Keys to executing the back set with Nabil Mardini.
Coach Mardini is the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Los Angeles Mission College
According to Mardini, the footwork is the same for the back set as it is with the forward set, with the exception that the back set requires a left-right footwork pattern and that the knee must be driven down towards the ground, thus forcing the hips forward so that the ball goes backward.
He also states that he believes that the setter should watch the ball because if the setter holds their head steady and does not look back there will be tension in the shoulders and the ball will not travel.
Many coaches would not want their setter to watch the ball, claiming that it takes away any deception. Mardini claims that all of the deception is accomplished before the set, not after the set.
The last coaching point that he shares with regard to the back set is that the closer the set is to area 4, the bigger the step should be with the right foot, and if necessary, the setter may even kick.
This clip is taken from Coach Mardini’s instructional DVD entitled Best of Club Volleyball: SettingÂ
If you are interested in learning more about that DVD, simply click the link above.
The YouTube video below has audio so please make sure that your speakers are turned on.