What Is A Double In Volleyball For A Setter? Grasping This Key Rule

Dr. Zoe Sawayn 17 Jul 2025

For anyone stepping onto a volleyball court, especially if you dream of being the team's setter, understanding the rules is, you know, absolutely vital. One rule that often causes a bit of confusion, especially for new players, revolves around what's called a "double hit" when a setter handles the ball. It's a common mistake, but it's also something you can definitely learn to avoid with some practice and the right approach.

The word "double" itself carries different meanings depending on the field; for instance, in computer programming, you might hear about "double precision" in relation to data types like `float` and `double`, which concerns how numbers are stored with great detail. But in volleyball, "double" means something entirely different, and it's something every setter needs to grasp, as a matter of fact.

This article will help you understand precisely what a double hit is for a setter, why it's considered an illegal play, and, more importantly, how you can work on your technique to make sure your sets are always clean and effective. We'll look at what referees watch for, some really useful tips to improve your setting, and even answer some frequently asked questions about this important rule. So, let's get into it, shall we?

Understanding the Setter's Role and the Double Hit
- What a Double Hit Actually Means
- The Referee's View: What They Look For
Why Does This Rule Matter So Much for Setters?
- Impact on Game Flow and Fairness
- Consequences of a Double Call
How to Avoid a Double Hit: Practical Advice for Setters
Common Questions About Double Hits (FAQs)
The Nuances of Setting: Beyond Just Avoiding Doubles
- Continuous Practice and Feedback
- Mental Game: Staying Calm Under Pressure

Understanding the Setter's Role and the Double Hit

The setter's job is, essentially, to take the second contact in a rally and direct the ball to an attacker. This setup is, you know, meant to give the hitter the best chance to score a point. It's a very precise role, and the rules around how a setter touches the ball are pretty strict, which is kind of important.

What a Double Hit Actually Means

In volleyball, a "double hit" or "double contact" happens when a player touches the ball twice in a row during a single attempt to play it. For a setter, this usually occurs when they are trying to "set" the ball with their hands. It means their hands don't contact the ball at exactly the same time, or one hand pushes the ball slightly before the other. Basically, the ball is caught and then thrown, rather than being cleanly pushed.

Imagine, for a moment, that your hands are like two perfectly synchronized pistons. When you set, they should push the ball simultaneously, giving it a smooth, controlled trajectory. If one hand touches the ball a tiny bit earlier, or holds it a fraction of a second longer, that's when the "double" happens. It's a subtle thing, you know, but the rules are pretty clear about it. This can look like the ball spinning oddly or wobbling as it leaves the setter's hands, which is a visual cue for the officials.

This rule is in place to keep the game flowing fairly and to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by, sort of, carrying or throwing the ball. It's all about keeping the ball in continuous motion, which is pretty much the spirit of volleyball. A clean set allows for dynamic play and exciting rallies, so it's a big deal.

The Referee's View: What They Look For

Referees are trained to spot these subtle differences. They watch the setter's hands very, very closely, and also the ball's spin. What they're looking for, essentially, is whether the ball comes to rest, even for a tiny moment, in the setter's hands, or if it's contacted twice. This is actually a judgment call, so it can sometimes feel a bit subjective.

They consider a few things: the duration of contact, which is how long the ball stays in the setter's hands; the distinctness of contact, meaning if there are two separate "slaps" or pushes; and the spin of the ball after it leaves the hands. If the ball spins in an unpredictable or wobbly way, that's often a sign of a double hit. You know, a clean set usually has a very smooth, predictable spin, or no spin at all, depending on the technique.

It's important to remember that not all spin means a double hit. A perfectly executed set can still have some spin. The key is the nature of the contact. Was it one fluid motion, or did it feel like two distinct touches? That's what the officials are trying to determine, and it's something that takes a lot of practice for them to get right, too.

Why Does This Rule Matter So Much for Setters?

For setters, avoiding a double hit isn't just about following the rules; it's about being an effective and trustworthy player. Your team relies on you to deliver a clean ball for their attack. A double call at a critical moment can really change the outcome of a point, or even a whole game, you know.

Impact on Game Flow and Fairness

The rule against double hits helps maintain the continuous flow of the game. Volleyball is a fast-paced sport, and allowing players to "carry" or double-hit the ball would slow things down and make it less challenging. It ensures that every team has to earn their points through skill and precision, which is pretty fair, honestly.

It also prevents an unfair advantage. If a setter could hold the ball for a moment longer, they might be able to get a better look at the blockers or adjust their set in a way that isn't intended by the rules. This rule, therefore, keeps the game honest and requires setters to make quick, precise decisions, which is a big part of the fun, actually.

Consequences of a Double Call

When a referee calls a double hit, the rally stops immediately. The point is awarded to the opposing team, and they also get to serve. This can be, you know, pretty frustrating for the team that committed the error, especially if it happens during a close game. It’s a direct penalty that can shift momentum very quickly.

Beyond the lost point, frequent double calls can really affect team morale. Setters might feel a lot of pressure, and hitters might lose confidence in getting a clean ball. It’s a challenge that can, in a way, test a team’s mental toughness. So, mastering this skill isn't just for individual improvement; it’s for the good of the whole team, pretty much.

