By breaking up the setting volleyball skill by each body part I'll teach you how to play better volleyball by learning what movements to check to see whether you are performing this volleyball skill correctly. So even without a coach you can correct or reduce your own unforced errors! This is Part 2 of my Setting is Simple Series.

Upper Body and Lower Body Positioning

How do you know if you have the correct body position in order to set the ball correctly? You can determine this yourself because ideally you want your whole body to be lined up (in a straight line-NOT with your butt sticking out) underneath the ball every time you get ready to set it.Your forehead and your feet will be your guide as to positioning your whole body underneath the ball.

Moving To The Ball Quickly

When the ball has reached its highest height it can only come down. Once you determine where the ball will come down and how fast the ball will come down- then you know that's where you, your forehead and your Quick moving feet need to be - directly underneath its path. Then, it's a matter of moving your legs quickly enough to get Your Forehead underneath the ball in order to get in the correct squatted setting position.

One more thing to remember before contacting the ball. Once you've determined where you need to be in order to set - you need to square your shoulders and face the target you are going to set to - BEFORE you contact the ball. If I'm in the front row setting and the ball I want to set is coming from my back court and I know that I need to set my hitter who is in the front row with me I

1. identify where the ball is going to come down

2. then quickly move my feet to get underneath the ball and

3. then I face exactly where I want to set so that all my force and energy is concentrated (in a straight line) on getting the ball to my target BEFORE

4. I set the ball. You shouldn’t be twisting or setting sideways WHILE contacting the ball. Be sure to Face your target Before contacting the ball!)

Contacting The Ball

Once the ball is within reach of your hands - you will lower your body into the squatted position by bending your knees down to almost a 45 degree angle. Which means you feel like you are about to sit down in a chair. Don't forget that your right foot should be about two inches in front of your left foot if you're right handed and vice versa if you are left handed.

Once the ball is in your "triangle" you come out of your squat by straightening your legs and directing the ball straight back up into the air in the direction you are facing. Since you have already squared up and faced your intended target your arms and shoulders should follow through straight up staying in line with your body. When you've finished your set STOP and hold your position to make sure that your arms are fully extended Above Your Forehead and your hands are only 1-2 inches apart from each other still in the shape of a loose triangle. Your palms are still facing upwards toward the sky No breaking or flexing of your wrists! Your fingers should still finish in the shape of a "broken" triangle.This is your finishing position for every set you make. Check your finishing position if your sets aren't getting where you want them to go.

Self Check

If your arms are fully extended but finish in front of your nose Your sets will be too low for your hitter to hit. If your arms finish on top of your head or behind your forehead your sets will likely finish right where you are standing which makes it difficult for anyone else to hit or pass. Where is your body facing? Where are your arms once you've finished setting the ball? Is your butt sticking out? This is why its important to use your forehead as your guide for correct body position.You will be able to tell by yourself whether you are setting the ball correctly.

April Chapple is a former USA National Womens Volleyball Team member and Volleyball Professional who created Volleyball Voices the first virtual volleyball mentoring community for girls volleyball players and volleyball coaches with stories by champion women volleyball players and coaching volleyball articles that break up volleyball skills so females learn how to play better volleyball. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Chapple