Volleyball Set Numbers (2025 Guide): Complete Setter & Hitter Breakdown

Volleyball setting numbers can be confusing at first, but once you understand the system, the entire offense becomes clearer. Setters, hitters, and coaches all rely on standard set calls to control tempo, placement, and ball height. This guide breaks down every major set number and call, using the diagram below as a reference.

What Are Volleyball Set Numbers?

Set numbers describe three things:

• Height of the set

• Location on the net

• Tempo (speed of the play)

These numbers allow hitters and setters to communicate quickly and precisely, no matter the level of play — youth, club, high-school, or travel volleyball.

Court Zones: Blue, White & Red

In the diagram:

• Blue Zone – Outside hitter (left side)

• White Zone – Middle and back-row attacks

• Red Zone – Right-side/opposite hitter

These zones help define where sets are placed along the net.

Front-Row Set Numbers

1 — Quick Set

A fast, low set directly in front of the setter.

• Tempo: Very fast

• Hit by: Middle blocker

• Goal: Beat the blockers before they jump

2 — Standard Middle Set

A medium-height ball above the setter’s head.

• Hit by: Middle blocker

• Used when the quick isn’t available

3 — Three Ball

A fast-tempo set halfway between the middle and the outside hitter.

• Creates seams in the block

• Hit by: Outside or middle

4 — High Outside Set

The traditional outside hitter set.

• Height: High arc

• Location: Left pin

• Hit by: Outside hitter

5 — High Back-Set

Equivalent to a “4” but behind the setter.

• Location: Right pin

• Hit by: Opposite hitter

Shoot — Fast Outside

A low, quick ball to the outside hitter.

• Tempo: Extremely fast

• Purpose: Outrun blockers

31 — Thirty-One

A quick tempo just left of the setter.

• Hit by: Middle blocker

• Often paired with an outside shoot play

32 — Thirty-Two

A slightly higher, slower version of the 31.

• Used when hitters need more approach time

Rip

A fast ball between the quick and the two-ball.

• Hit by: Middle or right-side on crossing plays

Slide

A one-footed attack where the middle runs behind the setter.

• Location: Right pin

• Creates major blocking confusion

9 — High Ball to Deep Right Side

A tall, slow, safe set to the far right pin.

• Hit by: Opposite hitter

• Used during out-of-system plays

Back-Row Set Calls (White Zone)

Pipe (A Ball)

A back-row attack set from the middle back.

• Tempo: Medium

• Hit by: OH/DS/OPP

D Ball

A fast back-row ball to the right-back hitter.

• Tempo: Fast

• Hit by: Opposite hitter

Volleyball Set Number Chart

How Setters Choose the Right Set

Great setters make decisions based on:

• Pass quality

• Blocker positioning

• Hitter availability

• Tempo preferences

• Opponent tendencies

Mixing set locations and tempos helps create an unpredictable, high-powered offense.

Why Learning Set Numbers Matters

Understanding set numbers helps players:

• Communicate faster

• Run advanced plays

• Improve timing

• Reduce blocking pressure

• Play smarter, not harder

Whether you’re a setter learning tempos or a hitter improving approach timing, mastering this system is essential for competitive volleyball.

Volleyball Set Numbers FAQ

What is a 1 set?

A quick, low set in front of the setter for the middle blocker.

What is a 2 set?

A medium-height ball set above the setter to the middle.

What is a 4 set?

A high outside set to the left pin.

What is a 5 set?

A high back-set to the right pin.

What is a 31 set?

A fast tempo between the setter and outside.

What is a slide?

A one-footed attack where the middle runs behind the setter.

What is a pipe set?

A back-row attack from middle-back, also called an A ball.