What is a Block in Volleyball? – How to Stop Spikes Like a Pro

One day, our coach decided to focus an entire practice on blocking techniques.

As an outside hitter, I had always seen blocking as a secondary skill, something I did when I happened to be at the net. But that day opened my eyes to the art and science behind effective blocking. We spent hours working on footwork, hand positioning, and timing.

By the end of that session, I realised and understood the complexity and importance of this defensive skill.

As I progressed through my volleyball career and into coaching, I came to believe that blocking is not just about physical attributes like height or vertical leaps. A well-executed block can demoralise the opposing team in that one second.

What is a Block – what is a Volleyball Blocker?

When I first started playing volleyball, I thought blocking was just about throwing my hands up in the air and hoping for the best. I was way off. 

A block in volleyball is a defensive move where you try to stop or deflect the ball back into the opponent’s side when they hit or spike it. You can execute a block either solo or with your teammates. 

Mostly, players in the front row play the role of blocker (along with being setter).

In this blog, I’ll be walking you through a lot more about volleyball blocks. It’ll include the basics of executing a block, the type of blocks, techniques you can use to master the blocks, and more. 

Understanding the Basics of Volleyball Blocks 

Right at the net, blocks are our first line of defense. Without it, most rallies would be over after the first hit.  

Typically, teams rely on taller players who can jump high to block incoming spikes. But when you have more complex formations, like a 5-1 or 6-2, the focus shifts to offense.  

These runs have just one or two skilled defensive players in the back row.  

These blockers are usually smaller and quicker, perfect for diving high and agile enough to quickly block the ball.  

With a perfect block, you can disrupt the opponent team’s momentum and get the scope of launching a counterattack on them. 

How to Execute a Basic Volleyball Block 

As I started to go deep into understanding the game, I quickly realized that a basic block is made of multiple factors like posture, timing, observation, and focus.  

Here, I’ll be talking about each of these aspects separately: 

1. Perfect Your Position 

Stand near the net with slightly bent knees and put your weight on the balls of your feet. Once in position, raise your hands and be ready for the opponent’s attack.  

Remember, staying agile and springing into action is key. Focus on getting above the net and reducing the spiker’s angle. 

2. Observe and Read Your Opponent 

To master blocking, you must learn how to read your opponent. Over the years, I’ve found that paying attention to the small details makes all the difference.  

Watch how they hold their body, where their arms are, and the angle of their shoulders. 

Little things about their posture give you clues to their next move. Also, don’t forget the setter. Their hand positioning can tip you off to where the ball is heading.  

With experience, you’ll be able to gauge the angle at which your opponent is going to spike the ball. 

3. Get the Timing 

As your opponent leaps to spike the ball, you’ve got to time your jump and sync it with their arm swing. The trick is to reach the peak of your jump exactly when the ball crosses the net.  

It’s not just about making contact but getting in the way and throwing off the shot. Timing is critical for keeping that ball from sneaking past you and disrupting their attack.  

4. Focus  

Focusing on the attacker’s hitting shoulder or arm can be a great help. This sharp focus gives you the visual cues you need to react faster and make quick decisions. 

9 Different Types of Blocks in Volleyball 

You won’t shine in the game if you master the bare minimum. I’d suggest you pick the best from these block types. You can make a combination of plays that you can master best.  

This list moves from simpler to advanced blocks: 

Simple Volleyball Block Options 

1. Soft block 

You’ll try to deflect or reduce the spiker’s angle in this type of block instead of aiming to stop it. It is used against spikers who have great skill and speed, and you need to control the ball’s motion. 

2. Hard block 

When you spot that the opponent has a weak stance of attack, you’ll use a hard block. Its goal is to completely block or stop the strike. 

3. Delay block 

If the attacker is good at identifying your blocking movement and uses its strike power moves, you should take him off guard using the delay strike. In this type jump later than usual blocks you do. 

4. Middle block 

You will use this block type only if you are playing in the middle of the court. It is to defend against any attack from the middle of the court. 

5. Side blocks 

If you are playing on an outside front position, pick this block type. You can even coordinate with the middle front player to make a solid wall against the opponent’s strike. 

Advanced Volleyball Block Options 

Don’t worry if these blocks sound demanding—they’re just variations of the basics. With practice, you’ll master them. 

6. Double blocking 

Going by the name, this block needs two players to team up and block the strike together. You can use this to intimidate the opponent’s striker. If timed and coordinated properly, you can do a hard block in this case. 

7. Triple block 

Make a plus one on the first type, as this needs three of the players to block at the same time. This can be a bit tricky as it will leave a big chunk of the court open and vulnerable. 

8. Swing block 

In this type of block, you will have to extend your arm fully over your head and then make a swinging motion while you leap for the ball. You can use this when you must take a higher jump for the block. 

9. Read block 

If you trust your observation and analysis and are fast in reflexes you can go for a read-block strategy. Here, you are to continuously read your opponent’s move and then plan the right block to stop the attacker’s strike.  

