About John Crutchfield Expertise 15 years coaching experience: United States National Team and High Performance National Team; high school (men`s and women`s); Club (Belmont Shore and Asics/Nova: boys` 16s and 18). Played volleyball competitively since 1970 including Junior Olympics; University of Southern California; Beach; U.S. Nationals (40 and over) and Long Beach recreational adult leagues (8 time city champions)I have joined the staff as an assistant coach for the men`s
volleyball program at California State University at Long Beach and am now
entering my second season with the program. In addition I am one of the
original coaches of the newly formed LBC Volleyball Club for the last two
years. I have coached 12, 13, 16 and 18 year old teams and coached our 13
year olds to the National Championship at the Junior Olympics in July, 2002
at Louisville, Kentucky.
Experience I've played volleyball all my life (since the age of 13 and before most people even knew it was a sport). I've been coaching for the last 18 years, even while I was practicing law full time. Recently I have changed to an education career partly to allow me more time to coach and to coach at a higher level.
Expert: John Crutchfield Date: 1/31/2001 Subject: mind and body
Question Mr Crutchfield,
You answered a question a while ago about research into mind and body in volleyball. Part of your answer was a checklist for setters before and after a serve. Could you please list these points.
Thankyou
Answer Dear Nevil:
I am enclosing a copy of my "Setter's Checklist" which I routinely distribute and discuss with my more advanced level setters. While by no means exhaustive, this should give you and your setters an idea of the complexity and importance of the mental aspects of the setting position. I hope you find it helpful and please feel free to follow up if you need further explanation or clarification of any of the included points.
SETTER'S CHECKLIST
The following factors must be consciously considered by the setter in order to maximize offensive production and setting efficiency
-Offensive Personnel
1. Passers
a. Number (2,3 or 4 man)
b. Quality (include opponent's serving ability)
c. Tendencies (low/high; short/long; accuracy)
2. Hitters
a. Number (2 or 3)
b. Quality (strongest to weakest)
c. Tendencies (particular sets per player)
d. Streaks (hot and cold)
e. Initial Serve Recieve Position (passing/affecting approach)
f. Effective Back Row Hitter Available?
-Defensive Personnel
1. Blockers
a. Tall and short
b. Strong and Weak
c. Quick and Slow
2. Back Row
a. Passing/Digging Ability
b. Quick and Slow
c. Aggressive and Passive
-Game Situation
1. Game Score
a. Way ahead or way behind (more risky)
b. Close or on a streak (more conservative)
2. Match Score
-Defensive Factors
1. Opponents Scheme (Rotation, Perimeter etc.)
2. Prior opponent errors
3. Open areas or blocking seams
-Playset Call
1. Middle Established?
2. Hitter/Blocker Match-ups
3. Tendency Alteration (avoid repetitious or unsuccessful play calling)
4. Combinations (always at least one combo with three hitters)
POST SERVICE
-Pass Quality (The worse the pass, the safer the set)
-Setting Position (Ideal: Full Play Set v. Poor: Limited or emergency sets
-Front Row Passer (May eliminate or delay quick or combo option)
-Hitter Problems (Slip, mis-communication, delay etc.)
-Defensive Opportunities (Confused or delayed blocker)
-Audibles (By Hitter or Setter)
