Blocking Tactics Drill

Originally Published in: Volleyball Steps to Success

Provided by: Human Kinetics

BLOCKING TACTICS DRILL 1

Oklahoma Drill (Hitting and Blocking)

This drill is named after the one-on-one football drill developed at the University of Oklahoma. This two-person drill allows the blocker to work on adjusting the block to take away the line or angle and allows the hitter to work on avoiding the block.

Divide the entire court into two lanes across the net. You and your partner work in only one lane (figure 5.14). Face your partner, who will self-toss attack on the other side of the net. Choose to block either angle or line and line up appropriately after your partner's toss. Your partner can start off by attacking into your block to test your strength and technique, but eventually the hitter should try to avoid your block and make the ball land inbounds in your lane. The attacker hits 10 balls then switches roles.

TO INCREASE DIFFICULTY

• Attacker varies the depth of her toss to challenge the blocker's timing

• Attacker uses thumb up or thumb down to make it more difficult to read the attack.

TO DECREASE DIFFICULTY

• Attack into the blocker.

• Toss tighter to the net.

• Decrease the court space for the attacker to hit into.

Success Check

• Watch your hitter.

• Stay disciplined in your blocking alignment. Don't reach.

• Land with arms extended and squared to the court.

Score Your Success

Earn 2 points for each successful block and 1 point for each ball that lands in the exposed area of the court (10 attempts).

Your score:

BLOCKING TACTICS DRILL 2

Front Row vs. Front Row

To get better at blocking a combination of hitters, place three players in the front row on both sides of the net and place a back-row setter. A coach or player tosses a ball to the setter on side A, who then sets to a teammate and attacks the ball to side B. Side B attempts a solid double block. They then transition off to the 10-foot (3 m) line to receive the toss from the coach on side B to the setter and attack to side A. Each team gets a point when their block includes a closed middle blocker and both blockers landing on balance. Play to 10 points. Eventually add a point to the offense for attacking the ball into the open court (no off-speed shots) and a point to the blockers for getting the block.

TO INCREASE DIFFICULTY

• Have hitters avoid the block.

• Have hitters run crossing plays (explained in step 7).

• Speed up the drill by tossing a ball to the opposite setter immediately after the ball is attacked.

TO DECREASE DIFFICULTY

• Have hitters attack into block.

• Slow the drill to provide more transition time.

Success Check

• Read the opponent's setter.

• Close the block by getting hip to hip.

• Watch the hitter, not the ball.

• Land on balance.

Score Your Success

Your team wins = 10 points

Opponent wins = number of points your team earned

Your score:

BLOCKING TACTICS DRILL 3

Joust Rally Start

Begin with six players on each side of the net in base positions. The coach starts each rally by tossing a ball on top of the net for players to joust. Play continues if the team that loses the joust can keep the ball off the floor. Play three rallies, with each front-row player getting the opportunity to go for the joust and then switch front-row and back-row players. Try to match up players across the net from each other who are of similar height.

TO INCREASE DIFFICULTY

• The instructor initiates the rally by tossing the ball to one side off the net and forces the blocker to decide whether she should joust or pass to the setter.

• Test the defense by having the instructor toss a surprise ball to them instead of the blockers.

TO DECREASE DIFFICULTY

• The instructor keeps the toss short so that it is easier to time.

• The instructor tells which two blockers will get the toss.

Success Check

• Finish the contact at an angle.

• Be slightly late to the contact.

• Be stronger than your opponent.

Score Your Success

Your team wins more jousts = 10 points

The other ream wins more jousts = 5 points

Your score: