Back One

The back one, also known as a back quick or slide attack in some contexts, is a sophisticated offensive play that combines the speed of a quick set with the deceptive element of attacking behind the setter. This set is delivered to a low, fast trajectory approximately one to two feet above the net, positioned one to two feet behind the setter's position. The back one creates significant blocking challenges by forcing the defense to account for quick tempo attacks on both sides of the setter, thereby stretching the middle blocking scheme and creating opportunities throughout the offensive system. Technically, the back one requires precise coordination between the setter and the attacking middle blocker. The setter must deliver a ball with minimal arc to a position directly behind their body, typically while facing forward toward the antenna. This means the setter often sets the ball backward without turning their shoulders, relying on peripheral vision, spatial awareness, and countless repetitions to achieve consistent accuracy. The set height mirrors that of a traditional front one-set, staying between 12 and 18 inches above the net, which maintains the quick tempo that makes this attack so challenging to defend. The middle attacker's approach for a back one differs significantly from a traditional front quick attack. The hitter typically starts their approach from a deeper position on the court, often near the three-meter line or even further back. The approach angle is more parallel to the net compared to the perpendicular angle used for front quicks, allowing the attacker to cover the lateral distance while still generating vertical power. The timing requires the attacker to begin their approach before or simultaneously with the setter's contact, trusting that the ball will arrive at the precise location and moment needed for optimal contact. Footwork patterns for the back one approach generally involve a three or four-step sequence, with the final two steps being explosive and directional. The penultimate step is typically longer and serves to convert horizontal momentum into vertical lift, while the final step closes quickly to complete the energy transfer. The attacker must maintain enough forward momentum to reach the optimal contact point behind the setter while still achieving maximum vertical elevation. This balance between horizontal travel and vertical jump represents one of the primary technical challenges in mastering the back one. Strategically, the back one serves multiple purposes within a comprehensive offensive system. First, it provides a legitimate quick attack threat behind the setter, forcing the opposing middle blocker to respect both front and back quick options. This hesitation creates microseconds of advantage that can be exploited by outside hitters and opposite attackers receiving higher, slower sets. Second, the back one serves as the foundation for numerous combination plays, including tandems, slides, and stack formations that utilize the back quick as a decoy or primary option depending on defensive positioning. The historical development of the back one reflects volleyball's continuous evolution toward faster, more deceptive offensive systems. Early volleyball featured predominantly high, outside sets that allowed blockers ample time to set up and contest attacks. As middle quick attacks gained popularity and effectiveness, defensive systems adapted by having middle blockers commit to front quicks. The back one emerged as a counter-strategy, punishing middle blockers who committed too aggressively to front quick attacks. Modern volleyball now requires middle blockers to defend both front and back quick threats while still being available to help on the outside, creating the complex chess match that characterizes elite-level play. From the setter's perspective, delivering an accurate back one requires exceptional hand control and body awareness. The setter must judge the pass quality, the hitter's approach timing, and the optimal release point simultaneously while often moving or adjusting their platform. The hand position at contact typically involves slightly more wrist action compared to a front quick set, as the setter must redirect the ball backward rather than forward. Elite setters develop the ability to deliver back ones from various court positions, including out-of-system situations where they must first pursue a poor pass before executing the set. Defensive strategies for handling the back one have evolved considerably as this attack became more prevalent. Middle blockers must develop exceptional court awareness to track potential back quick attacks while still respecting front quick threats. Some teams employ a commit blocking scheme where the middle blocker chooses to jump with either the front or back quick attacker based on scouting reports and tendencies. Other teams use a read blocking approach where the middle blocker attempts to react to whichever quick attack receives the set, though this requires extraordinary athletic ability and reaction time to be effective. Training progressions for the back one should begin with stationary setting drills where the setter focuses purely on hand mechanics and ball placement without additional variables. The next phase introduces moving setters who must adjust to imperfect passes before delivering the back one. Simultaneously, attackers work on approach timing and footwork patterns without opposition. As both skills develop, setter and attacker combine for timing repetitions, first without blockers, then adding defenders progressively. Video analysis helps identify timing inconsistencies, approach angle problems, and setting inaccuracies that may not be obvious during live play. Physical demands of the back one attack are substantial and multifaceted. Middle attackers must possess explosive leg power to generate vertical elevation while moving laterally along the net. Core strength is essential for maintaining body control during the complex footwork patterns and for generating arm swing power from potentially off-balance positions. Shoulder stability and rotator cuff strength protect against injury while enabling the powerful, repetitive swinging motions required. Flexibility in the hips and ankles allows for the dynamic movement patterns necessary to execute the complex approach sequence effectively. Variations of the back one exist within different offensive systems and coaching philosophies. Some teams prefer a slightly higher back one, trading some tempo for increased consistency and hitting percentage. Others push for maximum speed, accepting lower completion rates in exchange for enhanced blocking problems. The lateral distance behind the setter can also vary, with some systems placing the back one directly behind while others position it slightly toward the right-side antenna. International teams may use different terminology, with some referring to this attack as a "B quick" or using numerical designations from their setting systems. The psychological aspect of the back one should not be underestimated. Successfully executing this attack requires complete trust between setter and attacker, as the hitter commits to their approach before knowing definitively that the set is coming. This trust develops through extensive training and successful in-game execution. For the setter, delivering a back one demonstrates confidence in their skills and in their middle attacker, often energizing the team. Conversely, repeatedly missed or poorly executed back ones can create hesitation and undermine the offensive flow, making consistency crucial for maintaining this weapon as a viable threat throughout a match.