Purpose
This activity helps players learn to read the setter to anticipate where sets will go.
Setup
- Position 1 setter and 3 hitters on one side of the net. All remaining players line up on the opposite side.
- Coach stands behind setter with a basket of balls.
How it works
- Coach tosses the ball to setter who either sets left, right, middle, backrow or dumps the ball over the net and the corresponding hitter hits.
- All remaining players point as soon as possible toward the left, right middle, or at the floor for a dump, trying to anticipate where the setter will place the ball.
- After tossing, 15-20 balls to the setter, switch out the setter and hitters.
Coaching Tips
- Emphasize that reading the setter can give blockers and coverage extra time to defend.
- After doing this drill for a while, shift to having the team actually block and cover while continuing to emphasize the importance of reading the setter.