Now you know the straightforward block types, let’s kick things up a notch. Trust me as you grow in the game, you’ll want to add some advanced techniques to improve your blocking game to make special moves. Let’s dive into some smart techniques. 

Blocking Strategies 

There are three major techniques to place the best blocks against powerful strikes: 

Position Best Blockers Against Strong Hitters 

Your team should be able to spot the areas with the strongest strikes and place the best blockers in those positions. This is a direct, challenging positioning to ensure that you cover your chances of scoring a point. 

This requires the team to have high coordination and quick decision-making abilities to take the best position. 

Placing Assist Blockers in Defense 

Your defense can never have the best result without the strategic positioning of the assist blockers. You need to have the assist blockers in key points along the net.  

Coordination of the primary blockers and assist blockers effectively neutralizes the stronger strikes from the attackers. 

Bunch Read System for Strategic Game Play 

I personally believe this technique developed by coach Carl McGrown to be a game changer for the best blockers. 

In this technique, your team needs to place the left front blocker more towards the middle position. We call this position to be ‘bunched’. It mainly helps you to quickly move towards the setting music.  

You might find it uncomfortable to swift up this motion, but trust me, with practice, this eventually becomes an easy move.  

To implement this technique into your game: 

• Practice your positions: You need to get used to the ‘bunch’ positioning to make it your second nature. 

• Get familiar with setting position: If you get used to the setter action, it helps you quickly react and anticipate the next moves. 

You become the best blocker not only with physical prowess but also with quick thinking and strategic decision-making.  

Practice Drills and Exercises to Improve Your Blocks  

If you are a player, I don’t need to emphasize much on practice because you already know it. I included a list of exercises that will help your coordination, timing, and instincts: 

• One-on-One Blocking Drill: Partner with a teammate and practice blocking from different angles and positions. 

• Blocking with Communication: Use verbal and non-verbal cues while practicing blocks with teammates. This helps improve your instincts and decision-making. 

• Ghost Blocking Drills: Practice shadow movements without a ball to develop muscle memory for blocking. 

• Blocking Against Speed: Have a teammate strike high-speed attacks to improve your reaction time and anticipation. 

• Blocking Against Different Strikers: Practice blocking with various attackers on your team to develop strategies against different striking styles. 

Wrapping Up 

Now, you have the key techniques to hone your blocking game and make a big impact on the court. Remember, blocking is more than just muscle. It’s about smart positioning, quick thinking, and reading the game. Keep exercising these skills, and you’ll start owning that net with confidence. 

So, step up, put these tips into action, and watch how you become the wall your opponents can’t get past.  

FAQs 

What are the common mistakes people make when blocking? 

There are a few common mistakes I’ve listed down here. 

• People often hit the ball twice while blocking it, causing a penalty. 

• Some jump early and give a gap to the attacker to exploit and score a point. 

• Sometimes, players fail to extend their arms fully, not having the proper dimensions to create a strong defense. 

Are there any warmup techniques before attempting block? 

You need to stretch your muscles while attempting blocks and are prone to get muscle cramps. This is especially true for your shoulders and calf muscles.

Though most stretching schedules before games are designed for complete game – it is still a good idea to add couple of stretches as per your strong position in the court.

Therefore, a warmup is very necessary. Include dynamic stretches into your pre-play routine. It can include leg swings and arm circles. You can add drills that help you to get motion and flexibility in your limbs.  

What is illegal blocking in volleyball?

Illegal blocking in volleyball refers to a violation of the blocking rules that leads to fault as per Volleyball scoring rules.

Here are seven(7) types of violation of the blocking rules:

1. Back-Row Player Blocking

• A back-row player (setter or defender) cannot attempt to block if they are in the front zone (near the net). If a back-row player jumps and touches the ball during a block attempt, it’s considered illegal.

2. Blocking the Serve

• It is illegal to block or attempt to block an opponent’s serve. Players must let the serve cross the net before even touching it.

3. Blocking the Opponent’s Set or Attack Before It Crosses the Net

• A blocker cannot reach over the net and touch the ball until the opponent has executed an attack hit or the ball has not crossed the net.

4. Touching the Net During a Block

• If a player touches the net while blocking (unless the net contact is incidental and does not affect the play), it’s considered a violation.

5. Interfering with the Opponent’s Play

• If a blocker reaches over the net and interferes with the opponent’s ability to set or attack the ball (before the ball crosses the net), this is considered illegal.

6. Double Contact by the Blocker

• A blocker cannot hit the ball twice in succession during a blocking action. The second touch is allowed only when the first touch was part of the block and the second is a permissible hit.

7. Blocking Outside the Antennae

• The block must occur within the boundaries defined by the antennae. If the blocker touches the ball outside the antennae, it’s illegal.

Penalty for Illegal Blocking

When illegal blocking occurs, the opposing team is awarded a point and the serve (if applicable). The referee will signal the fault accordingly.