Blocking an opponent's hit in volleyball is one of the main roles of a front-row player. Successful blocks can deflect the ball either onto the blocker's own court, making it easier for her teammates to return, or onto the opponent's court. In either scenario, a number of rules determine whether a block is valid.
Center-Line Penetration
The center line that runs down the volleyball court, directly below the net, designates an impenetrable area that neither team can cross. This impenetrable area also extends directly above the net, between the net's antennae. When a blocker blocks a ball, she cannot land with any part of her body touching the opponent's court, across the center line. Similarly, she cannot reach over the top of the net until after the ball has crossed the vertical plane. After the ball enters her side of the court, she can block the ball and allow her hands to cross the vertical plane, but she cannot touch the net or interfere with play taking place on the opposing team's side. The blocker cannot touch the net at any point if it interferes with game play of either team.
If the blocker falls to the ground, and part of her body penetrates the plane under the net but no part of her body touches the opposing team's court, she can return to her side of the court without incurring a fault, according to USA Volleyball's "2010-2011 Rules Interpretation Bulletin."
Back-Row Players
Back-row players cannot participate in a collective block or perform a block on their own. If a back-row player is at the net at the time of a block, but her hands do not extend above the net, she would not be considered part of a collective block and would not incur a fault.
Team Hits
According to USA Volleyball's rules, a block does not count towards a volleyball team's three hits; however, certain circumstances could overrule this regulation. For instance, if two players attempt a collective block, but one player's arms fail to extend over the top of the net and the player touches the ball, his touch would be considered the team's first touch.
Other Rules
Several other rules affect blockers. It is illegal for a blocker to block the opposing team's serve. During a block, it is expected that blockers may unintentionally touch the ball twice in a single, powerful movement. While this type of double-touch usually results in a double fault, an exception is made during most blocks.
Member Comments