Volleyball is a sport that requires great skill and technique in order to dominate. Blocking is one of the most important elements of the game, and understanding the correct steps is essential for successful play.
This article examines the six key steps necessary to achieve incredible blocking in volleyball.
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Ready stance and anticipation: The first step to dominating in blocking is to have a solid ready stance and anticipate the opponent’s attack. This involves being in a balanced position with your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed on both feet. By anticipating the opponent’s attack, you can react quickly and effectively.
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Block placement and technique: The next step is to focus on block placement and technique. This involves positioning yourself in the right spot to block the attack and using proper hand and arm positioning to deflect the ball. It’s important to have a strong and stable base to generate power and control.
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Defending the seam: Defending the seam is another crucial step in dominating in blocking. The seam is the space between two blockers, and it’s important to communicate and work together with your teammates to close this gap and prevent the ball from going through.
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Strategic blocking: Strategic blocking involves analyzing the opponent’s tendencies and adjusting your positioning and technique accordingly. This may include adjusting your block height, timing, and positioning to counter the opponent’s attacks.
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Rules and considerations: Understanding the rules and considerations of blocking is essential for success. This includes knowing the legal techniques and movements allowed during blocking, as well as understanding the rules regarding contact with the net and crossing the centerline.
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Tips for short blockers and drifting: Finally, this article will provide tips specifically for short blockers and drifting. Short blockers may need to focus on timing and technique to compensate for their height, while drifting involves moving laterally along the net to cover more space and block effectively.
All of these steps are based on the principles of sound technique and strategic decision-making. Through an understanding of the fundamentals of the game, players can develop their blocking skills and become successful in the sport.
Ready Stance and Anticipation
In order to dominate in volleyball with incredible blocking, one must begin with a ready stance and anticipation of the ball placement and hitter’s approach. The arms should be bent at eye-level, allowing for quick reaction. Observing the pass, setter’s visual cues, and the hitter’s body will provide clues as to where the ball is going. Movement should be based on the setter’s direction of the ball.
Judging block placement should also be based on the attacking shoulder of the hitter. Timing the jump after the hitter’s hand passes her face is necessary, with longer delays if the attacker is further from the net. To increase the chance of the ball falling on the opponent’s side, the fingers should be spread and the hands should reach high above the net. Hitting the ball, not the hitter, is important.
Blocking technique should be angled down aggressively to deflect the ball. The outside hand should be angled towards the middle of the court. Turning the body can help push the ball back into the opponent’s court.
Block Placement and Technique
| Correct blocking technique is essential for success in volleyball, with placement determined by the attacking shoulder of the hitter. Options like quickset, topspin hit, or tip should be taken into account. Shuffle or turn and run footwork should be used to quickly move into position. Timing the jump should be done after the hitter’s hand passes their face and delayed if further from the net. When jumping, fingers should be spread and reach high above the net to penetrate and increase the chance of the ball falling on the opponent’s side. Hands should be close enough to block the ball and angled down to aggressively deflect it. The outside hand should be angled towards the middle of the court. | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ready Stance | Be in a ready stance, facing the net, arms bent at eye-level, ready to react | |
| Anticipation | Watch the pass to predict setter’s options, watch setter’s visual cues, pay attention to hitter’s body for their approach | |
| Block Placement | Judge block placement based on hitter’s attacking shoulder, block the ball, not the hitter | |
| Defending Seam | Watch hitter’s approach and striking arm motion to anticipate dig, control the seam | |
| Strategic Blocking | Know what to give and take away, arrive at the right place at the last second to surprise the hitter | |
| Rules & Considerations | Know the rules, understand what is illegal, and be aware of what counts as a hit or double contact |
Defending the Seam
Defending the seam between blockers’ hands is a key strategy in volleyball, as it can help teams control the ball and prevent opponents from scoring.
The seam is the hole in the blocking pattern, and the defense must watch the hitter’s momentum and striking arm motion to be able to defend it.
In a solo block, the seam should be closed between the blocker’s hands.
In a double block, the gap between the blockers’ hands must be closed.
In a triple block, the seam should be closed towards the middle.
A blocking wall is also used to control the seam.
Liberos and defensive specialists are also expected to defend the seam.
It is important to watch the hitter’s approach and striking arm motion in order to anticipate the dig.
Controlling the seam allows a blocker to choose what shot to give and take away from the attacker.
Finally, sealing the block by closing the gap between the blockers’ hands is essential in defending the seam.
Strategic Blocking
Strategic blocking is an important tactic used in higher levels of volleyball to control the ball and prevent opponents from scoring. It involves controlling the seam, which is the hole in the block, and is often used in tandem with scouting to know what to give and take away from the attacker.
Blockers use the following strategies to be successful in strategic blocking:
- Judge the block placement based on the hitter’s attacking shoulder.
- Use scouting to know what to give and take away from the attacker.
- Close the gap between blockers’ hands to control the seam.
