Proper volleyball setting technique?

Question

My daughter's HS volleyball coach is requiring setters to set without the ball touching their thumbs. Is this a common technique? Is it widely used in other high schools, Junior Olympics, or college programs?

What are the advanatges of not using your thumb vs. using thumbs when setting?

Answer 1

Setting without the use of your thumbs is very unorthodox, but could be very beneficial in the long run. During a game, using your thumbs the arch of your hand is crucial for an accurate set, but your daughter's coach is probably trying to build strength and develop a good feel in the other eight digits. Being a college player myself, I come across balls that i have to set "off the mark" and need to get my other fingers involved to make the play

Answer 2

I think you are being mis-informed. I see no possible way to set a ball without using your thumbs.
If you don't set with your thumbs, it will have to hit your other four fingers (each hand). Obviously. However, there is no finger to "settle into" as where the thumb would be the one to do this. Hitting only the other four fingers will most likely cause a "swatting" technique where the wrists break. This will most likely cause spin on the ball upon release and therefore, may be called for a double often.

Answer 3

What?! Did someone misunderstand the coach? Some set using pads of fingers including thumb pad. To have a soft touch set there is a way to absorb and cradle the ball using part thumb and first couple of fingers (without carrying it). Are you saying set as if there were no thumbs there?! That is rediculous. Find out if someone misunderstood what the coach was saying. I find it hard to believe he is coaching high school and giving this type of instruction.

Answer 4

They usually also tell you to set a volleyball like you're holding a jug of water, & don't think you can do that w/o thumbs..You're supposed to hold back on using your thumbs unless youre hitting it hard across the net then you probably are going to have to use your thumbs for extra strength, using thumbs also increases the chance of the ball going backwards

Answer 5

Mold your hands first, try putting your hands on your hips, then keeping the shape place them out in front of you, then up directly above your forehead, you should be looking through a "diamond". Your thumbs should point towards your eyes. Notice that your hands should be in the shape of the volleyball. When setting, use mainly your index and thumb to control and direct, the rest just to cradle. Push out your index and thumb when contacting the middle/bottom of the ball. When you finish setting your index and thumb should be pointing away from you. Try keeping your right foot in front, if right handed, if not left. And lastly, square up to the net and face your target! PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT GOOD LUCK !! =]

Answer 6

It is a very common technique! I was a setter myself! If you use your thumb you have more control over the ball and better technique! There is thing rule called carrying It is when you kinds hold the ball. If you use your thumbs the ball can bounce back out of your hands with out you getting called on for carrying! Tell her to use the thumbs! Wish her GOOD LUCK for me!!!!

Answer 7

Setting without using your thumbs is definitely much more difficult and harder to control, i would guess that he just wants her to set without her thumbs in practice to strengthen her thumbs, but not in games, because that would affect her ability to set. Is it possible that he only wants her not to use her thumbs when she backsets?

Answer 8

The only thing I can think of is as an exercise to build strength or "pop". Otherwise, using your thumbs is crucial for accurate passing.

Answer 9

I went to a camp at a college and they said to have superman hands and to keep your thumbs back... push up with your feet to have power on the ball

Answer 10

ive never heard of not using your thumb, i live in southern california where volleyball is a huge sport. use your thumb. its better.