The back set is the surprise weapon. Setter looks one direction, sets the other. The defense doesn’t know which side to block until the ball is in the air. This is what makes a setter dangerous instead of predictable.
What you need: A volleyball, three players, a net.
Setup: Setter at the net center. Hitter target 10 feet behind the setter (right side hitter position).
How to run it:
- Cue: Window, Soft, Push, Target. Target is BEHIND.
- Coach tosses to the setter.
- Setter forms the window with hands slightly more behind the head than a regular set.
- Push the ball backward over the head. Body arches slightly back.
- Set should travel 10-12 feet behind to the right side hitter.
What to watch: Body position. A flat back set means feet still under the body. If the body leans forward, the set goes nowhere.
If they’re struggling: Drop the distance. Just back-set 5 feet behind to a parent’s hands.
If they’ve got it: Mix forward and back sets randomly. Setter has to decide each rep based on a coach’s call.