Watch the setter for a number of clues. If the pass to the setter is in a particular position or angle then it might limit the setter’s options for the set. You can also watch where the setter’s shoulders are angled or where he/she is looking to see where they plan to set the ball. Watch the ball right after the set to help you strategize your block. If the ball is far from the net after the set then the hitter probably cannot hit straight down and will take longer to get into position. You will need to delay your jump slightly and reach high to block the shot. If the set is close to the net then you should get maximum penetration on your block attempt. If the set is very low then you will need to be quicker to jump for the block because they will hit the ball quicker. Watch the hitter for different clues. Watch his angle of approach to see where you should line up when getting ready to block. If the hitter’s shoulders and upper body rotate then they may be preparing to hit across their body. If their shoulder or elbow drops then they may be preparing for a shot. Jump right when the hitter is making contact with the ball. You may have to adjust a little depending on the ball position and particular hitter.
It is important to watch the hitters and the setter as these are the people to whom your defense will need to react when attempting to block. It is helpful for the blockers to call out the setter location and who the hitters are before the serve to prepare your team for defense.
The sidestep is used when the hitter is within 3–5 feet (0. 91–1. 5 m) of you. Take one step with the foot closest to the hitter and then follow with the other foot so they are shoulder-width apart once again. Keep your hips and shoulders square to the net as you sidestep. If it takes you more than two steps to reach the hitter then you should rather use the crossover step. The crossover step is used when you need to cover more ground, for example if the hitter is more than 5 feet (1. 5 m) (1. 5m) away from you. Step first with the leg closest to the hitter and then cross the other leg in front of your body. Although your hips may angle towards the hitter during the cross step, your shoulders should remain square to the net. Step again with the foot closest to the hitter to bring your feet back to shoulder-width apart and make your hips square to the net once more.
You do not want your hands to form a flat surface or else the ball can deflect in many different directions off of them. If you are close to the edge of the court, angle your outside arm and hand inwards so that if you deflect a shot it will go into the court rather than outside the lines. If you are a shorter player and cannot penetrate to the other side or cannot penetrate for another reason, keep your hands angled backwards. This is attempting to slow down the ball through touches for your defenders rather than block it.
Keeping your fingers tight, flexed and rigid will make it impossible to direct the ball. Often times the ball will bounce outside the court even if it is blocked. You want them to be straight and strong without being overly rigid.
Make sure when you do this that you do not thrust your hips forward. Rather your upper body should be angled forward with your abs tight to pull your upper body towards the hitter. If you are a smaller blocker you should rather keep your arms straight up with your fingers angled slightly backwards. This also works if you are late and cannot penetrate to the other side.
The sidestep is used when the hitter is close. Take one step with the foot closest to the hitter and then follow with the other foot so they are shoulder-width apart once again. Keep your hips and shoulders square to the net as you sidestep. Practice this step sideways back and forth in front of the net, keeping your feet as light and fast as possible. The crossover step is used when you need to cover more ground. Step first with the leg closest to the hitter and then cross the other leg in front of your body. Although your hips may angle towards the hitter during the cross step, your shoulders should remain square to the net. Step again with the foot closest to the hitter to bring your feet back to shoulder-width apart and make your hips square to the net once more. Practice this step sideways back and forth in front of the net, keeping your feet as light and fast as possible.
The ball should be as far as possible on the other side to help you train your skills. You should never keep your arms straight up when blocking but rather bend them slightly forward over the net. This exercise will mimic proper technique when blocking. The hands should be next to each other when grabbing the ball, which is proper technique when blocking. To advance the training the assistant should move the ball to the right and left to help you practice blocking different kind of shots such as angle shots and line shots.
