If the new rules laid out by the FIVB are interpreted by referees the way I read it, then anyone who learned to set a volleyball longer than two weeks ago is going to need to change their technique.
Here is the opening paragraph of the new definition:
“During the action of players setting overhand with fingers, the ball must be played with one quick motion. There must not be any significant movement of the ball downwards whilst in the hands and the ball may not visibly come to rest in the player’s hands.”
Now if you take the second highlighted section literally, “ There must not be any significant movement of the ball downwards whilst in the hands”, then even players like Phil Dalhausser might need to speed up his action.
So one of two things will happen. Either players will change the way they set, or referees will choose to interpret the words “significant movement” as “more movement than what we consider a good set.” (i.e. no change in the rules)
See the AVF video and explanation here: http://www.avf.org.au/index.php?id=1361
What do you think? Are these new rules going to help simplify the hand setting rule, or is it just another argument on centre court waiting to happen?