How to Be a Great Blocker

INDIVIDUAL BLOCKING

3 KEY POINTS OF TRAINING BLOCKING

1. HANDS
2. FEET
3. BRAIN

HANDS

Blockers need to penetrate the net and surround the ball

Blockers want to contact the ball on the opponents side of the net

Your hands should be firm with thumbs up

FOOTWORK

All blockers should understand the three blocking footwork techniques.

1. 1 step - push or slide to spot, planting with outside foot, ending in coiled position with a solid foundation
2. 2 step - push/slant (or step, slide/plant)  
3. 3 step - push/drive/slant (turn, crossover and plant)

The goal of footwork is to get the blocker in position to front the hitter efficiently and under control

BRAIN

Good blockers know the situation and recognize the tendancies of their opponents hitters (and setters)

Understand good pass blocking and bad pass blocking

TEAM BLOCKING

KEY CONCEPTS OF TEAM BLOCKING - COMMUNICATION, DISCIPLINE AND EFFORT

Communication - outside blockers communicate to middles.  Trust your teammate

Middles focus on closing the block, listening to outside blocker

Be disciplined to use proper technique and timing

Max effort - Coil with hands up -  get low to get up

AFTER THE BIG "ROOF" CELEBRATE WITH YOUR TEAMMATES!!!