Blocking assignments

Middle blockers need to be in charge at all times.

Middles always call out blocking assignment ahead of time to reinforce blocking action. It also
lets your opponents know "you know what they're up to."

Block For Points

Firm but softer block directed to an open spot in your opponents court is often more effective
than a "roof block"; especially against good block coverage.

Middle Blockers
Middle blockers rule the net. They need to be warriors, constantly in motion, relentlessly
aggressive on offense and defense.

To be an effective CF (Center Front), you must love to work hard and be involved in every
play. You're like the shot blocker in basketball. You have to dominate the net, and make it your
own, make opposing hitters think about what they're doing, change their shots, throw off their
game.

Middle Blocking, Part 1

Here's a tip for blocking in Center Front (CF):

1-Block head-to-head, but remember, the angle shot is easiest to hit, so at the lower levels of
play, especially, you'll see 90% angle hits. Shut down the angle, and then see what else your
opponent can do. Many times, there's nothing they can do, and will stop hiting. Then you own
them! They're no longer a factor.

Middle Blocking, Part 2

Here's a tip for blocking in Center Front (CF):

When blocking the quick set, look where the setter is. Is she too far back to set it effectively? If
so, wait, and expect a regular set, or something outside.

Middle Blocking, Part 3

Here's a tip for blocking in Center Front (CF):

Try to smother the ball. Get your hands completely around the ball, and push it down. Make it
impossible for the ball to go anywhere but straight back down.
Middle Blocking, Part 4
Here's a tip for blocking in Center Front (CF):

Wait an extra 1/2 second when blocking a back row attack. And make certain you have a good
chance to get it, because your block may obscure the vision of your teammates, getting ready to
dig in the back row.

Middle Blocking, Part 5

Here's a tip for blocking in Center Front (CF):

Play one-on-one with the opposing CF. It's like man-to-man in basketball. If she goes up, you
must up. If she moves to hit a slide, you have to go with her. Unless you know for certain she'll
be out of the play, you have to "mirror" the opposing CF.

Effective Blocking, Part 1

Focus your attention first on the pass by the opponent. Is it close enough to center front and to
the net for the setter to run a play or combination, or will the setter have to play it safe and send
the set outside?

You won't have much time to make this decision...it will be instananeous. Don't get caught
guessing, but try hard to learn as quickly when your opposing setter is comfortable back setting,
running quick middles, etc.

This will give you the advantage in getting to the block quicker.

Effective Blocking, Part 2

After watching the pass, turn your attention to the setter, trying to pick up clues to where the set
is likely to go.

If the ball is far in from of the setter, the set will usually go forward. If they try to move to a
place where they can get the ball closer to the center of the head, it will likely be a back set.

Some setters have a tendency to use a jump set when setting middle.

Watch the setter throughout the game, and you'll find you can often pick up valuable clues as to
where the ball is going, even before the set is made.

Setters are human, and get into rhythms and certain body positions when they're setting. Watch
and learn your opponent's body language. You can use that knowledge to your advantage.
Effective Blocking, Part 3
After the set is in the air, you must turn your attention to the hitter's body language. Here's four
ideas on reading your attacker:

If the ball is inside the hitter's shoulder, they will usually hit an angle shot.

If the ball passes the midline of the attacker's body, they're usually preparing for a line shot.

If the set is tight to the net, you'll have to release more quickly to get your hands on the ball.
The hitter will have to reach closer to the net to hit, and you'll be able to surround the ball if you
get there in time.

A set that's off the net will likely be hit cross court, because it's a higher percentage shot for the
attacker. Remember to delay your jump a split second longer, though, when the ball is back
farther, since it will take a little longer to reach the net.

Effective Blocking, Part 4

If at all possible, you'll want to watch your opponents hit during warm ups.

For instance, if a player never hits line in warm ups, chances are, they're not going to try it in
the game. You can then concentrate on taking away the angle shot, since that's the one they'll
use most.

Watch what they do when the ball is close to the net. Do they tip every time, or do they hit
away or try to wipe?

Do they ever use off-speed or tips, or are they just bangers, hitting angle and damn the
consequences?

Every hitter has a favorite shot. Learn it, and then take it away from them. Only then will you
be able to see what that player is really made of.

Effective Blocking, Part 5

Here's an effective strategy for neutralizing your opposing hitter:

Since 95% of all hitters hit mostly angle, assume that your opposing hitter will hit line ... until
they prove differently. Set up your block to take away the angle and stay there until they hit a
line shot.

If they finally do hit line, DON'T automatically change your blocking stance. Instead, assume
that line shot was an accident, caused by a poorly contacted ball. Only if they hit line a 2nd time
in a fairly short time period will you adjust your block to begin guarding the line.
Effective Blocking, Part 6
Here's a good way to learn where to set up on a hitter you don't know very well.

Start on the angle, since most players will hit angle most of the time. Then, if the player hits
inside your left hand, set up your next block one step farther to the center.

Keep moving one step toward the center until you finally block a shot. Now you've discovered
that hitter's favorite alley. Park yourself in that alley, and make your opponent try something
else. Often, no one has ever fine-tuned their block enough to shut that alley down, and they
won't quite know what to do.

Often, that player will start to hit harder and harder, which just will make the ball go more
quickly back into their own court after carroming off your block.

Then, after several stuffs, that player will begin to tip, and now you OWN them! A hitter who
only tips has taken away a large part of their team's offense.

Try it, it works!

Don't Block the Setter

Don't block the setter. It sounds obvious, but how many times do you see a 5' 3" setter at the
net, getting ready to set, and the 6'2" blocker on the other side goes up to block?

You gain nothing, and lose at least a step in getting outside to help block if you go up with the
setter. Stay down and concentrate on the blasters, instead.

Blocker Hand Turn

Blocker Hand Turn

How to keep blockers from getting used:

The outside blocking hand is always turned in toward the court to reduce wipe offs and force
the ball back into the opponent's count.

CAR Blocking
To become a great blocker, think "CAR" blocking.

Confidence, Aggressiveness, Relentlessness.

You first have to believe you can do it. Then you have to be aggressive. If you don't go all out,
many balls will dribble down in front of you. Finally, you must be relentless. You can never
take a play "off." Great blockers will give everything they have to try to get a hand on every
ball in their vicinity.

"CAR" blocking can make you a blocking superstar.

Advanced Blocking Tips

Here's a few tips for becoming a superior blocker:

1- A shorter hitter will often have developed a wider variety of hits, including line shots.

2- The farther back a ball is set from the net, the more likely an outside hitter is to hit angle.

3- Sometimes, if you pay attention, you can "steal" signals from the opposing setter and hitter if
you watch.

4- If a player has run too far underneath a ball, it's likely to be an off-speed shot or tip.

5- Every hitter has a favorite spot. If they get lazy, they will hit that spot. Learn their favorite,
and take it away from them.

6- If a CF begins edging slightly forward as the play develops, they may be getting ready for a
quick set. Their body language can give them away.