In most cases, the setter's player position is the key to the team. Setters come close to making one-third of all ball contacts by a team. What is even more important is the setter is directing the middle contact of the normal sequence in volleyball events. Between the pass and the attack, the setter is in control. The setter makes or breaks the hitters; rhythm for the offense and runs the show. More thought and time is demanded of the setter in training in order to develop the technical, physical and mental skills required to be a setter than any of the other players and skills.

After the coach, the setter is next in line to influence the emotional and psychological characteristics of the team. In most volleyball programs, the BEST ATHLETES on the team should probably be setters.

When choosing the setter for a team, there are many factors to consider. Sometimes you will be limited in what you have to choose from, and these factors will be less valuable. But should you have the talent, here are a few of the things to look for in a setter.

• SELF CONFIDENCE - The setter needs to believe that she is a great player and can run the offense successfully. Sometimes they must take risks. They must know they can set anything.

• EMOTIONAL STABILITY - The setter must remain calm and not exhibit dramatic highs and lows which could easily affect the team.

• LEADERSHIP - The setter is usually the floor leader calling plays for the hitters and changing or adjusting passing formations. They are often the focal point of the team.

• INTELLIGENCE - The setter must be able to understand the game strategy with the help of the coach and be able to follow instructions. Setters must be able to recognize who the opponent's weak blockers are and direct her own team's best hitters against those weak blockers. The setter should also be able to tell which hitters are hot and stay with them, but also keep the other hitters in the game.

• "SPONGE" CHARACTERISTIC - Setters will accept the responsibility for all hitting mistakes. Setters should remember that kills are from great sets and hitting errors and blocks are due to poor sets. A setter should never get into a confrontation situation with an attacker.

• HANDS - Most setters are comfortable with the ball. They have developed a good feel or a nice touch (these skills can be developed.) Setters should have strong fingers, hands and shoulders.

• QUICKNESS - Setters need quick feet because getting to the ball early and in proper position are the most important fundamentals of setting. Setters must change directions quickly and are constantly running a pattern of setting the ball, covering the attacker and retreating on defense.

• ABILITY TO BLOCK - The setter should be a good blocker. Setters usually block on the right side against the opponent's strong side attacker. They must be a fundamentally sound blocker. A setter who can block effectively is a huge plus for any team.

• NEVER-SAY-DIE ATTITUDE - The setter must go after every pass or dig, never giving up on any ball. They must try to make each pass into a hittable set.

• WORK ETHIC - Since the setter controls more of the game than anyone else, the setter position will be getting more attention from the coaching staff. The setter must learn to set from a variety of game like positions. Therefore, the setter will be getting the most repetitions in a practice.

A good setter has speed of release, deception, accuracy, location, and consistency. A team rarely can exceed the abilities of its setter. The setter will need to be technically perfect first, smart second, and then maybe, occasionally deceptive.

Since the coach and setter work together to develop and execute a team strategy, it would be best to select the player that exhibits as many of the personal qualities mentioned above.