How To Block A Volleyball? Step By Step Guide
How to block a volleyball? While it’s often thought that blocking mainly depends on a player’s height and jumping ability, it’s actually a multifaceted skill. Effective blocking involves precise timing, proper footwork, correct positioning and posture, anticipation of the ball’s trajectory, and the strategic placement of arms and hands based on the team’s tactics. It also requires cohesive teamwork, as players must coordinate their movements to maximize court coverage with two-man or three-man blocks. In this post, we’ll delve into the steps necessary to perform the most effective block, addressing footwork, steps, timing, hand positioning, and tactics for both wing and middle blockers.
The Basics of Blocking
The primary goal of a block in volleyball is to either stop the ball from crossing the net or to disrupt the opposing team’s next move. A passive block, on the other hand, is designed to pose a challenge rather than to completely halt the play.
For beginners just learning volleyball, the most crucial is to learn to jump straight up as high as possible and reach over the net with your hands spread. However, as you progress to organized volleyball, blocking becomes more intricate. With multiple attackers on the opposing side, you need a strategy that includes what to block and where to position yourself. Let’s explore the key steps you need to know for both wing and middle blockers.
Step-by-Step Blocking For Wing players
Steps To Perfect wing blocking
1. Ready Position
Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain balance, and slightly bend your knees to be prepared for action. Your hands are crucial; keep them in front of you, raised just above net height, and be ready to move in any direction. This posture allows for quick and agile movements, which are key to blocking successfully. When playing on the wings, your ability to assist with blocking the first tempo, setters dump or pipe depends on the quality of the opponent’s reception, influencing your initial stance. Additionally, be prepared to join a three-man block when the opponent sets high balls out of the system. This readiness is vital for adapting to different offensive plays.
2. The Timing
If the setter sends the ball to the wing, monitor the hitter, as their approach and arm swing provide clues about the spike’s timing and trajectory. Predict the set’s path and begin your step sequence and footwork adjustments, aiming to leap at the moment the hitter contacts the ball. If the attacker’s tendency is more line then close line if it’s diagonal then close diagonal. This ensures you block the area where is the most likely attacker will hit the ball. In case the ball is set to the middle (first tempo) or back row attack (pipe), you should prepare to commit in the middle, ready to block.
3. Jumping and Reaching
To maximize your power, deeply bend your knees and push off the ground with force. As you rise, extend your arms fully above you, aiming to reach as high as possible without touching the net. Remember, making contact with the net during a block results in a penalty, so precision is just as important as height. Spread your hands wide, reach over the net, engage your muscles fully, and angle slightly toward the center of your opponent’s court. This approach ensures your block is both accurate and powerful.
Step By Step Blocking Technique For Middle Blockers
Steps for middle blocking
1. Ready Position:
Start with a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands ready in front of your chest, similar to wing blocking. Adjust your position based on the reception quality and the opponent’s tactics and style of play. For instance, if you commit to the opponent’s middle hitter or pipe, you should track and follow their movement. This adaptive positioning is crucial for effective middle blocking.
Readiness:
Maintain a low stance with your knees bent, poised for swift movement. Position yourself at a distance from the net that allows your fingertips to graze it when your arms are extended. Observing the setter is key; often, especially at lower levels, their actions can reveal the set’s direction. With a skilled setter, prediction becomes challenging. In such cases, adhere to your team’s tactics, also study the opponent setter’s patterns, and you’ll increase your chances of being in the right place for the block.
2. Movement and jump:
To move effectively start by taking a small step with your lead foot in the desired direction, then quickly slide your trailing foot to catch up. Continue this step-slide pattern swiftly until you reach the wing blocker’s position. If you’re late for a two-man block, it’s better not to ‘fly’—avoid jumping and leaving a gap between blockers. Instead, remain upright and aligned. The defender in zone 6 should cover the gap. Jumping in place without drifting increases your chances of a successful block and overall efficiency.
3. Block:
When you jump to block in volleyball, extend your arms and hands over the net. Make sure your hands and arms close off any space between you and the net, preventing the ball from slipping through. Again It’s important to jump straight up and not drift sideways.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Net Touches: Touching the net during a block is illegal. To avoid this, focus on vertical jumps and practice arm and hand positioning without contacting the net.
- Foot Faults: Stepping over the centerline can be a violation. Practice footwork drills to stay aware of your position relative to the line.
- Flying: Jumping too late or flying can result in ineffective blocks. Work on reading the setter and hitter to time your jumps better.
- Poor Hand Positioning: Not sealing the block can allow the ball to pass through. Ensure your hands are pressed over the net and angled into the opponent’s court.
- Lack of Communication: Failing to communicate with teammates can lead to holes in the block. Use hand signals and verbal cues to coordinate with your team.
Continue with:
Conclusion
We’ve covered all the steps necessary to learn blocking, aiming to enhance your skills as a blocker. Although it may appear simple, blocking is a complex skill that’s challenging to master. At higher levels of volleyball, middle blockers receive extensive information when scouting opponents. They must understand the setter’s tendencies, know when to commit, decide when to play read-and-react, and recognize what the setters are likely to do in various situations, such as during perfect, positive, or exclamatory receptions. Wing blockers, while having less to learn, still need to know which area of the court to cover—be it diagonal or line—and when to assist middles in blocking pipes or first tempos.
I hope you found this blog on how to block in volleyball informative and enjoyable. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below or contact me directly via email. I’ll be glad to respond.
