Knowing beach volleyball setting techniques is critical in mastering the sport. Hi, I am Stein Metzger, 2004 beach volleyball Olympian, a three time NCAA champion setter, NCAA MVP at UCLA and a two time Manhattan Beach Open champion. I am originally a Hawaii native and was recruited to UCLA straight out of high school at the age of 18. When learning how to set a volleyball there are six important steps you must remember which I will demonstrate to you in the following videos.
In order to accomplish this you must first learn the fundamentals and be able to properly execute the steps to a proper set. Mastering the set is tiring and time consuming but once you’ve mastered it, the feeling of accomplishment is so great that every minute of practice suddenly becomes worth it.
You can get all of these six videos where I discuss the crucial parts of beach volleyball setting by being a member of volleyball1on1.
Beach Volleyball Setting – Footwork (Video 1)
When learning setting footwork on the beach it is crucial that you remember to place yourself in a neutral position between yourself, your partner and the net. When your partner passes the ball you must be ready to step into the ball and set straight ahead. To practice I recommend that you start by practicing the steps and the positioning without the ball. Once ready have your partner toss you balls in order to practice your set. When ready, incorporate the spike into your game.
Beach Volleyball Setting – Hard Work (Video 2)
In order to perfect your footwork on the beach, it is important that you remember to make sure that there is no spin on the ball when setting. If there is a spin the referees will call a double contact on you. Hard work is key to beach volleyball. Always remember to shuffle your feet and have the ball land in position above your nose, fore head, and or chin. If the ball lands behind you or near your ears it will make it almost impossible for you to set the ball without spin.
Beach Volleyball Setting – Squaring Off (Video 3)
Squaring off in beach volleyball is essential. Never set off to the side or when spinning and turning while in action; that creates the volleyball to have spin which like previously stated will lead to the referees calling a double contact on you. Be prepared early and know that your next move will be to square off in order have perfect contact with the volleyball. Remember, not even the professionals dismiss squaring off when getting ready to set.
Beach Volleyball Setting – Basket (Video 4)
When learning how to set a volleyball on the beach you must direct the focus of movement to your elbows, the power from your set is now coming from your elbows rather than your fingers. Your “basket” which is created by forming a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers will stay the same the entire time and will be placed above your nose or chin. This basket form enables you to have complete control over the volleyball. I recommend you practice by throwing the ball up and watching how it lands in your own basket.
Beach Volleyball Setting – Extension (Video 5)
In the final part of learning perfect beach volleyball setting footwork, you must remember from the previous videos how to square off and create a basket properly. Extension in your legs and elbows is key in transferring power from your body to the ball. You must start by squaring off with your basket back and ready to set, and always remember that in beach volleyball the power comes from your legs and elbows rather than your wrists and fingers.
Beach Volleyball Setting – The Finish (Video 6)
In this final video on beach volleyball setting I talk about what to do in case your hitter is blocked after they have finished your spike. Directly after your set you must “cover your hitter”, which means that you are now in a position that allows yourself to cover the volleyball, play it up, and start a new play in case your hitter is blocked.
To see all six videos and more on beach volleyball setting become a member of volleyball1on1.
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