Proper volleyball setting technique?

Question

My daughter's HS volleyball coach is requiring setters to set without the ball touching their thumbs. Is this a common technique? Is it widely used in other high schools, Junior Olympics, or college programs?

What are the advanatges of not using your thumb vs. using thumbs when setting?

Answer 1

It's actually a very good technique that, once mastered, allows you to run a faster offense and disguise your set a little better, making it harder for the opposing blockers to read which hitter is getting the ball.

I wouldn't say the thumbs don't touch, but they aren't used to "power" the ball, they are more there just to help guide and direct. Hands should be positioned as though thumbs are back towards the eyes and you set with the pads of your fingers.

I am a former collegiate setter and  now coach, using this technique for all of my setters.