How much does height really matter when being a setter in high school?(coaches answer please, others may too)?

Question

I was a setter for 4 years from 5th grade through 8th grade. I also was a setter in club volleyball from 6th grade-8th grade. Coaches from other teams would always be coming up telling my coach and people in the crowd how great the setter was of my team and how lucky they were to have me. I can also hit really well, serve an unreturnable serve, and pass well. There was also a high school coach from the city who came to one of my games and told my dad and coach that I could play really well competitively at the high school level in 7th grade. I have said all of this not to brag, but to explain the reasons why my height might not be a problem, but I would like to know if it is. I'm 5'4 going into high school, and I know that setters in college are always tall because they need them to block and tip over the net easily. Does being short in high school and a setter really matter?

Answer 1

I recently answered a similiar question - check out this link.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

The thing to remember is each coach has a different philosophy and build their team differently, but I think when it comes to setters most coaches would feel the same.  Sure we would all love to have a setter who is 6'2", has perfect hands, is a great leader, moves like dancer and jumps like a gymnast.  The reality is that girl is the exception rather than the norm.

My list in order of what I am looking for in a setter

1. attitude

2. leadership

3. enthusiasm

4. athletic ability

5. skills

You will notice height is not on my list - it is great to have when you find it in a setter, but not critical.  I have only ever had one setter over 5'7" (I do need to qualify that by saying I coach at the junior high level).

One more note - skills is last on my list because I know if a girl is strong in the first four, I will be able to develop her skills.

Answer 2

Height is important. But even if you aren't tall what matters most is strength and speed. If you are as good as you say you are...which i think you are most likely you will still be a setter. As long as you are strong and fast.

Answer 3

im a setter! im 5'4"! im not growing anymore. =[ im going to high school too! and most setters here are short... or the teams i watch at least( anyteam... college... highschool... all...)

Answer 4

Two setters on the US National Team are from Hawaii where I grew up.  Remember that Robyn Ah Mow and Lindsey Berg were both "only" 5'8" on the international level.  I'd say you'd make it at 5'4" in high school easily.

Answer 5

For high school, I wouldn't think that your height would be that important especially if you're a good player w/an exceptional vertical jump.  A lot of division one setters in college are quite tall, but most setters play great defense so maybe you could convert to a defensive specialist if you need/want a volleyball scholarship.  Just an idea!

Answer 6

It depends on your specific coach. I'm 5'2 and played all through high school then in college the coach told me I was too short to play. He was a jerk. If I had tried I am sure I would have made it and things would have been a bit different. SO don't let someone else tell you that you are too short, too fat, too stupid or too whatever to do something. Just decide if it is something you want to do and try your hardest. Best of luck!

Answer 7

i dont really think height matters if your really good.  i know some great volleyball players that are short!

Answer 8

The setter on my team last year was about 5'... shortest on our team!

Answer 9

being tall is important but if your as good as you say you are. you probably still be a setter

Answer 10

a tall setter is important because your opposite to the other teams power.

Answer 11

i am a setter and i am 5'8" tall one of the tallest on the team but this is because i have the skill to be in this position i showed the coach that i had the attitude the leadership and i knew what i was doing

Answer 12

Height should not be an issue for setting.  Of course having a tall setter can be an advantage for dumping and blocking purposes, but it should not be dissadvantage for you.  In fact, most of the tall setters I've played with tend to dump far too much which can really hurt sometimes.