Training the Block in Volleyball
Mastering Technique and Strategy

Blocking in volleyball is a crucial skill that can turn the tide of a game. It involves more than just jumping at the net; it's about mastering timing, footwork, posture, and reading the game effectively. Whether you're coaching a team or a player looking to improve your blocking, understanding these key elements can significantly boost performance. Let's dive into an updated and expanded view on how to train an effective block in volleyball.

1. Posture

A proper blocking posture sets the foundation for successful blocks. Players need to maintain a coiled stance at the net, which involves bending the knees slightly and keeping the body ready to explode upwards for a block. Standing too upright reduces reaction speed and jump height, putting players at a disadvantage when facing a fast-paced attack.

Key Points for Effective Posture:

• Elbows and Arms: Tuck your elbows in at a 90-degree angle rather than flaring them out. This ensures that you're blocking with your hands rather than swatting with your arms. Proper arm positioning also helps penetrate the net, reducing the angle for opposing hitters.
• Hand Position: Keep fingers spread and thumbs up to increase the blocking area while minimizing the risk of injury.
• Knees Bent: This allows for quick reactions and explosive jumps when needed.

2. Footwork Patterns

Footwork is one of the most important aspects of blocking, as it enables players to cover large distances across the net quickly. The right footwork ensures that blockers are in the best position to react to an opponent's attack.

Common Blocking Footwork Techniques:

• Two-Step Shuffle: This fundamental movement helps athletes cover 2-3 feet. It’s quick and perfect for minor adjustments at the net.
• Three-Step Crossover: For moving 5-8 feet, athletes use the three-step approach, which involves a step, cross-over, and then hop to cover larger distances.
• Step-Crossover-Shuffle: This technique is ideal when the blocker needs to cover a longer distance, such as moving to block on the opposite side of the court.

Practicing these movements regularly builds muscle memory, allowing players to respond quickly during high-intensity rallies.

3. Eye Sequencing

Blocking isn’t just about the physical aspects; reading the game is equally important. Eye sequencing teaches players where to focus during play to anticipate the opponent’s next move.
 

Effective Eye Sequencing Involves:

1. Tracking the Ball: Determine whether the opponent's pass is on or off target.
2. Reading the Setter: Look for clues from the setter’s body language to determine where the ball is going.
3. Ball Flight: Once the set is made, quickly assess if it's a high or low set and who is the intended hitter.
4. Watching the Hitter: Focus on the hitter's body position and arm swing to predict where they will attack.

Players who master eye sequencing can anticipate attacks more effectively, positioning themselves correctly to execute a successful block.

4. Timing and Technique

Proper timing can be the difference between a block that deflects the ball or one that leads to a point. The golden rule for timing is to jump after the attacker begins their approach, not before. Jumping too early can result in a mistimed block, while jumping too late leaves the net exposed.

Key Techniques:

• Penetration: Rather than just jumping upwards, focus on pushing hands over the net. This action, known as “penetration,” reduces the angle available to the hitter and can result in more effective blocks.
• Core Engagement: As blockers jump, they should “pike,” or tighten their core, to stabilize the upper body and extend the arms fully across the net.

At higher levels, blockers may develop independent hand usage, which allows them to block different shots with each hand, adjusting to the hitter’s trajectory.

5. Team Blocking Tactics

Volleyball defense is a team effort, and blocking is no exception. Teams often employ different formations and tactics based on their opponents’ tendencies.

Popular Team Blocking Strategies Include:

• Spread Formation: Blockers position themselves evenly across the net to defend against hitters from all areas.
• Bunched or Stacked Formation: Blockers are clustered in the middle to defend quick sets or middle attacks, but they can adjust quickly to cover the wings.
• Zone Blocking: Advanced teams may use numbered zones (A, B, C, D, E) to assign blocking responsibilities, ensuring all areas are covered.

6. Cue Words for Blocking

Establishing short and effective cue words helps players stay focused during games. Here are a few examples:

• Coiled: Remind players to stay in a ready position at the net.
• Penetrate: Emphasize the need to reach over the net when blocking.
• Jump after the attacker: Reinforce proper timing for jumping.
• See your hands: Ensures blockers are focused on positioning their hands, not arms, during the block.

7. Drill Selection

When designing blocking drills, the focus must always remain on the blockers, not just the hitters. Reward players for properly reading the play and executing their block, and avoid rewarding hitters who consistently hit around the block.

Key Blocking Drills:

• Shadow Blocking: Have players practice moving across the net using correct footwork without the ball. This allows them to focus entirely on foot positioning and technique.
• Live Block Practice: Have hitters practice attacks while blockers focus on reading the setter and hitter to execute proper blocks.

By honing these blocking techniques and incorporating the right drills, players can dramatically improve their ability to defend at the net.

Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg. Luc has been coaching volleyball for 30+ years with athletes of all age classes and all abilities. He has developed most of the training techniques used by VISION coaches and is responsible for the coach development program at Volleyball Winnipeg. For more details on our Coach Resources, click here.
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