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Brazil National Team shows off their awesome block. Click to
enlarge.
Blocking is a defensive counter to the Spike. In order to block the player
jumps into the air and stretches his arms out above him. the block can be played
by all 3 players in the the front line, but usually two at a time. Any Player
who has blocked the ball may then play the ball as the first touch. The block
does not count as the first touch in the volleyball*
Key Benefits of a Good Block
- Send the ball down to the opponents court for a quick point.
- Cause the attacker to change spiking path to make it easy for your defense
to retrieve.
- Create a known path for the defense to cover.
Key Points to Blocking
- Prepare to block with arm outstretched above your head while the ball is
in the opponents court.
- Look at Hitter--> Setter --> Ball --> Hitter. Head and eyes always looking
forward.
- Jump Straight up without any forward or sideways motion.
- Arms close to ears (even touching ears at times) ensuring the ball cannot
pass through.
- Arms close to the net (preventing the ball from coming down on to player
i.e. seal the net.
- Fingers spread outwards during blocking.
Common Blocking Errors
- Swinging of the forearms into the net.
- Arms to wide apart.
- Blocking off the net
- Tilting head back to look up causing the hand to come off the net.
- Two players are not fully together creating a hole in the block between
both player where the defense is weak.
QuickTime Video clips
* Beach volleyball rules - the Block is the first play so you only have 2
subsequent plays.
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