Blocking Technique Drills

Originally Published in: Volleyball Steps To Success

Provided by: Human Kinetics

Blocking Technique Drill 1 - Partner Blocking

Standing on the ground, partners face each other approximately 2 feet (.6 m) apart. One player tosses a ball while her partner presents her hands to block. Focus on full elbow extension, thumbs pointed to the ceiling, and a strong core. The attacking partner uses a good arm swing technique to attack the ball against the outstretched hands of her partner. Be sure the blocker's fingers are pointed up and that the ball is not hit down at the fingers (possible if the hitter is taller than the blocker). The blocker should contract her abdominal muscles and press the ball downward. The ball should rebound off the blocker's hands and go straight to the floor. Perform the drill 10 times and switch roles.

TO INCREASE DIFFICULTY

• Try attacking off one hand more than the other.

• Add a slight hop as the blocker.

• Make the blocker balance on an unstable surface (like a BOSU or balance cushion).

TO DECREASE DIFFICULTY

• Hit squarely into the blocker's hands.

• Attack softly.

Success Check

• Focus on full elbow extension.

• Keep thumbs pointed to the ceiling.

• Keep a strong core.

Score Your Success

Earn 1 point for each successful block (10 attempts)

Your score:

Blocking Technique Drill 2 - Blind Blocking

It is important for the blocker to focus on watching the assigned hitter instead of watching the ball. For this drill, players are divided into groups of three (one attacker, one tosser, and one blocker) and the entire court is divided into two lanes. The attacker is on one side of the net with a tosser and blocker on the other side. The blocker faces the attacker, and the tosser is behind the blocker (figure 5.9). The tosser gently lobs the ball 2 to 3 feet (.6-1 m) over the net so that the attacker can approach and hit the ball. The blocker, with her back to the toss, is forced to focus on the attacker's approach pattern and line up appro-priately on the attacker's arm. The attacker facilitates the blocker's success by attacking directly into the blocker's hands. Perform the drill 10 times and then rotate responsibilities, keeping track of the number of successful blocks.

TO INCREASE DIFFICULTY

• Toss the ball so that the attacker makes contact farther away from the net.

• Toss the ball to the side to force the blocker to step to the side.

• Tell the attacker to try to hit the ball off one hand or a fingertip.

TO DECREASE DIFFICULTY

• Toss the ball tighter so that the attacker has very little room to swing around the block.

Success Check

• Watch your hitter, not the ball.

• Jump immediately after your hitter.

• Press on the block with your core.

Score Your Success

Earn 1 point for each successful block (10 attempts) plus half a point for every blocking point of the others in your group.

Your score:

Blocking Technique Drill 3 - Outsides vs. Blockers

Position three left-side hitters and a setter on one side of the net. On the other side of the net stand two right-side blockers and two middles. The coach tosses the ball to the setter, who sets the first left side hitter in line. As the set is made, the middle blocker uses the step-crossover-close footwork to close to the right-side blocker. Hitters should attack into the blocker's hands. When 10 balls have been attacked, setters and hitters switch roles with the blockers and repeat. Keep track of the number of blocked balls.

TO INCREASE DIFFICULTY

• Have hitters attack vulnerable places in the block (the seam between blockers, the outside hand of the pin blocker).

TO DECREASE DIFFICULTY

• Have attackers hit a ball tossed by an instructor.

• Set the ball tighter to the net.

Success Check

• Blockers should have four hands together squared to the court.

• Watch your hitter.

• Keep arms extended until you land.

Score Your Success

Earn 1 point for each successful block (10 attempts) plus a half point for every successful block that you hit into.

Your score: