Page 46 - Jim Stone Book Beginner

Beginner Level 1 - Overhead Set

An essential item when learning to overhead set the ball is to locate the ball at the forehead. The
ability to run forward and backward and shuffle stepping is essential to getting the forehead under
the ball to accomplish this task. A consistent hand contact on the ball will develop with repetition, so I
place that component, while important, as a second priority. I would encourage most of the ball
control drills to incorporate movement as a primary focus. The second aspect of moving is being
stopped and balanced in advance of ball contact. Have the player focus on foot position when
setting. The feet should be staggered, preferably with the right foot forward, to facilitate a back foot
to front foot weight transfer while setting the ball.

There are no shortcuts to developing proficiency and consistency with the overhead set. The key is a
lot of repetition. The challenge for the coach is to make the repetition enjoyable to the players. So, I
would encourage a variety of activities that the coach can use without losing focus on the skill's
essential aspects.