Setting Body Positioning & Footwork Fundamental Checklist

Get Underneath the Ball Every Time - The Movement That Makes Setting Automatic

You know what separates setters who make varsity from those who ride the bench?

It's not hand skills. It's not height. It's not even athletic ability.

It's this: Elite setters get to the ball faster and position their body perfectly underneath it. Every. Single. Time.

After coaching volleyball for 30+ years (Tennessee Hall of Fame, USA National Team), I've watched physically gifted setters struggle while smaller, "less talented" players dominate.

The difference? Body positioning and footwork.

This Body Positioning & Footwork Fundamentals Checklist gives you the exact movement patterns I used at Tennessee and now teach to my Vegas Volley setters who've earned college scholarships.

Why Footwork Matters More Than Hands

Here's what my Tennessee coaches drilled into me: "Your hands can't fix what your feet mess up."

After 30+ years, I know this is absolute truth.

You can have perfect hand positioning, but if you're not underneath the ball, your sets will be inconsistent, off-target, and weak.

This checklist solves the positioning problem that keeps most setters stuck.

What Makes This Checklist Different

This isn't vague advice like "move your feet faster" or "get under the ball."

This is a systematic 20-checkpoint breakdown covering:

- Upper and lower body alignment underneath the ball
- The "forehead and feet" positioning formula
- Athletic ready position that generates power
- Speed-to-ball development techniques
- Squaring shoulders to target (before contact, not during)

Each checkpoint includes the WHY behind the technique, not just the WHAT.

The 5-Spot Movement Drill That Builds Elite Footwork

Included in this checklist is my proven 5-spot movement drill - a progressive training system that develops speed, balance, and positioning without needing a partner.

Week 1: Movement only (no ball) - build footwork patterns
Week 2: Partner tosses to spots - catch in position
Week 3: Partner tosses to spots - set from position
Week 4: Random movement - game-like situations

This drill transformed my college-recruited setters from slow reactors to quick, decisive movers.

Who This Checklist Is For

Perfect for:
- Middle school setters learning movement fundamentals
- High school players who arrive late to the ball
- JV setters whose body position is inconsistent
- Any setter who leans or reaches instead of moving feet
- Players who want structured at-home footwork training

Not right for:
- Setters already positioning perfectly under every ball
- Players looking for shortcuts without footwork practice
- Those unwilling to do movement drills daily

Your Movement Transformation Starts Here

Every college-recruited setter I've coached mastered body positioning before advancing to complex techniques.

Not jump setting. Not back setting. Not fancy plays.

Positioning first. Speed to ball first. Everything else follows.

This checklist gives you the same movement foundation that's helped dozens of my players earn college scholarships and compete in state championship finals.

The question isn't whether proper positioning works - my 30+ years of results prove it does.

The question is: Will you be the setter who finally moves like an elite player?

Download this checklist, print it, take it to practice, and start building the footwork that creates automatic positioning.

Your transformation from late arrival to perfect positioning starts with your very next movement.