How to Spike & Block in Volleyball
Spiking and blocking are two of the more awe-inspiring actions in a volleyball game. Both require excellent timing, a good vertical jump--unless you can stand and reach over a net that can be almost 8 feet high--and precision. The best spikers can attack a ball from either side of the court as well as the middle and even from the back row. A good blocker must be able to time his jump and reach over the net just as the opposing spiker makes contact with the ball.
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Instructions
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Spiking
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1
Stand facing the net and back from it at least three feet with your arms relaxed at your sides. This is where you will approach from and the exact distance is a matter of practice. Your height, stride and timing will come into play.
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2
Pick up and toss the ball to the setter as if you were passing it in a game. You also can have the setter toss the ball to you first so that you can, in turn, pass it and be prepared to move.
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3
Watch the ball. When it reaches the top of its arc, move toward the net by taking a long step with your left foot (if you're right handed), then another long step with your right foot.
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4
Take two small steps, left then right, so that your feet are together and swing your arms up from your waist as you jump.
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Put your left hand out to target the ball. Keep your hand open so that your palm faces the ball and lines up with it.
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Bring your right arm back over your head and swing with an open hand.
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Snap your wrist when you make contact with the ball to drive it over the net and down into the other side of the court.
Blocking
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Stand facing the net and close to it, with both hands at shoulder height.
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9
Watch the ball as it is passed to the setter on the other side of the court and quickly identify potential spikers by looking at where offensive players are positioned.
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10
Move to where the ball is being set by stepping laterally. In other words, if the ball is set to your right, move your right foot first by sliding it right, then bring your left foot to it. Continue this way until you are at the position where the ball will most likely be attacked.
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11
Jump when the spiker is in the air and about to swing, not before. Jumping too early is a common mistake that gives the spiker a better opportunity to avoid the block.
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Put your hands over and across the net--a blocker's hands can legally cross the net as long as they do not make contact with it. Keep your hands open wide and your thumbs vertical and parallel to each other. In other words, your pinkies should be almost parallel to the net. Turn your hands down as much as you can over the net so that a blocked ball will go back into the court and down.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are spiking a quick set, such as a shoot, you will need to approach more quickly. This also is a matter of practice and requires perfect timing between you and your setter.
If you are double blocking and are the outside blocker--that is, the one nearer to the out of bounds area--you will set the block. This means that your fellow blocker will wait for you to get into position to line up next to you and block at the same time. Conversely, if you are following an outside blocker, step with her as she moves to position and jump when she jumps.
