This drill, explained here by 4-time NCAA Champion coach John Dunning, combines the physical and mental challenges of setting. It starts off easy, with a player or coach replicating a perfect pass by tossing balls directly to the setter at the net. Once the setter has done a handful of reps, the tosser begins to throw the ball farther off the net, requiring the setter to work harder to square to the target.
Next, it gets a little tougher. The coach points in the direction that the setter should set but after the toss is in the air. Then, the coach holds up one finger or two, determining whether it will be a back or front set.
As the drill continues, Coach Dunning offers greater and greater challenges, some involving quick math calculations. This leads to some humorous exchanges between him and the setters, and it makes for a fun way to practice setting.
