Blocking

Things to do

• Watch
  • Ball
  • Setter – focus on the setter’s hands BEFORE the ball is set
  • Ball
  • Hitter
    • Angle of Approach
      • Front your hitter.
      • Blocker needs to move and set the block in the hitter’s angle of approach.
    • Eyes – Where the hitter is looking is a good indication of where the hit will go.
    • Shoulders – As the hitter’s shoulders turn, try to move hands into the area.
    • Hand – As the hitter’s hand turns, try to move your hands into the area.
• Hands High & Shuffle
  • When moving along the net and when jumping, carry the hands at shoulder height.
• Plant
  • When you move along the net to block, plant so that you jump straight up and down.
  • Land in the same place from where you jump.
  • Seal and be square to the net.
• Jump After Your Hitter
  • The farther off the net the hitter is hitting the ball, the later the jump.
• Line up with hitter’s hitting shoulder
• Seal And Penetrate
  • Seal the net with your hands, thumbs pointing to the ceiling a balls width apart, and arms locked.
  • Whenever possible extend your arms across the net (penetration).
  • Keep your shoulders square to the net.
• Land and transition – open, cross-over, prepare

Things to avoid

• Leaving space between your arms and the net
• Jumping into the net
• Not transitioning to hit after the block