Although Iowa State has temporarily strayed from the 6-2 rotation, primarily using the 5-1, the formation may still play a pivotal part in the Cyclones’ matchup against Texas Christian on Saturday.

TCU (14-4, 4-2 Big 12) will use its own 6-2 attack against Iowa State (10-6, 3-2 Big 12) — bringing the familiar scheme back to Hilton Coliseum. The 6-2 rotation, in which the setter only works from the back row, serves to showcase TCU’s front-row talent.

With three hitters in the front at all times, opposing defenses, such as Iowa State, have to prepare for an efficient front row — both offensively and defensively.

“[The 6-2 gives TCU] really nice options in every rotation,” said ISU volleyball coach Christy Johnson-Lynch. “They play hard; they’re a good team.”

One of the most prominent ways the effectiveness of TCU’s 6-2 setup has manifested itself is defensively, particularly at the net. The Horned Frogs are ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA for blocks per set at 2.97 and keep their opponents, on average, to a .166 hitting percentage.

The Cyclones, who will enter the weekend matchup with an average hitting percentage of .234 on the season, will have their work cut out for them, especially considering their current 5-1 system. With the setter rotating all around the court — in both the front and back rows — sophomore Monique Harris will have to compete at the net despite the height discrepancy between her and the other front row-hitters.

“Offensively, can we make a couple better choices here and there?” Johnson-Lynch said, regarding the week of practice before TCU. “Can our setter make a little bit better decisions here and there?”

To complement its defensive efficiency, TCU also uses many combination plays on offense. Combination plays stray from the typical one-hitter style, incorporating multiple hitters on the same attack.

For instance, in a typical combination play two hitters may approach the net and jump simultaneously during a set but in different areas of the court. Initially, if the play is executed correctly, the defense will be unaware of who will receive the set and must guess — or divide — when attempting a block.

“We just have to be more alert about their game and who could go where and predicting what might happen,” said redshirt junior Morgan Kuhrt. “We need to stay balanced.”

Balance may play a key role in Iowa State securing its fourth Big 12 victory against TCU — a victory that may have significant implications considering each team’s current standing. With Iowa State’s loss against Kansas last Saturday and TCU’s win against Texas Tech, the Horned Frogs passed the Cyclones for the No. 3 spot in the conference.

As TCU hasn’t qualified for the NCAA Tournament since 2009, the Horned Frogs are competing more than ever for that tournament bid, Johnson-Lynch said. For the Cyclones, who were in the tournament last year but still need to fight for a spot this season, a win against TCU could be crucial.

“We need to get back into a groove and work really hard these next few days,” Kuhrt said. “We just need to find our rhythm again, and we’ll be ready to go against TCU.”