Fixed set height or match the hitter’s reach

I saw the following question in a coaching group.

If you had a lights out jumper in the middle, would you prefer to have your setter set those quick sets at the height of the middle’s reach? Or would you go for low and quick over the net? Because I have seen both.

And what is your reasoning??

This topic comes up from time to time. My philosophy is simple. Set each hitter at the height that works best for them. That’s it.

Why? Because to do anything else means one or more of your players has to operate at something below their full capability. That’s not a good situation ever.

Not that this is easy, mind. Especially when it comes to middle quicks, setters have a strong tendency to under-set. It’s a fear thing. They don’t want to overshoot their hitter. It’s understandable. A hitter can usually at least do something with a low set. Not as much with a ball that goes too high.

This generally isn’t as much of a problem when the middle is up on time, though.