Josh Kreiner, Head Volleyball Coach, Lindsey Wilson College
Full video on Glazier Drive: Designing Chaos: Building an Unreadable Offense
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OVERVIEW
Coach Kreiner breaks down offensive tempo systems used in volleyball, specifically focusing on how different set speeds can be used to beat blockers and create attacking advantages.
TEMPO CLASSIFICATIONS
The coach outlines four tempo levels. Zero tempo is the fastest, where the attacker is already in the air and swinging as the ball leaves the setter’s hands — no adjustment time, purely reliant on the setter. First tempo (called a “go” or “fire” ball) has the attacker on their first step of approach when the set happens — still fast and flat, but with a little adjustment room. Second tempo uses higher, slower sets suited for bigger athletes who rely on power over speed. Out-of-system tempo is a high, controlled ball used when the pass breaks down — the goal shifts from getting a kill to simply getting a clean, low-error swing.
WHY TEMPO MATTERS
Fast tempos (zero and first) are designed specifically to beat blockers — particularly middle blockers who can’t recover to the pin in time. The coach emphasizes that slower sets can be used as a change-up after running several fast balls, drawing defenders out of position before attacking back through the middle.
FILM BREAKDOWN TAKEAWAYS
The coach reviews live match clips showing how early attacker positioning and fast sets force opposing blockers into poor decisions, even against elite competition. He also stresses that free balls should be handled with the hands whenever possible to maintain set tempo and court positioning.