How to Be a Good Middle Blocker

A middle blocker is critical to any successful upper-level volleyball team. Most blockers are tall with the ability to jump. These two qualities alone will not make an effective middle blocker, however. Footwork, jump timing, hand position and an awareness of opposing teams' offenses are vital to a successful middle blocker.

Things You'll Need

  • Volleyball
  • Volleyball net
  • Ball tosser
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Instructions

  1. Footwork

    • 1

      Side-step horizontally parallel to the net, with your hands held above your head. (If no net is available, a wall can be used.) Do not cross your feet. Practice taking a large first step, and then one quick, small step to the left.

    • 2

      Gather yourself as if to jump, knees bent, both arms swung down and to your rear, after the small step.

    • 3

      Do the same footwork back to the right. Repeat until this can be done smoothly, being sure not to cross your feet.

    • 4

      Add a second large step, then the quick small step, always gathering yourself to jump. Practice this footwork until it becomes natural.

    Jump Timing

    • 5

      Repeat side step drill but add the jump.

    • 6

      Thrust your hands high over your head as you push off with your legs. In a game situation, this jump should be timed with the jump of the hitter; you should arrive at the net at the same time the hitter's hand arrives at the ball.

    • 7

      Repeat the drill in the opposite direction.

    Hand Position

    • 8

      Thrust your hands into the air on the jump. Your palms should face the net, fully open and fingers spread wide.

    • 9

      Push your opposing thumbs upward. Your thumbs should be touching on the inside of the spread fingers.

    • 10

      Tense your hands so that the wrists and elbows are locked. Tight wrists and strong fingers and thumbs will keep the ball from going between your hands or fingers on the block.

    • 11

      Tilt your hands toward the opponent on the block as if hitting the ball back at the opposing team.

    • 12

      Position the blocker in the center, hands above head, and begin again.

    Awareness of Opposition Offense

    • 13

      Get in position and have someone toss a ball toward you.

    • 14

      Perform the drill as described above using the ball.

    • 15

      Get the person to toss the ball in a different place each time, allowing you to work on footwork to get to the toss and jump to block.