of the net. The hands should be open and relaxed with wrists slightly bent. Sometimes the hand can be even with the shoulders or even behind. This is what teams call a 'safety' or 'soft' block. The attempt is to deflect the ball so a 'continuation' occurs.

3. Coverage of Balls Around or Off the Block

   The blocker should be prepared to take balls that are deflected into the net and recover them away from the net to the center of the court. Balls that are tipped close to the block can be handled, below the waist, to the outside of the block. The more territory that can be covered then it will help the overall defense.

4. Use of the Arms – 'Swing Block'

   For a blocker that is closer to being able to assist in the block then if they use a 'side' approach along the net with their arms swung to the side before turning into the block another 3-5 inches can be found (7 – 12 cm). In some cases the if net touches occur because of the arm movement try to shorten it so there is a dropping of the elbows and a 'rotation' to help time the movement towards the block. The footwork is either a 'crossover' with rotation or a 'slide' movement where the shoulders are more 'square' or 'parallel' to the net.

5. Use of 6 & 1 to Cover Defensively with Tip Coverage by #4

   If the blocker is blocking balls still can come over the block. A tactic is to rotate position #6 to be in the 'seem' or 'behind' the block with #1 also staying deep to help dig the hard line ball. Position #4 blocker can slide under the block to cover any tips or deflected balls that come to the court. You give away the sharp attack to the 4 position on 2 the court. Front row blockers pay more attention to the closeness of the ball to the net and prevention of X-court attacks. If ball is close to the net then they try to cover the ball.

6. When You Serve

   When serving you can move the smaller blocker to the left side position. This sometimes allows better blocking to occur, especially if you can match up the opponent's setter also being in the front row and not many 'slides' are being run. The front row left side blocker and the setter should 'fake' that they are staying in their positions and then switch, thus putting a taller blocker against the opponent's power attacker. Defensively, if the attack goes the way you have planned you can bring the setter underneath the block to cover tips (same as #4 sliding underneath in #5.). Setter is then close to step into the setting position. Other attackers run high to the right side and perhaps, quick to the Center. Practice this movement in training so the players can know what they do if play should continue. What if the setter has to dig the tip – who then sets, etc.

7. Big Blocker

   You can bring in a big blocker for the smaller setter but his usually lasts only one play, unless that big blocker is a good setter. Make sure your team knows who will set the ball if dug in the back row.

8. Double Substitution

   This can work once in each match – usually at a point where you need good attack and block. You can bring another setter in the back row for the right side player and an front row attacker for the smaller setter. This will last for 3 rotations and longer if you feel you have that capability to continue. However, 4 substitutions are used quickly, when you take them out of the match. You only have 2 left. Good luck with some of these tactics but remember you have to prepare for them by training before you put it into the match.

L. Sawula.