Setter's Choice: Set the Raised Hand
The setter receives a pass and, at the last second, sees which hitter raises a hand and sets the ball to that player. Students practice front and back sets, peripheral vision, and making a late decision.
How to play
- Groups of 5 per half court: a passer in the back, a setter in the middle at the net, two hitters on the outside and right side, and a shagger (2 min).
- The passer tosses or bumps to the setter; while the ball is in the air, only one of the hitters raises a hand (5 min).
- The setter sends a high set to the hitter with the raised hand; the hitter catches it in the air or bumps it over the net.
- The group scores a point if the set lands within one step of the chosen hitter; count good sets in rounds of 10 (6 min).
- Rotate every round: passer to left hitter, to setter, to right hitter, to shagger, and back to passer (7 min).
Rules
- The hitter raises a hand only once the ball is on its way to the setter, not earlier.
- The setter keeps their eyes on the ball and uses peripheral vision to see the hitters.
- Hitters don't swing hard: they catch or send the ball softly over.
- Wait until the other court is clear before sending the ball over the net.
Variations
Easier
The hitter raises a hand before the pass, and the setter may catch and throw with two hands.
Standard
The hand goes up during the pass and the setter uses an overhead set.
Harder
Add a third hitter in the middle for a quick set, and raise the hand when the ball is almost in the setter's hands.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student is a hitter who signals and rates the accuracy of the set.
- Visual impairment: the hitter calls "Here!" instead of raising a hand.
- Lower fitness level: set to arm's-length height without requiring the hitter to jump.
Learning goals
- Set the ball forward and backward accurately.
- Choose where to set based on a late signal.
- Face the left side of the court before setting.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyballs: 10
- net: 1
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Ask the setter to beat the ball to the spot and always face the outside hitter; that makes the back set come naturally. If too many sets miss, give the signal a bit earlier.
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