Volleyball blocking involves a player or multiple players jumping at the net in order to block a shot by the opposing team. Blocking is a major defensive tactic that can help prevent an easy score by the opposition, and teams must practice it on a regular basis in order to have an impact during game play.
One-On-One Blocking Drill
The one-on-one drill is one of the most effective blocking drills and helps players learn to block solo rather than with a teammate. Have three players stand on either side of the volleyball court facing each other. One side is designated as the hitters, the other as blockers. Give all three blockers a ball. On the whistle, the blockers toss the ball over the net, setting up the hitters for a spike. After tossing the ball, blockers then jump and attempt to block the spike. You can either have players repeat the drill for a set amount of time, or until blockers are able to block a set amount of spikes. Have blockers and hitters switch sides, then rotate in other players on the team.
Direction Change Drill
For this drill, you'll need a chair, box or other similar object to stand on. Set up on one side of the net and have players line up on the other side of the net. The first player in line stands in front of a line about 5 feet from the net. Stand on the other side of the net on top of the chair with the ball in your hand. On your whistle, the player must run to the net and jump in order to block the ball, which you are holding in your hand just over the net. The purpose of the drill is to help players change direction at the last second in order to adjust to where the ball is going. Just before the play jumps, move the ball along the net and have the player block the ball. Repeat for each player, changing the location of the ball each time.
Double Blocker Drill
The middle blocker's job is to be ready to help players on either side in the event of a block opportunity. To help middle blockers react to the ball and get in position quickly, try the double blocker drill. Have three blockers on one side of the net, with a setter and hitter on the other side. Stand on the side of the court and toss the ball to the setter. Instruct her to alternate spots on the net at which to set the ball. The hitter then hits the ball as the middle blocker moves over to one side or the other to help block the ball. If the ball is in the middle of the net, instruct all three players to converge on the ball and set the block.
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