Setter Starting Position for a 6-2

Question
1) I know the setter in a 6-2 usually starts in zone 1 or RB, have you ever seen the setter come out of zone 6 or MB?

2)If a libero replaces my middle when she goes backrow when my middle goes to RB in rotation 3, can I bring back my Middle and then have my libero replace my OH in rotation 4?  

Answer
Good afternoon and thanks for visiting www.allexperts.com!

You have 2 really good questions.  

1) I have seen the setter come from the 6 zone as often as I've seen 4-leaf clovers:  Numerous times in 24 years of coaching, but probably only done by 5% of teams.  When I started coaching, yes my setter played on the spiking line in the middle of the court behind our blockers.  I stopped that after a few years b/c I think the 6-back defense is superior.  I've written several articles about defensive preference:  6-up (setter at middle spiking line# vs. 6-back #setter short right).  I will send them to you if you'll email me at [email protected].  

2) What you've described is legal.  When your MB rotates to the 1 spot, your libero can go in.  After x rallies, your MB can go back in for the libero......1spot, 6spot or 5spot.  Doesn't matter.  And, then, after 1 rally standing on the sidelines, your libero may go in for any other back row player.......even the setter.  But, I don't recommend you ask her to become the setter.  Why not?  There's a rule that will keep her from doing it, and if any reader isn't familiar with that rule, please follow up.  

I hope that this helps. And please take a moment to visit me at www.coachhouser.com. I think you'll like the free downloads.  But the smiling faces are even better.

Tom Houser