I'm a 5'1" setter, and next year will be trying out for varsity. However, there's a freshman coming up that could easily take it away from me, so does anyone have any tips or drill that I could use to become a better setter?? Thanks!
211007
I think the best drill to do is to practice getting a feel for the size of the ball.  Practice against the wall by repeatedly setting the ball against the wall.  You can even look at markings on the wall and try to set the ball to touch the mark.  You can try different distances from the wall too.\n\nIf you have access to a weighted setters ball (kind of like a tetherball but volleyball sized) you can try to practice setting with that.  It should strengthen your wrists.\n\nSince you are on the shorter side, I would say it's also a good idea to learn to use your knees and weight to get more power into your set (allowing you to set higher/farther).  I don't have a lot of experience with this (I am a 5'6" guy with very good "hops") however but supposedly that helps.\n\nYou can also work on a "back set" where you set the hitter behind you.  If you develop a smooth back set, you can freeze the middle blocker from always committing to the side you are setting.  The key to this is to not arch your back too much and release the ball slightly behind "overhead."  You can work on your quick sets to keep the opponent off balance (1's) too.\n\nThe key to setting is control.  I say you should never be so aggressive to force a set.  If you get a bad pass, it's better to just get it up so that it's playable, even if it's off the net.  Putting up a nice "10" is better than forcing a bad outside.  You should think about your hitters' angles too.  It is much more difficult for a hitter to hit a set that is coming from directly behind them.  For example, if you receive a bad pass at the 5 position (right back), it is better to set the weak side (2 position) or the middle hitter (3 position).  The strong side hitter (4 position) will have a bad angle and it will be more difficult for that person to get a good hit.  Also you can work on your "pass" (or "bump"--the colloquial term) as a set too if the pass is too low.\n\nAnother important point is communication.  You should call "help" early and AUDIBLY if you cannot get to it.  If you should wish, you can say something like "right here" or something like that so that your teammates can hear where you are as they are passing to you.  I can tell you the main difference I see in high school players versus older, more experienced players is their talking.  You should help call in or out if you can.  You can communicate to your hitters how many blockers they are going up against right after you set it, you can call out "one" or "two" or whatever.  Or you can tell them where to hit it (line, angle, etc.) or adjust your sets based on what the opponent is blocking.\n\nI can go on an on about this, obviously.  But communication is key.  Your coach will love you for talking.\n\nOne thing that you can also do is to find out where and how your hitters like to be set.  I have hitters who like their sets really high, others who like it rather low (i.e. "loop") and others who like it "off" and others who like it "tight."  Finding that out will help you set them better and thus make you look better.
341702
as a freshman i totally understand where you are coming from, i've got swimming tryouts this week and we'll see what happens i guess. but back to you: okay sounds like you've just got nervous jitters. all that you need to do is practice. that and endurance running b/c i've never played basketball but i know enough to know that it's just one long game of suicide. just do some extra endurance training, train the way you've been training and just do your best because that's all that you can do. best of luck to you with basketball and i hope that you make the team!!
559768
have fun with that. i live in america as a 6' sg/pg and shoot over 50% from 3. the most ive done is talk to a d2 coach or two. but fill out the ncaa clearinghouse info and just look on college websites and email coaches. that and make a video of yourself playing real games and send that to them.
288333
im a freshmen on varisty too and i just got a new raquect. i am playing doubles this year but next year im going to p lay singles because everyone is leaving but anyways, you should get a babolat. the babolat aero drive is great for doubles and control with good power and babloat pure drive is the best for singles with great power and good control
233980
At only 13 you have a variety of things to try. Corner and WR being most obvious. Don't listen to the "you are too short" stuff. You will grow and the experience you get now will help in the future. Where do YOU feel comfortable playing? Talk to the coach and ask for an honest assessment of your skills. Hell, try out for LineBacker if you have the heart for it.
456728
You've got what it takes, self motivated, desire to succeed. Any HS coach would love to have someone like you on the team!\n\nThe lessons are a great idea because practicing the wrong swing can be bad for your game.\n\nDon't worry about your size, look at Mike Weir, he's an excellent golfer, but small in stature. The distance will improved, just be patient and keep working.
203866
i know how you feel man i played football in school an tennis in the spring. since you are a big dude with experance us a twenner racket thats the catagory for game improvment rackets. i us head racquets because there are so many different types that they have made. plus if you look around they are cheaper to. look at the head ti's an the inteligence lowice price is 59.99 to the highist 112.99. but you don't to get it if you don't like . but since you are a big dude. get it strung at a high tenion 60-70 whould do it because you got your own power, why have more power than u need . an get a stiff one as well. good luck HOSS!!
33480
When I was in high school, several of the best players on the varsity teams were short. My sister was one of them - she's only 5 ft 1 inch tall and she was a great player. Some of the other short players were notable for their speed and three point shots. \n\nIf I get a vote, I'd say go for it, but have a back-up plan. It's awful tough to make it as a pro-athlete, and whether or not you do, you'll still have to eat! (If you're wondering how to come up with a back-up plan, I'll tell this - the people I know who are most happy are the ones who are doing something they enjoy. Develop hobbies you love - you'll be suprised at how often they can turn into careers!)
518356
Not really.  Most of the time it is prefered because a set gives the setter more control over the ball compared to a forearm pass. On my senior high school team we were taught that if you were given a high and easy ball over the net to set the outside hitters so that they spike the second ball.  Plays like that keeps the other team off guard.
385554
i play varsity tennis at school; the main thing i do in the first set is to get the ball in, even if it means taking some power off your shots; like your problem, you don't want to get behind, so think accuracy, not power
229406
Why certainly, darling, I'm a master of twisted laydowns, er, layouts.\n\nAll kidding aside, I admire what you do as it is a fantastic sport and only those such as yourself can avail themselves of the skills necessary to perform beautifully.\n\nWish I could help you further....
575033
You're half way to answering that question yourself.\nKeep trying different putter head weights, length of shaft, mallet vs. blade, straight shaft vs bent, etc...\n\nDon't always buy the most expensive or newest product. Sometimes a quick lesson with your club pro and your old putter are what you are seeking to become a better putter.
18548
completely change your attitude and try out anyways...make sure you got your sh*t ready for tryouts and blow that cocky coach away!
36552
Jump rope.  That really helped my vertical jump when I did track N field.  I jumped rope every day.  Watch Nate Robinson in the NBA dunk contest.  he's your height.
384421
Seriously, the same question was posed to me this year, but the coach changed up (He couldn't put me on because I am a freshman, and there were too many seniors, so it would be kinda like disrespect...), but I really considered varsity. Go with varsity, cuz basically, you'll be able to practice w/varsity, and you'll get better. With sophomores, you'll prolly bring your game down to their level, and it might not turn out so good...and w/varsity, the coach is sorta telling you that maybe next year or the year after, the team could be yours...Good Luck & God Bless!
330301
Dude you really need to play when you get to high school. You're already bigger than most of the kids on my high school team--definitly me. I'm a senior and I'm 5'7 135. You'll probably grow because I've grown about a foot since my seventh  grade year. You should probably try to find a rec league right now so that you'll learn the basics and have a better chance to play when you get to high school.
343134
you must be good at playing post.. Just try it out for now.. Maybe go up and tell him you where a guard in Middle school.. and you wish you could still play guard.. But just keep playing hard.. I'm 6foot.. and all i do is play post... Its fun, i push people around who are bigger then me... Fun times.