How to Block a Volleyball

Step-by-step Instructions

Here is what you need to do...
Step 1

Obtain a volleyball net that can be set up in your yard or at a park. A good product is the Franklin Advanced Volleyball Set, which sells on Amazon for around $42.

Step 2

Technique: Position your hands so that your palms are open and facing away from your body. "Ready position" means that your knees are slightly bend, and your arms are facing outward and your hands at about eye level.

Step 3

Bend your knees to prepare to jump, loading weight on your lower body.

Step 4

Jump off the ground in an attempt to get your hands over the net. Take your hands and instead of being at eye level, straighten your arms out so that they are over the net, preventing the attacker on the other side from hitting the ball by you.

Step 5

Make sure that your palms are open and your thumbs are pointed toward the sky. Try your best not to touch the net while you are blocking, as this is a violation and will result in a point for the other team.

Step 6

After blocking the ball, land on the ground with your hands still above your head in the blocking position. This is in case the attacker is still swinging at the ball when you land. Your hands will still be at a high level so that you are able to partially block the ball so that your team has a chance to control the ball and score a point.

Step 7

In order to work on your blobking technique, practice this in sets of 10, doing 10 jumps in a row before taking a break. Do 3 sets of 10 reps, and once you are done you can have a partner swing and hit a ball at your hands from the other side of the net.

Step 8

Make sure that your hands are penetrating the other side of the net, your shoulders are squared toward your opponent, and you are looking straight ahead, not down. Try to keep your eyes open if possible to follow the ball.

Special Attention

Difficulties people often experience or parts that need special attention to do it right.

Timing can be very difficult with blocking. The goal is to be in the air and have your hands all the way across the net by the time your opponent is spiking the ball. Once you get this timing down, you can be a very successful blocker.

Stuff You'll Need

Suggested Further Reading

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This Student Author's Background

When did you first do this & how did you get started?

I have been playing volleyball for 9 years now, and blocking is one of the fundamental parts of the game that every player should work on day in and day out. It is extremely important and can make a huge difference between a good team and a great team.

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