How to Avoid a Double Hit: Practical Advice for Setters

Avoiding a double hit comes down to consistent technique and a lot of repetition. There are some key areas to focus on that can really help you clean up your sets, which is definitely something to work on.

Mastering Hand Contact

The most important thing is to make sure your hands contact the ball simultaneously and with the right shape. Your fingers should be spread wide, forming a sort of "basket" or "window" for the ball. Your thumbs and index fingers should form a triangle, and the ball should hit the pads of your fingers, not your palms. This gives you maximum control and ensures even pressure, you know.

Work on strengthening your fingers and wrists. This will give you more control over the ball and help you absorb its impact without letting it rest. You can do simple exercises like squeezing a tennis ball or using hand grippers. Strong hands mean better control, and better control means fewer double hits, which is a pretty simple idea.

Footwork and Body Position

Getting your body in the right place under the ball is just as important as your hand contact. You want to move your feet quickly to get directly underneath the ball, facing your target. This allows you to use your whole body to push the ball, rather than just your arms, which is honestly a big deal.

If you're off-balance or reaching for the ball, it's much harder to make a clean contact. Your body should be stable, with your knees bent and ready to extend upwards. This helps you generate power and directs the ball smoothly. Basically, good footwork sets you up for a good set, which makes sense.

Drills to Improve Your Set

Practice is, naturally, the best way to get better. Here are a few drills you can try:

Wall Setting: Stand a few feet from a wall and set the ball against it repeatedly. Focus on keeping your hands open and making a single, clean contact. This helps you feel the right touch without worrying about a target, you know.
Partner Setting: Work with a partner, setting the ball back and forth. Concentrate on delivering a consistent, non-spinning ball. Try to make it easy for your partner to catch or set the ball cleanly.
Target Setting: Set to specific targets, like a hula hoop or a spot on the wall. This adds precision to your practice and helps you direct the ball accurately. You can, like, set to different heights and distances.
One-Handed Setting: While not for game play, practicing setting with one hand can really highlight any imbalances in your hand contact. It forces each hand to work independently and strengthens individual finger control, which is actually pretty helpful.

Remember to always focus on the feel of the ball leaving your hands. It should feel like a soft, single push, not a slap or a catch and release. Video yourself, if you can, and watch your hand contact. Sometimes seeing it helps you fix it, you know.

Common Questions About Double Hits (FAQs)

Many players have similar questions about double hits. Here are some of the most common ones, which are, you know, pretty good to know.

What does a double hit look like in volleyball?

A double hit in volleyball often looks like the ball hesitating or "resting" in the setter's hands for a brief moment, rather than being pushed cleanly. You might see one hand touch the ball slightly before the other, causing an uneven push. Another common visual cue is the ball spinning erratically or wobbling as it travels through the air after the set. It’s not a smooth, controlled spin, you know, but rather a bit chaotic. Sometimes, you can even hear two distinct sounds if the contact is really poor, which is a dead giveaway, obviously.

Can you double hit on a serve receive?

Yes, you can definitely double hit on a serve receive, but the rules are a little different for the first contact. On the first team contact (like a serve receive or a block touch), a double contact is generally allowed, provided it's during a single attempt to play the ball. This means if you bump the ball and your arms aren't perfectly together, causing two touches, it's usually okay. However, for a setter, when they are making the second contact to set the ball, the double hit rule is strictly enforced. So, while the first touch has some leniency, the set does not, which is important to remember.

Is a double hit always illegal in volleyball?

No, a double hit is not always illegal in volleyball. As mentioned, on the first contact by a team (like a serve receive, or after a block), a double contact is permitted. This rule is in place to allow for more continuous play and to make it easier to handle powerful serves or attacks. However, on the second and third contacts by a team, particularly when a setter is trying to set the ball, a double hit is indeed illegal. The goal is to ensure precise and controlled play after the initial reception, you know, so it's a rule that balances playability with skill, pretty much. Learn more about volleyball rules on our site.

The Nuances of Setting: Beyond Just Avoiding Doubles

While avoiding the double hit is a foundational skill for setters, there's so much more to mastering the position. It's about constant improvement and a deep understanding of the game, which is really exciting.

Continuous Practice and Feedback

To really excel as a setter, you need to commit to ongoing practice. This means not just drilling, but also getting feedback from coaches and teammates. Video analysis of your setting can be incredibly helpful. Watching yourself play can reveal subtle issues with your hand contact or footwork that you might not feel in the moment. It’s a very visual way to learn, you know.

Don't be afraid to ask for specific feedback. A coach might spot that your left hand is consistently late, or that you're not getting low enough before you set. These small adjustments can make a huge difference over time. It's all about refining your technique, which is a continuous process, actually.

Mental Game: Staying Calm Under Pressure

The setter is often under a lot of pressure, especially in tight game situations. Staying calm and focused is, arguably, just as important as your physical technique. When the game gets intense, it’s easy to rush or get sloppy, which can lead to errors like double hits.

Practice staying composed. Take a deep breath before each set. Focus on the fundamentals you've drilled. Trust your training. A calm setter can make clear decisions and execute clean sets, even when the stakes are high. This mental resilience is a huge asset for any player, and it's something you can definitely train, too. Learn more about volleyball strategy on our site, and link to this page .

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