Option 2 is middle or dump and 3rd option is left pin or back row. I like to attack from the right side a lot when in system. Running plays makes game plans easier to execute. I’ve known a few teams that has somewhat of a play system, but not to the level that I believe it can be accomplished.

I don’t know why more teams do not run play systems. This is good for us because we have more time to run one of our freeball plays. I’ve found that opponent tend to dump the ball to the back row when we are running ‘O2’ successfully. First contact sends the ball to one of the pins at 2nd tempo. From time to time we run ‘O2’ on freeballs, which mean ‘over on 2’. Tipped ball, we are coming back at the opponent on the first or 2nd contact to discourage this type of attack. We keep the plays pretty simple where there are two for transition, four for serve receive, and three for easy balls (free or downball). Setter audible if easy ball comes or ball is tipped. One for the attack and the 2nd for the transition. The team understand based on the situation what is going to be ran. The setter can call two or more plays prior to the rally being initiated. I like the play calling system because it simplifies how the team attacks. I need to trust they will make the best decision for the team. Setters and I spend a lot of time discussing and training scenarios. On the other hand the setter can audible my initial instructions based on action on the court. Obviously I can overrule if I see something different. My thing has been the setter calls the play(s) prior to the rally being initiated. Too many variables, I’m sure you understand. The ball might deflect off the block, tipped deep, hit down line, blast to LB, roll shot to donut, etc. Transition plays are limited because knowing where the ball is going is limited. We have plays set up mostly for serve receive and free/down balls. Each play is a one word statement that identifies what front & back row is going to run. Pretty much my teams call plays as done in football/basketball. I’ve come to use ‘play’ calling when it comes to sets calling. I’m not into the signaling sets to the hitters. That’s true even if the other team knows exactly where the ball’s going. Is your best hitter against the weakest point in the block? If so, then you’ll probably have success. They need to select the right option based on how the defense (block) commits itself and how well both teams execute.Īnd of course there’s the broader question of whether the proper play calling is being done in the first place. It comes down to whether the quarterback (setter) can make the correct decision. Every defense who plays against the option offense knows where the different players are going. I have often compared the setter in volleyball to a quarterback who runs the option in football. Doesn’t stop the offense from being highly effective.

Look at the men’s game, especially at the upper levels. I’d actually go one step further. I contend that you can tell the other team exactly what each hitter will run and it wouldn’t make a massive amount of difference. This can work because the blocker pretty much has to commit on the 51 to be able to stop it.

That is one where you do something like show a 51, but then step around the setter to hit a 71 (quick behind). There is only one real fake I think might work. If you call for a 51 (quick in front of the setter) and run a 31 (quick away from the setter), I won’t be faked out.

If I’m a blocker I’m watching you make your run, not really listening to what you’re saying. In all seriousness, does that sort of thing ever work? I’m a bit less enthusiastic about hitters yelling for one set and running for another, as the emailer described. I certainly have no problem with the setter hiding their signals. One part of the email I didn’t specifically address in that post is the idea of hiding play calls and/or otherwise trying to deceive the other team about what attack routes the hitters will be taking. In another post I addressed an email on the subject of hitters calling their sets or calling for the ball.

Volleyball hand signals setter