Introduction
Blocking in volleyball is one of the most critical defensive skills, especially when it comes to stopping the opposing team's attack. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, knowing how to block correctly can change the flow of the game. This guide dives deep into the art of blocking, covering key techniques, common mistakes, and the best ways to improve your blocking skills for volleyball.
What is Blocking in Volleyball?
Blocking is a defensive move in volleyball where players attempt to stop or slow down the ball after it’s hit by the opposing team’s attacker, typically at the net. A well-timed and positioned block can either send the ball back into the opponent's court (called a stuff block) or deflect it enough for your teammates to play the ball.
The importance of blocking cannot be overstated, as it’s the first line of defense against powerful attacks, allowing your back-row defense more time to react. In volleyball, learning how to block effectively can change the momentum of the game and give your team an advantage.
Key Components of Blocking
1. Ready Stance and Footwork
To become a good blocker, it starts with your stance and footwork. The most important part of blocking is being ready before the play begins. The blocking stance should include:
- Feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
- Elbows tucked in, keeping your hands high and ready.
- Knees slightly bent to allow quick lateral movement along the net.
Footwork in volleyball is essential for effective blocking. Many volleyball coaches teach their players to use the "shuffle step" or "crossover step" to quickly move to either side of the net. Practicing these movements will help you get into the proper blocking position quickly, no matter where the hitter is attacking from.
2. Timing Your Jump
One of the biggest challenges when learning how to block in volleyball is getting the timing right. Timing is everything. A blocker needs to anticipate the hitter’s jump and swing, which requires reading the hitter's body movements, such as their approach line and shoulder rotation.
The ideal time to jump is just after the hitter leaves the ground. Jumping too early can lead to over-committing, where you miss the block altogether. Jumping too late allows the ball to sail over your hands. Practicing timing drills can help you learn how to predict when the hitter will strike.
3. Hand Positioning and Technique
Proper hand positioning is critical when executing a block. Your hands should be positioned above the net, with your fingers spread wide for maximum surface area. Coaches often teach players the phrase "thumbs to the moon" to remind them to point their thumbs upward, ensuring their hands are in the correct position.
Your hands should penetrate the net, meaning they should be extended over the net rather than just above it. This allows you to block the ball downward into the opposing court. Many new blockers make the mistake of pressing their hands straight up or even backward, but the goal is to press forward and down to ensure the ball doesn’t roll off the net and back into your side of the court.
4. Single vs. Double Blocking
In volleyball, blocking can be done by one player (single block) or by two to three players (double or triple block). A single block is typically used when a blocker anticipates a quick hit or if there isn’t enough time for multiple blockers to get in position. A double block is more common and is used when two blockers work together to cover more area of the net, especially against strong hitters.
For younger players, learning the teamwork required for a double block is essential. Communication between blockers is critical to ensure proper coverage of the opposing hitter's angles.
5. Reading the Hitter
To be an effective blocker, you need to be able to read the hitter. This involves watching their approach, arm swing, and shoulder positioning. Good blockers don't just react to the ball—they anticipate where the ball is going to be.
Focusing on the hitter's approach angle and shoulder rotation can give you clues about where they plan to attack. For example, if a hitter’s shoulder is rotated toward the outside, they are likely preparing to hit down the line. Conversely, if their shoulder is more open to the middle, a cross-court attack is more probable. Practice makes perfect, and blocking drills that focus on reading the hitter will sharpen this skill over time.
Common Blocking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Standing Too Far from the Net
One of the most common mistakes new blockers make is standing too far away from the net. When you’re too far back, you won’t be able to penetrate the net properly, making it easier for the hitter to tool your block (hit the ball off your hands and out of bounds). The solution is to maintain proper spacing by pinning your elbows to your ribcage and ensuring your hands are close enough to touch the net.
2. Over-committing to One Hitter
Another frequent issue is over-committing, where a blocker focuses solely on one hitter and loses track of the ball or other potential attackers. This leaves the court vulnerable to quick sets or back-row attacks. Always be aware of other hitters and adjust your positioning accordingly.
3. Double Movements
Players often reach back before pressing forward during a block, creating a double movement that slows them down. Instead, focus on a clean hand movement by sliding your hands over the net as quickly as possible without pulling them back first. This technique helps reduce the time between jumping and getting your hands in the blocking zone.
Volleyball Blocking Drills for Improvement
1. Mirror Drill
This drill focuses on hand placement and footwork. One player mimics the movements of another as they move laterally along the net, ensuring they maintain the correct stance and hand positioning at all times.
2. One-on-One Block
In this drill, one blocker faces off against one hitter. The hitter practices different types of attacks (down the line, cross-court, tipping) while the blocker works on timing, hand positioning, and reading the hitter's body movements.
3. Blind Blocking
As mentioned earlier, blind blocking drills help players focus on reading the hitter rather than the ball. The blocker stands at the net while the coach tosses the ball behind them. The blocker must rely solely on the hitter’s approach to decide when to jump and where to position their hands.
Key Equipment for Blocking Practice
To elevate your blocking game, it's helpful to use specific volleyball training equipment. One product that stands out is the Vertical Challenger, which measures vertical jumps and helps players improve their jumping ability—crucial for blockers. You can check out the Vertical Challenger here.
This equipment allows players to track their progress, ensuring they are constantly working to improve their vertical leap, which is a key factor in becoming a better blocker. Whether for team practices or personal use, the Vertical Challenger can help players reach new heights—literally!
Conclusion
Blocking is more than just jumping at the net—it requires proper technique, excellent timing, and a sharp mind to read the opposing hitter. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned volleyball player, focusing on improving your blocking skills can dramatically impact your performance on the court.
By mastering the essentials of footwork, hand positioning, and timing, while also practicing reading the hitter, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dominant force at the net. Incorporate blocking drills and specialized training tools like the Vertical Challenger into your routine, and watch your blocking game soar.
Stay dedicated, practice hard, and remember that every block is a step toward becoming a more complete volleyball player!