Setting for outdoor volleyball

Question
Hello John,

I need your expert advice.  I have a frustrate question, and I need help.

I have been playing volleyball for 12 yrs.  High school, College Club team etc.

Recently, I decided to play some competitive outdoor ball.  However, I got quite a few calls on my setting (double hits-outdoor) then any other time in my career.  And I considered myself as an above average indoor setter...

So, please advice me how I should correct my problem, and maybe explain a little about the rules on outdoor vs. indoor.

Thanks,

Tony  

Answer
Hi Tony:
    This issue in beach vs. indoor "hands" is really one of interpretation rather than rule. A double contact is always a double contact, but beach officials have always seemed to interpret the standard much more strictly.  This explains why even the best beach setters bump set much more often on the beach than they ever did indoors, especially when the wind is involved.  As a setter you always have to adjust to the officiating, you simply need to be more conservative on the beach and bump set the potentially troublesome passes.  
    As far as technique goes, you need to get as many reps as possible with a beach ball (noticeably heavier) and in outdoor conditions (learn to adjust for the wind).  As with any skill, there is simply no substitute for practice.
    I would suggest that you bump set more often in the immediate future (except on perfect passes or when you get an unusually liberal ref)until you become more proficient at the "beach" set and acquire the necessary confidence. When you do opt for the hand set, go for it aggressively and with confidence!
    Best of luck!
                  -Crutch