[joemontes]

Well, one thing is that most of the sets to the outside hitters are second and third tempo sets that gives our hitters time to adjust to the height and position of the sets.  We tend to run fewer quick, shoots, and slide sets, which really require the setter and hitter to be on the same page.  As a result, going from Miner to Tufuga didn’t mess with the timing as much as it would have if we relied on timing sets more.

BC

Time for some terminology inquiries here, what is a second tempo set and what is a third tempo set?

Palo Alto got it.  Basically, these are slower sets that give the hitter a chance to watch the set and adjust their hit accordingly.  On the flip side, they also give the defense a chance to set up the block, so they are both easier to get a good swing and easier to block.  Quick sets, shoots, and slides (collectively referred to as first tempo sets or tempo sets, require the hitter to commit, and in the case of a quick set to the middle blocker, already be off the ground, at the time the setter sets the ball.  So, they require exquisite timing between the setter and hitter; if the set is even a little higher or slower than expected, the hitter will be on her way down when the set arrives and won’t be able to get a good swing.  These are not the sets you want to do without a lot of practice, and it is not a surprise that a freshman setter, even one as good as Miner, hasn’t yet developed the experience with her hitters to do them routinely in games (it also doesn’t help that our passing has been lacking, as you really need to have everything in place to run tempo sets).

BC

Very well explained.  Thank you!

[joemontes]

Well, one thing is that most of the sets to the outside hitters are second and third tempo sets that gives our hitters time to adjust to the height and position of the sets.  We tend to run fewer quick, shoots, and slide sets, which really require the setter and hitter to be on the same page.  As a result, going from Miner to Tufuga didn’t mess with the timing as much as it would have if we relied on timing sets more.

BC

Time for some terminology inquiries here, what is a second tempo set and what is a third tempo set?

Palo Alto got it.  Basically, these are slower sets that give the hitter a chance to watch the set and adjust their hit accordingly.  On the flip side, they also give the defense a chance to set up the block, so they are both easier to get a good swing and easier to block.  Quick sets, shoots, and slides (collectively referred to as first tempo sets or tempo sets, require the hitter to commit, and in the case of a quick set to the middle blocker, already be off the ground, at the time the setter sets the ball.  So, they require exquisite timing between the setter and hitter; if the set is even a little higher or slower than expected, the hitter will be on her way down when the set arrives and won’t be able to get a good swing.  These are not the sets you want to do without a lot of practice, and it is not a surprise that a freshman setter, even one as good as Miner, hasn’t yet developed the experience with her hitters to do them routinely in games (it also doesn’t help that our passing has been lacking, as you really need to have everything in place to run tempo sets).

BC

Very well explained.  Thank you!