Volleyball help

I have played years of volleyball (from age 9 to 22) at a decent level in Belgium.

While I don't have resources/websites for you, I do have practical experience and am happy to talk ball.

At the middle school age and with limited experience (I don't know what the experience and skill level is), I suggest to always go with a 2 setter system.

Advantages of one setter system:
- 3 attacking options
- Option to hit quick passes with a middle blocker (although that's probably too much to ask at this level anyways)
- Option to use one player purely for attacking/spiking
(To me, timing of one setter vs the other is not an issue at all.
The only pass for which timing is hugely important, is the quick pass to the middle blocker (which I played) - see above.
For the passes to the 4, at this level it is far more important for the pass to arrive than to hit them quickly.)

Disadvantages of one setter system:
- 6 (more complex and harder to execute) rotations, potentially ruining your side-outs
- Passes to hit the opposite (attacking specialist) are hard (reverse passes, perimeter passes)

Advantages of two setter system:
- Only 3 rotations
- Only 3 positions to learn: Setter, Middle blocker, reception/corner (don't know how to translate that)
- Only 2 easy passes: (high) to the middle blocker and to the corner
3rd threat is the 2nd time drop by the setter, if the passes are close to the net, screws up everything else.
- Easy side outs
- Versatility to gradually move to a system where you always bring in the setter from the backfield (on some of the rotations) - this will allow your team to gradually be prepared for varsity.
- More time for fundamentals. Players love to pass, set and spike. They hate working rotations.
This is actually a sport where the fundamentals are more fun than the plays. Use that to your advantage!


Disadvantages of the two setter system:
- Limited number of threats
- Doesn't look as cool

In my experience, the team with the better fundamentals will win. Not the players with the quickest sets or most complex rotations. Sounds familiar?

IMO, If you're looking for the double wing equivalent, two setters 100% fit that bill.

One setter system is like the spread, where you are dependent on a star setter and a star opposite, but still need to be sound across the board. If you have that and can do that, then go for it.

Awesome stuff! Exactly what I was looking for. This is why I enjoy this website, tons of knowledge on a variety of topics. Sent you a dm joris85.