Volleyball Setter Rules

Setting in volleyball is often the most important parts of the game. The setter touches the ball almost every play and makes decisions as to how the game can be played. There are two types of setting in the game: setting with the hands and bump setting. The type that has the most rules is when a setter sets with her hands. This type of set is also harder than a bump set. Bump sets are usually seen in beach volleyball.

  1. Double Hit

    • A setter can’t double hit the ball. This means that when the ball lands in the setter’s hands, she must contact the ball with both hands at the same time. If the ball hits one hand first and then the other, the referee may call this an illegal set. However, this can happen rather quickly, and referee calls can be subjective.

    Carry

    • A setter in indoor volleyball can’t legally “carry” the ball. This means that she can’t hold onto the ball for too long. A good rule of thumb is for a setter to try and get the ball out of her hands as quickly as possible. Again, a referee’s call is subjective in this situation; some might call certain violations, while others may not. In beach volleyball, players who are setting with their hands are allowed to hold the ball a bit longer.

      A carry can also occur when a setter receives a pass that’s too low. This can happen when a setter attempts to set a ball that’s below her shoulders. To properly set the ball, she needs to get lower so the ball is above her shoulders or bump set the ball.

    Libero

    • The libero is the player who plays in the back row. Her main objective is to pass and dig balls to the setters or attackers. A libero can’t legally set the ball with her hands to the attacker if her foot is in front of the attack line. However, she can bump set the ball to an attacker in this position. But, a libero is able to set the ball with her hands from behind the attack line to any attacker.

    Back Row Setter

    • A setter who is technically playing in the back row is not allowed to block or attack the ball. This also includes touching a ball that is above the net. However, if the rotation has the setter in the front row, she is legally allowed to spike or block the ball as well as set.