Overhead Passing or Setting
The overhead pass is the most accurate way of passing the ball and is used to set up the final attack, hence the setter determines which players is in the best position for the attack
A successful setting requires good preparation and anticipation.
Anticipating the point on court where the ball will drop into the hands just in front of and above the forehead. Move quickly into position well before the ball arrives with the hands in the ready position this enables final adjustments to the court, body and hand position to be made in good time. It is important to be in a balanced and stationary position before playing the ball. Place your legs shoulder-width apart, slightly flexed with the right foot just in front of the left. Move your feet hips and shoulders round to face the direction you want to pass the ball. Raise your arms as early as possible with the elbows at shoulder height and at an angle of 45 degrees to the chest. Spread the fingers of both hand wide with the palms towards each other. Cock the wrists back with the thumbs pointing back towards the face. This position forms a cup shape for the ball to drop into. It is important to keep the fingers relaxed, as you want to be able to let the ball enter the hands and not bounce out. As the ball touches the fingers, smoothly extend the arms from the shoulders upwards and forwards in the direction you want to pass. Resist the temptation to strike or bat the ball but wait for it to come into the hands. The ball does not touch the palm only the finger lengths. The thumbs stop the ball dropping down or coming through towards the head. The other fingers stop lateral movement of the ball. As the arms extend, transfer the body weight from the back foot forwards and through the ball. This ensure that there is no direct line of force through the body and ball towards the target.
Common Performance Errors
- One hand hits the ball before the other
- Not facing target
- Hips not under the ball
- Jabbing the ball