Behind Set

A behind set, also known as a back set or setter back, is a fundamental setting technique where the setter delivers the ball backward over their head to an attacker positioned behind them, typically to the right side or opposite position. This essential skill allows setters to distribute the ball effectively to all areas of the court without turning their body, maintaining deception and offensive versatility. The behind set requires precise hand positioning, controlled wrist action, and exceptional spatial awareness to deliver accurate sets while facing away from the target. The biomechanics of the behind set differ significantly from front sets, requiring setters to adjust their hand positioning and body alignment. When executing a behind set, the setter's hands must be positioned slightly more behind the head, with the palms angled backward to direct the ball's trajectory. The wrists extend forcefully upward and backward, generating the power needed to push the ball the required distance. The setter's body remains relatively square to the net, with minimal rotation, allowing them to disguise their intention until the moment of contact. This body positioning proves crucial for maintaining offensive deception and preventing opponents from reading the set direction prematurely. Technically, the behind set demands exceptional ball control and consistency. The setter must contact the ball with all ten fingers creating a balanced platform, with thumbs and index fingers forming the primary control points. The ball should be contacted slightly more behind the forehead compared to front sets, allowing the natural extension of the arms and wrists to propel it backward. Common technical errors include dropping the hands too low, failing to maintain proper hand shape, or using excessive body arch rather than controlled wrist extension. These mistakes result in sets that float too far off the net, lack the necessary height, or travel unpredictably. The tactical applications of behind sets extend throughout offensive systems. In traditional 5-1 rotations, the setter frequently uses behind sets to deliver the ball to the opposite hitter, creating a two-option attack pattern that stresses opposing middle blockers. When the setter can credibly threaten both front and behind sets with identical body positioning, defenses cannot commit early to either side, resulting in delayed block formations and one-on-one blocking scenarios. This deceptive capability transforms the setter into a distributor who controls the tempo and direction of the offense while maintaining unpredictability. Behind sets can be delivered at various tempos and trajectories depending on offensive strategy and hitter preferences. High behind sets travel to approximately 10-15 feet above the net, giving the opposite hitter time to approach, evaluate defensive positioning, and select optimal shot placement. These sets prove particularly effective when pass quality is imperfect, as the additional height provides margin for error and allows hitters time to adjust. Medium tempo behind sets reduce hang time to increase attacking speed while maintaining reasonable error tolerance. Quick behind sets to the right side, sometimes called "back ones" or "slides," represent the fastest tempo option, requiring precise setter-hitter timing and elite execution. Training behind sets involves progressive skill development starting with basic technique and advancing toward game-speed execution. Beginning setters practice stationary setting, focusing on proper hand positioning, wrist extension, and consistent trajectory. As proficiency develops, training incorporates movement before the set, simulating serve receive and defensive situations where setters must adjust their platform while in motion. Advanced training includes combination drills where setters must decide between front and behind options based on pass location, defensive alignment, or predetermined play calls, developing the decision-making speed essential for competitive play. From the opposite hitter's perspective, attacking behind sets requires specific approach patterns and timing adjustments. The hitter must track the ball's trajectory while approaching, making split-second evaluations of set quality and defensive positioning. Unlike outside hitters who approach with the ball in their vision throughout, opposite hitters often lose sight of the ball briefly during their approach, requiring enhanced spatial awareness and trust in the setter's consistency. The approach angle for attacking behind sets typically runs more parallel to the net compared to outside approaches, allowing hitters to attack both line and angle effectively. Defending against behind sets presents unique challenges for blocking and defensive schemes. Middle blockers must read the setter's body language and hand positioning to anticipate set direction, making early lateral movements toward the anticipated attack point. However, skilled setters eliminate telling indicators, forcing middle blockers to wait longer before committing to movement. This delay often results in late block formations or one-on-one blocking situations that favor the attacker. Back row defenders position themselves based on the opposite hitter's tendencies, scouting reports, and the specific game situation, adjusting their depth and lateral positioning to defend probable attack angles. The behind set becomes particularly valuable in out-of-system situations when the setter receives poor passes or defensive digs. While front sets may not be available due to the setter's court position, a behind set might deliver the ball to an available attacker, maintaining offensive pressure even from compromised positions. This versatility makes the behind set an essential emergency option that prevents opponent's from anticipating free ball situations and relaxing defensively. In beach volleyball, the behind set takes on additional significance due to the two-player format and the increased importance of offensive diversity. Beach setters must master behind sets to create legitimate two-option attacks that prevent blockers from cheating to one side. The technical execution differs slightly from indoor volleyball, as beach setters often use more body arch and hand contact adjustments to compensate for wind conditions and outdoor elements that affect ball trajectory. Common variations of the behind set include the back one (a quick tempo set directly behind the setter), back two (medium height set behind the setter), and back slide (a moving quick attack where the hitter approaches from right to left behind the setter). Each variation serves specific tactical purposes within offensive systems, creating different timing challenges for defenders and complementing other offensive options. Sophisticated offensive schemes integrate multiple behind set variations, forcing defenses to defend numerous threats across varying tempos and locations. Coaches evaluate behind set quality based on several criteria including height accuracy, distance from the net, lateral placement, and consistency. Elite setters deliver behind sets that arrive at the optimal attacking point with minimal deviation, allowing hitters to execute their full range of shots without compensation. Statistical analysis tracks behind set effectiveness through measures such as attack efficiency, blocking advantage created, and error rates, providing objective feedback for skill development and tactical adjustments. The behind set represents a cornerstone technique in modern volleyball, enabling comprehensive offensive distribution and maintaining the element of surprise that prevents defenses from predicting attack location. Mastery of this skill separates competent setters from elite playmakers, as the ability to deliver consistent, deceptive behind sets creates offensive opportunities throughout the rotation and maximizes team attacking efficiency across all positions and situations.