Back row setter taking the ball over....can he jump?

Question
When running a 6-2 can the setter jump set as long as they dont take the ball over the net?

Answer
Good morning and welcome to www.allexperts.com!  

What you said is kinda accurate.  I've been coaching for a long time, and since the first year I coached, inexperienced vball players AND parents will begin to believe, "He can't take it over if he jumps".  Jumping has nothing to do with it.  It's no where in ANY rule book. So scrub that out of your mind!  :)

The rule states, "If a back row player is on or in front of the 10' line AND contacts the ball when the ball is completely above the top of the net AND takes the ball over, then that is an illegal back row attack."  This rule is the same in all rule books.  

So, if a guy is 5'5", a back row setter, and he jump sets and takes the ball over, it may be legal b/c the ball may not have been completely above the top of the net.  On the other hand, if a 6'9" back row setter stands on the floor and takes the ball over, it may be illegal, b/c the ball may have been completely above the net.  

The rule is made to keep back row players from acting like front row players.  However, the rule is not intended to stop back row players from setting, to prevent players from covering/hustling, etc.  The rule exists to prevent a back row player from attacking like he's front row.  

One more thing:  This rule doesn't prevent the back row setter from attacking!!!  He can still stand on his feet and "flip dump" a ball.  I'm sure you've seen that in women's vball.  You can do it too!  And, of course, on a bad pass, you can say, "John, SET ME!" and as long as you jump from behind the spiking line, you reach as high and you can hit as hard as you please!

What else can we do for you?  My staff and I still have 2 weeks available to direct summer site camps.  Maybe your coach would like to host one!!  It's all at www.coachhouser.com.  

Have a great day!
Coach Houser