In volleyball, the block at the net may be the most important aspect to a team’s defense. Blocking takes a lot of skill and cooperation among players to ensure a quality block is made. Below you will find tips on how to perform a better block.
Feet
As you should with most starting positions in volleyball, have your feet shoulder width apart in the athletic position. This is called the athletic position.
Lower Body
The first thing you do is to make sure that your body is squared to the net. This is simple as you should be facing the net anyway. Again, you want to stay in the athletic position here, feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. It is important that you do not stand extremely close to the net. You really want to be about a half arms length from it.
Upper Body
This is the same as the lower body. If your lower body is square, then your upper body will likely follow. Be sure it does. With your elbows bent, hold your arms out in front of you in a ready position. To maintain a ready position, your hands should be palms out, facing the net, and ready to move quickly. You have to be sure that your hands do not go lower than your shoulders, or you are not ready to block. Maintaining this position will enable you to be ready. Sets are going to come in your direction all of the time and it is a must to be ready to go.
Keep your eyes open. In this way you can notice and anticipate exactly where the hitter is going to hit. Always know which hitter you are blocking before the play even begins.
If you want to get the block, you have to line up with the hitter. For example, if a player is coming at an angle towards you, the ball is probably going to be hit cross court. Block cross court.
Block Jump
This part takes practice and skill. The important part here is that you must time the hitter and jump exactly at the right time. When a hitter is coming at you, line up your body with the hitter’s arm and jump block. Jumping straight up and not fading right or left is imperative. Try to land in the same spot that you jumped from.
Hands and Arms
When performing to block, convince yourself to try and catch or grab the volleyball. Reach your hands as far across the net to do this. Spread your fingers as far apart as possible and keeping them very strong and stiff.
Push as hard as you can when you feel the volleyball contact your hands. Shrugging your shoulders is really going to help this.
