I need help with the rotations of a 5-1 offense?

Question

Can someone please give me a diagram type answer as to where my setter is supposed to be in the front row, as well as my other front row hitters? I just need to picture it in my head and I know i will get it.

THANKS!

Answer 1

I think VB Coach had great answers, and I just wanted to add some diagrams for your reference (as you requested).

Learning the 5-1: intro

http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleybal...

Learning the 5-1: Rotation 1

http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleybal...

Learning the 5-1: Rotation 2

http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleybal...

Learning the 5-1: Rotation 3

http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleybal...

Learning the 5-1: Rotation 4

http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleybal...

Learning the 5-1: Rotation 5

http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleybal...

Learning the 5-1: Rotation 6

http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleybal...

Answer 2

Generally the setter switches to the right front spot when s/he's in the front row.   When your team is serving, that's an easy switch; it is easy in 2 of the 3 rotations when the setter is front row.  

I usually refer to serve receive rotations by the position of the setter.  The service position is #1, so that's when the starting setter is right back.  The setter is in the front row when s/he is in positions 4 (left front), 3 (middle front) and 2 (right front).  The only tricky one is when the setter is in 4.  

At that point the rotation, there should be a middle in position 3 and an outside hitter in position 2.  In other words, on the next side-out, that outside hitter will rotate to the back row and be the server.  I've used a couple of different setups here.  The easiest is to have the setter and the middle stand close to each other at the middle of the net, with the setter slightly to the left of the middle hitter.  The outside hitter is in serve receive on the right side.  When your opponent serves, the middle backs off the net to get ready to hit and the setter sets either the middle, the outside hitter who is now in the right-side hitting position, or the pipe hitter in the back row.

What I've found works better, though, is to "stack" all the front-row players on the left side of the court.  The outside hitter receives serve in the left-back position.  The middle hitter stands a step or two away from the net near the setter, and the setter stands near the left sideline at the net.  When the opposing server contacts the ball, the setter sprints to the setting location, and the middle moves into hitting position.  The outside hitter also gets into hitting position unless s/he is receiving serve; if that happens, the OH makes the pass and then steps up to be ready to hit.  

If you have a piece of paper, just draw all this out.  I wish I could attach a picture here to show you what I'm talking about. :-)