Setter in the Middle
Groups of 5 stand in a circle with one player in the middle acting as setter: they receive the ball from each player in the circle and set it back, turning to face them. It works on the overhead set, squaring the body to the target, and communication.
How to play
- Groups of 5: four stand on poly spots in a circle with a 10-foot radius, and one stands in the middle with a light ball (2 min).
- The middle player tosses or sets to the first player in the circle, who sends it back with a set or a bump; the middle player turns to face the next player and repeats.
- Before each touch, the receiver calls the middle player's name, and the middle player calls the name of the person receiving.
- Every 90 seconds, the middle player joins the circle and the next one steps in, until all five have been in the middle (8 min).
- Second round (4 min): the middle player chooses freely who to send to and must turn before touching; the group counts touches in a row without a drop.
- Finish (1 min): each group announces its best streak, and the class talks about how to turn so they set facing the target.
Rules
- The middle player's shoulders must face the receiver before setting.
- Circle players stay on their spot except to chase a ball that got away.
- Talk before the touch: the middle player's name and the receiver's name.
- If the ball drops, the group restarts the count with no blaming.
Variations
Easier
Circle players catch the ball and toss it to the middle player, who only sets.
Standard
Back-and-forth touches with the middle player turning and calling names.
Harder
Widen the circle to a 13-foot radius, and the middle player must self-set before sending.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: takes a spot in the circle and catches and tosses; the middle player moves within 6 feet for their sends.
- Shyness: the student starts in the circle and moves to the middle when ready; they can say the name quietly or point.
- Lower skill level: their group's circle shrinks to a 6-foot radius.
Learning goals
- Square the body to the target before setting.
- Adjust set force to a consistent distance.
- Communicate with teammates by using their names.
Equipment for a class of 25
- light balls: 5
- poly spots: 20
Teacher tip
Group students of similar skill so the ball keeps going. The turn is the key: if the middle player sets sideways, the ball sails off line.
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