How to Block a Middle Hitter in Volleyball

It goes without saying that a middle blocker plays a very important role in a volleyball team’s defense. The main responsibility of a middle blocker is to block an opposing team’s hitter. In other words, a middle blocker has to do every single thing possible in order not to allow an opposing team’s hitter to carry out a successful attack hit and land the ball on his/her side of the volleyball court.

That means that a middle blocker has to make it difficult for the opposing team’s hitter to do his/her job. Keep in mind that a skilled middle blocker is a big problem for an opposing team’s middle hitter.

It’s no surprise that a middle blocker may need to stop the opposing team’s middle hitter and block his/her attacks many times during the game. Actually, as a blocker you need to predict the game and try to figure out what the opposing team’s attacker is likely to do in the nearest future. Next, a middle blocker has to approach to the point of an attack as soon as possible. After that, a blocker has to take an action and make an attempt to resist an attack.

The truth is that being a successful middle blocker can be very difficult. That’s why a blocker constantly has to work hard to develop his/her volleyball blocking skills. As a middle blocker you should get special training.

What does a middle blocker have to do in order to stop an opposing team’s middle hitter? How to become a better middle blocker? What does it take to be a good middle hitter? So, let’s try to get the answers to all of these important questions right now! Today, we’ll provide you with the secrets for blocking a middle hitter. Follow our tips to master the art of blocking in volleyball.

A Middle Blocker Has to Prepare for Blocking the Opponent’s Hitter

It all begins with the preparation. What does preparation means for a middle blocker? A middle blocker has to start getting ready for the opposing team’s attack after the game began. It’s important for a middle blocker to take the correct initial position on the court first. The middle blocker’s knees need to be bent. Also, a middle blocker has to balance his/her body weight on both feet. As a result, a volleyball player is likely to be able to move easily on the court when such a need arises. If a middle blocker takes such an initial position, then he/she will be able to start moving explosively in any direction on the court anytime.

A Middle Blocker Should Position Himself/Herself on the Court Correctly

It’s crucial for a blocker to be in the right place and at the right time on the court and there is no question about this. That’s why it’s so important for a blocker to ensure that he/she will be able to get to the point of an attack if he/she makes no more than three movements. In this case, a blocker will have a good chance to block the opposing team’s hitter and resist his/her attack successfully.

It’s pretty clear that as a blocker you have to position yourself near the net. Make sure that you will be able to touch the net with your fingers. Obviously, a middle blocker shouldn’t create a big gap between him/her and the net. This makes it easy for the opposing team’s hitter to carry out a successful attack hit. The opposing team’s hitter is likely to take advantage of this situation and hit the ball into the hole with power. If the hit is successful, middle blocker’s team will lose the point and an opposing team will earn a point. On the other hand, a middle blocker shouldn’t be too close to the net. It would be difficult for a blocker to resist an attack hit from this position.

Ideally, the distance between a middle blocker and the net has to be approximately 2 feet. And of course, a middle blocker has to be in the middle part of the court. From this place on the court, a middle blocker has to take steps either to the right or to the left depending on the situation. A blocker can also take advantage of the so called cross over step in order to approach the point of attack quickly and block an attack hit in an efficient way.

A Middle Blocker Should Watch the Game Carefully

You need to know that eye work plays a big role in the success of a middle blocker. During the game a blocker has to keep a close eye on the opposing team’s passer, on the opposing team’s middle hitter, on the opposing team’s setter and, of course, on the ball.

The opposing team will begin to organize its attack when one of its players passes the ball to the setter. It’s incredibly important for a middle hitter to watch this pass very carefully. As a middle hitter you should try to figure out what happens next after pass. Analyzing the pass helps a middle hitter understand the situation on the court better.

It’s important for a hitter to be well-prepared for blocking an attack. That’s the reason why a blocker always has to start getting ready for resisting the opposing team’s attacks in advance. A blocker also has to begin to move towards the point of an attack before the ball is even set. The fact is that an opposing team’s hitter is most likely to start approaching the point of attack after the ball goes to a setter. Thus, a blocker has to watch the game carefully and also try to predict where the opposing team’s hitter will be after set.

The blocker will certainly find it easier to resist an opposing team’s attack hit if he/she knows where the opposing team’s attacker will try to hit the ball. Finally, a blocker has to approach to the place where the hitter will probably carry out an attack hit. It’s worth noting that the blocker has to react to the game very quickly.

A Middle Blocker Should Identify Hitter’s Approach

It’s crucial for a middle blocker to be able to read the opposing team’s hitter successfully. The earlier a blocker identifies the hitter’s approach – the better! After that, a hitter has to make the proper actions in order to be able to get to the point of an attack as soon as possible. If a blocker identifies hitter’s approach beforehand, he/she will be able to react to hitter’s actions quickly and appropriately. As a result, a blocker will be able to resist an attack hit. A middle blocker should study an opposing team’s hitter during a game, pay a close attention to his/her hitting style and make conclusions about his/her tendencies.

A Middle Blocker Should Put a Lot of Focus on Footwork

It’s fair to say that middle blocker’s job requires a lot of footwork. As a middle blocker you should constantly make lateral movements to the left and to the right during the game. That’s why middle blockers have to do volleyball footwork drills and exercises on a regular basis. If you improve your footwork, you’ll be able to do better job on the court and contribute greatly to your volleyball team’s defense.

A Middle Blocker Should Create a Wall with His/Her Hands

The main goal of a middle blocker is to destroy an opposing team’s attack. A player should use his/her hands to block opponent’s attacks. Make sure that you’ll be able to create the wall with your hands. When it’s time to block an opposing team’s hitter, a middle blocker has to jump up and extend his/her arms. However, volleyball player’s shoulders have to be locked. The angle between hand and wrist has to be about 45 degrees. This will allow you to create a solid wall for your opponent. And of course, it would be difficult for an opposing team’s hitter to carry out an attack and get points for his/her team.

Thank you so much for reading this article. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of how to block a middle hitter in volleyball successfully and improve greatly your team’s defense. Practise your blocking skills on a regular basis and success will come to you over time. Follow our tips to become a better middle hitter. Best of luck!