Blocking is your first line of defence. You jump at the net with your hands up to stop the other team's spike!
Stand about an arm's length away from the net, facing it. Feet are shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your hands are up in front of your shoulders with palms facing the net.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Hands up early! Blockers keep their hands high all the time.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't stand too close. Touching the net is a fault.
Watch the ball when it's set, then switch your eyes to the attacker. See which way they are running and where their hitting arm is pointing.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Ball, setter, ball, hitter. Keep your eyes busy!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't only watch the ball. The hitter's body tells you where the ball is going.
Use quick side shuffle steps along the net to line up with the attacker's hitting arm. Keep your shoulders square to the net and your hands up while you move.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Line up your nose with the attacker's hitting hand.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't turn your back to the net or cross your feet while moving.
Bend your knees and jump just after the attacker jumps. Push off both feet and go straight up, not forward. Good timing means your hands are up when the attacker hits.
🧢 Coach's Tip
When they jump, count "one" and then you jump!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't jump too early. You'll come down before the ball arrives.
Push your arms straight up close to the net, with hands wide and fingers spread strong. Press your hands slightly over the top of the net toward the ball. Keep your thumbs pointing up.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Make a big, strong wall with your hands!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't swing your arms or touch the net. Press them up and still.
Pull your arms back up and away from the net as you come down. Land on both feet with your knees bent, then turn to see where the ball went.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Look down quickly before you land so you don't step on anyone's foot.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't land on one foot or under the net. Land where you took off.