Volleyball training for kids: Teaching the fundamentals of setting
By Ruth N. Nelson
By Ruth N. Nelson
Setting is one of volleyball’s fundamental skills and can be introduced to children as young as 5. For beginners, it’s best to start with catch-and-set techniques to build proper habits. Using different ball types, like tennis balls and soft volleyballs, helps develop hand-eye coordination and movement skills. Drills like those used for passing can be adapted for setting practice since both skills share common movement patterns. Parental involvement is crucial; parents and players learn key terminology, skill analysis, and self-correction techniques together. Our program has fostered a supportive learning environment with parent-child pairs training together for over four years.
Overhead passing or setting is essential in the pass-set-spike sequence for a successful attack. Even a bad pass can be turned into a “kill” with an excellent set. The athlete forms a triangle with their fingers and thumbs around the ball above the forehead, with thumbs not touching. The elbows point slightly forward, the feet are shoulder-width apart, the right foot slightly forward, the knees slightly bent, and the body leans forward. Eyes are focused on the ball. The player receives the ball with hands on the outside, then extends the knees and straightens the arms to follow through.
To review proper catch and set, start with catching and setting back to a partner. Partners and players should catch and set based on their skills and progress, using movements like the left-to-right shuffle, short and deep shuffle, and cross-court catch/set shuffle. Combinations like pass/catch and set can begin with partners tossing under the net to player 1, while player 2 is at the net, ready to catch. For younger players, toss the ball and let it bounce, then catch and set it over the net to work on tracking it. Modify drills according to age, strength, and coordination.
For progression, toss two-handed underhand between players, ensuring hands and body are in the correct setting position. Coaches should train setters by having them receive passes in various positions and set to the left and right front positions. This includes technique training, training for moving into position, and training for sets near the net and in the backcourt.
When players get stronger and more coordinated, they will begin to set the ball rather than using the catch-and-set technique. Remember, teaching good body mechanics in setting is crucial, as it becomes challenging to change a player’s technique as they get older and stronger. Coaches should emphasize underhand passing for kids who are not yet strong enough to set at least 5-10 feet above the net. Players not ready for overhead setting should focus on being consistent with their underhand passing technique.
Key considerations for effective setting
Final thoughts
Effective setting in volleyball requires a combination of proper hand positioning, solid footwork, coordinated arm mechanics, the use of leg power, and consistent focus on the ball. By mastering these key considerations, setters can enhance their accuracy, control, and consistency, ultimately contributing to more successful offensive plays and a stronger team performance.
For a short overview on what to emphasize when teaching young players to set, watch the video above.
For a comprehensive course on teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11, check out Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website.
Ruth Nelson is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 24 years, she has focused on and created innovative programs for ages 10 and under that engage parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
Overhead passing or setting is essential in the pass-set-spike sequence for a successful attack. Even a bad pass can be turned into a “kill” with an excellent set. The athlete forms a triangle with their fingers and thumbs around the ball above the forehead, with thumbs not touching. The elbows point slightly forward, the feet are shoulder-width apart, the right foot slightly forward, the knees slightly bent, and the body leans forward. Eyes are focused on the ball. The player receives the ball with hands on the outside, then extends the knees and straightens the arms to follow through.
To review proper catch and set, start with catching and setting back to a partner. Partners and players should catch and set based on their skills and progress, using movements like the left-to-right shuffle, short and deep shuffle, and cross-court catch/set shuffle. Combinations like pass/catch and set can begin with partners tossing under the net to player 1, while player 2 is at the net, ready to catch. For younger players, toss the ball and let it bounce, then catch and set it over the net to work on tracking it. Modify drills according to age, strength, and coordination.
For progression, toss two-handed underhand between players, ensuring hands and body are in the correct setting position. Coaches should train setters by having them receive passes in various positions and set to the left and right front positions. This includes technique training, training for moving into position, and training for sets near the net and in the backcourt.
When players get stronger and more coordinated, they will begin to set the ball rather than using the catch-and-set technique. Remember, teaching good body mechanics in setting is crucial, as it becomes challenging to change a player’s technique as they get older and stronger. Coaches should emphasize underhand passing for kids who are not yet strong enough to set at least 5-10 feet above the net. Players not ready for overhead setting should focus on being consistent with their underhand passing technique.
Key considerations for effective setting
- Hand positioning and shape: Form a triangle with the fingers and thumbs around the ball above the forehead, with thumbs not touching. This creates a stable and controlled setting platform.
- Footwork and body alignment: Maintain feet shoulder-width apart, with the right foot slightly forward. Keep the knees slightly bent and the body leaning forward to ensure balance and readiness to move.
- Elbow and arm mechanics: Keep elbows slightly forward and use a smooth, controlled motion to follow through with straightened arms, directing the ball accurately to the target.
- Use of legs for power: Incorporate leg strength into the setting motion by extending the knees. This adds power and height to the set, making it easier for hitters to execute an attack.
- Consistent eye contact with the ball: Always focus on the ball to improve hand-eye coordination and timing, ensuring precise and accurate sets.
Final thoughts
Effective setting in volleyball requires a combination of proper hand positioning, solid footwork, coordinated arm mechanics, the use of leg power, and consistent focus on the ball. By mastering these key considerations, setters can enhance their accuracy, control, and consistency, ultimately contributing to more successful offensive plays and a stronger team performance.
For a short overview on what to emphasize when teaching young players to set, watch the video above.
For a comprehensive course on teaching volleyball to kids aged 4-11, check out Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website.
Ruth Nelson is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 24 years, she has focused on and created innovative programs for ages 10 and under that engage parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
For an entire program, parents, teachers, coaches, and directors can enlist the help of Ruth N. Nelson, Founder of BYOP® and GoKids Youth Sports, who has amassed over 50 years of volleyball experience and expertise at all levels.
Youth Program Directors, Coaches, and Parents are encouraged to take Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website. Click this LINK BYOP® 101 for the four fundamental skills. And click this LINK for the Home Training Program Series™.
Also, Register to Become a GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer online or in person. Click HERE for more information and to register.
About the Author
Ruth is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 24 years, Ruth has focused on and created the most innovative program for ages 10 and under that engages parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
Youth Program Directors, Coaches, and Parents are encouraged to take Ruth Nelson’s BYOP® 101 and Home Training Program Series™ Online Courses, available on the Art of Coaching Volleyball website. Click this LINK BYOP® 101 for the four fundamental skills. And click this LINK for the Home Training Program Series™.
Also, Register to Become a GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer online or in person. Click HERE for more information and to register.
About the Author
Ruth is a former USA Team player, teacher, and coach at the collegiate, national, and professional levels. For the past 24 years, Ruth has focused on and created the most innovative program for ages 10 and under that engages parents alongside their children in training (Bring Your Own Parent Program – BYOP®) as well as the GoKids Youth Sports™ Certification program and the 24/7 Virtual RNN Sports Gym™.
