Volleyball Skills and Drills: Blocking

“As the level of play rises, volleyball becomes more of a power game, and the block becomes a critical factor for success” (AVCA 70).

Blocking is the most challenging skill to learn and teach.

The blocker should be busy identifying the attacker on the other side of the net as the team lines of to serve at an opponent. If the opponent is running a low quick set, then the base position of the blocker should move to be in front of the quick attacker before the ball is even set.

As the ball is being set the blocker should move from base position to jump position. Blockers move to set position by fronting the attacker, preparing to block the incoming attack.

Peripheral vision is a key skill in blocking. With this vision, you are able to look up at the ball but still see your opponent’s moving into their approach patterns. Blockers should also be able to watch their setters and attackers from their side peripherally.

The positioning of the arm and hands are also one of the key events to making a successful block. On the way up and during contact with the ball, the thumbs should be pointing up and the fingers should be spread (This protects the fingers from injuries). The hand closer to the center of the court should be extended over the net and the other hand should reach back towards the back to cut off the angle shot of the blocker. When jumping the blockers should move their arms from and inside to outside position.

Lenberg, Kinda. Volleyball Skills & Drills. Human Kinetics, 2006.