This blocker is in a good ready position. Knees flexed. Hands up. Eyes on the opponent. Note the blocker next to her is signaling to her teammates that there are just two front row hitters across the net (the setter is front row).

 

 

 

 

These blockers have done such a good job that the Stanford hitter has no choice but to tip the ball. Note the spread fingers and distance between the blockers' hands--they have maximized the block and taken away as much court as possible.

 

 

 

 

Here, the middle block closed the block with her arms. You have to jump high and have a great reach in order to close this way. The right side hitter has turned her antenna-side hand in to deflect the ball back into the hitter's court

 

 

 

5 Purposes of Blocking:

 

1. Stuff: When the blocker blocks the ball and it goes down on the opponent's side.

2. Stop: When the blocker prevents the ball from crossing the net and the opponent continues to play the ball.

3. Control: When the block deflects the ball, slowing it down enough for the defenders to make a good play. 

4. Channel: When the block forces the hitter to hit into the strength of the defense.

5. Intimidate: After the block successfully establishes any of the situations above, hitters will begin to overcompenstae and make hitting errors. 

 

Preparation

 

Ready Position: Start at the net, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, hands up, eyes forward.

 

Know the Hitters: Identify the front row players and their positions.  Blockers should always know which hitter (or area) the blocker is responsible for neutralizing.  A middle blocker's primary job is to stop the middle quick attack, then to help the other blockers.  Outside hitters should note whether the setter is front row ("up") or back row ("down") and announce it. Rights sides and setters are matched up against the opponent's outside hitters

 

Cues--Passer, Setter, Hitter: Read the quality of the pass to determine what options the setter has.  Next, "read' the setter. What cues does she give with her body language? (I.e., arching the back for a back set, crouching down on a quick set, contact location, etc). Last, focus on the hitter who is getting the ball.

 

Execution

 

1. Hands high: During all travel along the net, the blocker should be able to see the back of her hands.

2. Shoulders square: When possible, shoulders should remain squared to the net.

3. Land "loaded:" Minimize the amount of up-down movement by landing loaded (i.e., ready to spring) when you finish your lateral movement.

 

"Front" the Hitter: The primary blocker should line up the middle of her body on the attacker's hitting arm. The secondary blocker closes to the primary. Make adjustments, if necessary. For example, if the hitter tends to always hit cross-court, line up with outside arm on her hitting arm.

 

Shoulders Square/Eyes Open: The blocker's shoulders should be square to the net with head turned towards the hitter. Keep your eyes open!! 

 

Set the Block: Once a blocker arrives on balance and "loaded," it is critical that the jump be UP and not "drifting."  Don't lunge into the net and don't drift laterally. Drifting not only increases the likelihood of injury to both blockers but often leaves a hole between the blockers.

 

"Big Hands:" Fingers should be spread wide and flexed.  Point thumbs up and drop the pinky fingers.  Arms should be shoulder width apart and hands almost ball width apart. Take away as much area as possible.  Hands should create a rebound angle that forces the hit back into the court.  Reach "low and tight" over the net, with the palms not the fingertips.

 

Turn Outside Hand: The hand that is closest to the antenna should be angled in, so that the ball will be deflected back into the court--not out of bounds.