The Volleyball By Design Podcast · Brian Singh

Into The Vault: The Art Of Setting With Pro Setter Micah Ma'a

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Micah Maha explains why setters are the only position judged off perfection, not just performance.

This episode features host Coach Brian Singh and professional setter Micah Ma'a discussing the art and science of volleyball setting. Coach Singh, a college head coach, hosts the podcast to provide actionable coaching strategies, while Ma'a is a former UCLA and U.S. Men's National Team setter currently playing professionally in France. The conversation serves as a masterclass for developing setters, drawing from Ma'a's unique journey and high-level experience. Ma'a explains he only became a full-time setter in his junior year of college, making his current pro season just his second year fully dedicated to the position. He emphasizes that a young player's first step is finding a credible coach or source of information to instill proper technique early. For skill development, Ma'a advocates for extensive individual training, stating that 30 minutes of focused setting reps can be more valuable than 10 actual games. He also stresses the importance of training with motivated peers or mentors, like how he works out with Joe Worsley on Zoom for accountability. Technically, Ma'a identifies a fast release as a common trait among elite setters, contrasting it with the "catch and throw" method often taught to beginners. He notes that hand symmetry during the finish is crucial for accuracy, though one hand can be manipulated for specific sets like a 31. Proper footwork is described as the foundation, with Ma'a citing Josh Tuaniga's concept of "using the floor" to generate effortless power. He repeatedly advises setters to keep their mechanics simple and consistent to improve location, which he calls the position's number one requirement. A significant portion of the discussion covers the setter's mental and psychological role. Ma'a states a setter must aim to be either the most competitive or the smartest player on the court, ideally both. He compares decision-making to gambling, seeking the best risk-reward balance rather than a textbook "right" choice. The setter must manage the mental states of all hitters, considering factors like who needs confidence after being blocked or who serves better after getting a kill. Ma'a reveals that in his experience, American hitters are quicker to critique a setter's location than European players, who are more focused on bettering the ball they receive. An interesting technical debate arises around teaching fast hands to young athletes. Ma'a theorizes that using an extremely light ball could help children learn the quick release technique without the strength limitations of a standard ball. He acknowledges the biomechanics of a fast release likely involve the legs, core, and entire upper body, suggesting Coach Tyler Hildebrand as an expert resource on the subject. When asked about pre-game preparation, Ma'a admits he defies the conventional "locked-in" approach, preferring to stay loose and have fun to avoid mental fatigue before a long match. The tone is highly conversational and educational, flowing like an open dialogue between a coach and an elite athlete thinking out loud. The style is technical yet accessible, blending personal anecdotes with practical coaching advice. Volleyball coaches and aspiring setters at any level would love this episode for its dense, specific insights into technique, training philosophy, and the position's unseen psychological demands. Listeners seeking a broad, entertainment-focused sports podcast or those with no interest in volleyball's technical details might want to skip it.

As heard by us

A setter lesson that makes the pressure feel real.

This episode looks back at Brian Singh's 2020 conversation with Micah Ma'a and keeps the focus on what setting asks for: clean touches, steady pressure, and accountability.

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Why you'd press play

You want a setter clinic that gives you a grounded look at the pressure setters carry.

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