Putting Rhythm into Your Offense

Incorporating rhythm into each skill increases the chance of positive “repeatability.” Equally, incorporating rhythm into your offensive system is essential for consistent execution.

In volleyball, the setter plays a pivotal role in establishing a consistent rhythm for skill execution. A good setter will have a rhythm to the setting motion, often using a left/right foot sequence to initiate the action. This rhythm, particularly the consistent left-right foot sequence, is vital. It transfers the body weight into the set, fostering a consistent rhythm to the skill and promoting its repeatable execution. You will also see a setter incorporates a similar rhythm when jump setting. The video below (from my book) demonstrates how Lauren Carlini incorporates rhythm into a jump set.

Integrating rhythm is an essential component of additional skills. Middle blockers use a split step to prepare for lateral movement when blocking, and backcourt defenders use a load step to get their feet moving when playing defense.

Similarly, when developing your offensive system, you want the hitters and setters to incorporate a rhythmical tempo into the attack. A good offense possesses a rhythm. As with individual skills, the more rhythm, the more repeatable, which equals better execution.

Establishing a rhythm in your offensive system is a labor-intensive process. It requires the setter to be acutely aware of setting the tempo for the attack. All timing is based on the setter touching the ball, and the hitter must establish a consistent court and body position in their approach as the setter releases the ball. This process may vary depending on the desired trajectory of the set, but the dedication to this labor-intensive process ultimately leads to a successful offensive rhythm.

Let’s assume a hitter takes a four-step approach in a right-left-right-left sequence. The footwork may also be identified as the first, second, third, and fourth steps. For example, when on the 2nd step, the hitter is on the left foot of their approach.

In the photo below, you will see the outside attackers from Brazil on their left foot (the second step of a four-step approach) as the setter touches the ball. You will also see the middle attacker leaving the ground as the setter touches the ball. Lastly, you will see the backrow attacker from the middle back on the second step. The consistency of syncing the timing (left foot on the ground for the outside attacker) allows the setter to know precisely the tempo needed for a quality attack. When watching a good team like Brazil, you will see the same tempo from the attackers in all scenarios (from serve receive, transition, good pass, not as good pass, etc). The discipline to always be in sync with the ball and the setter takes a lot of work and repetition.

I equate the timing of the attack footwork in volleyball to the relationship between the receiver and the quarterback in football executing a forward pass. The receiver is responsible for using specific footwork and timing to put themselves into a position to catch the pass. The quarterback throws the ball at a velocity and trajectory that leads the receiver into the reception area. The ball is often thrown before the receiver is even looking for it.

If the hitter is on the correct step when the setter touches the ball, the setter knows the exact speed and trajectory for the set. If the hitter is early or late with their footwork, there is an execution breakdown. Similarly, if the footwork from the attacker is correct but the setter is not delivering an accurate set, the execution will suffer. A slower tempo set will be more forgiving in this regard but will allow the defense to be more organized.

This season, the University of Michigan is incorporating a faster tempo set for the outside hitter. In this photo, you can see the difference in tempo and the set trajectory between the Michigan left front set and the Ohio State left front set. I want to emphasize that one tempo is not superior to the other. A faster tempo might challenge the block but mandates accurate setting and passing. A slower tempo set facilitates a quality attack from a less-than-accurate pass; however, it allows the block more time to form.

A few takeaways for the coach:

• Incorporate rhythm into all the skills, incorporate long, loose arms when passing, left/right footwork when setting, and coordination of upper and lower body when jumping. In general, a relaxed posture and active feet foster rhythmical movements.
• Design the tempo of your offense to take advantage of your attackers’ abilities and challenge the defense.
• The ball touching the setter’s hand is the foundation for timing the hitter’s approach. All timing is based on ball/setter contact.
• Have an objective measure for your system’s timing (e.g., the hitter on the second step when the setter touches the ball or the hitter on their first step).
• The setter and hitter must work extensively to coordinate the timing of the approach and the trajectory and speed of the set.
• Keep the set at the same tempo regardless of the setter’s location. For example, if the setter moves forward along the net towards zone 4, the hitter will maintain a second-step approach, lowering the set. If the setter moves back to zone 2, the hitter will maintain a second-step approach, and the setter will maintain the trajectory. It is easier for the hitter to adjust to a set dropping inside at the same tempo than it is to adjust to a higher set.
• Although a setter doing repetitive drills into a target has definite value, spending time with the hitters is probably more beneficial if your system requires speed, timing, and accuracy.