16 Expert Volleyball Middle Blocker Tips
Requiring specialized knowledge and skills to do it justice, the middle blocker position is undoubtedly one of the more challenging positions on the volleyball court.
As a former international-level middle blocker myself, possessing firsthand experience, I know exactly what it takes to excel in this position and what aspects you need to focus on to improve.
Having accumulated insights from my own experience, I’ve come up with a list of 16 keys to Volleyball Middle Blocker Tips success that you have to be aware of.
So Let’s Start!
1. Swing On Every Ball!
When attacking, despite the likelihood of not getting set much as a middle blocker, it is crucial to always be a threat offensively.
No matter how improbable it is for you to receive the ball, you can’t afford a lackadaisical or half-assed fake arm swing.
Being prepared to imagine you’re going to get set every single time and ready to kill the ball from any position is essential.
This readiness is vital because it can delay the opposition middle blocker from committing outside, assuming you pose a threat.
Your job is not just about executing jumps and swings; it involves creating the perception that you’re a constant offensive threat.
The moment you appear hesitant or unprepared to attack, the opposition middle blocker is quick to reposition, setting up a perfect block on the wing spiker.
Your role is to assist your fellow spikers by drawing the opposition middle in, thereby significantly easing their offensive responsibilities.
2. Don’t Forget To Cover Your Wing Attackers
As soon as you’ve executed that offensive swing, if you’re not set, your mind should immediately switch into cover mode.
If the ball goes to your outside hitter, your role is to move right up next to him, get down low, and put on your digging shoes.
Your responsibility is to prevent the ball from hitting the ground in case the blockers get ahold of it.
It’s common to observe inexperienced middle blockers casually making their way to cover their wing attackers at the sticks. However, they often fail to get down and into position until the spiker has already hit the ball.
Avoid being a lazy defender. Middles are already perceived as lacking in defensive skills. Differentiate yourself from the rest by doing an outstanding job of it!
3. Know Where The Setter Is At All Times
Referring to the opposition setter here, it’s crucial to know their position when your team is serving, and you’re on the net, waiting to block.
If the setter is in the front court, heightened awareness is needed for the potential dump. Some left-handed setters may even wind up and spike the second ball if given the opportunity.
However, if the setter is in the backcourt, you can largely dismiss the concern of them being an offensive threat.
4. Always Keep Your Eyes On The Ball
When your team is serving, it’s imperative never to take your eye off the ball as the opposition makes the pass to the setter.
Occasionally, the opposition may be set up in different positions than usual, initiating various combination plays that appear out of the ordinary.
Avoid getting distracted by focusing on players’ feet and their movements, as it may lead to losing sight of the first three primary blocking objectives. These objectives are as follows:
- Prepare yourself to execute a spike, dump, or dig if the ball becomes an overpass.
- Be ready to block the setter if they are positioned in the front court.
- Ensure readiness to block the middle hitter’s quick attack.
Taking your eye off the ball, even for just a second, makes it exceedingly difficult to achieve the right timing for any of those three actions: spiking, dumping, or digging an overpass.
5. Use Hand Signals To Communicate To The Back Court
Primarily a beach volleyball tactic, this strategy proves effective on the indoor volleyball court as well.
Imagine facing a formidable opposition middle blocker who is dominating offensively, with you positioned opposite him in position 3.
During your team’s serving, effective communication to your backcourt is facilitated through hand signals behind your back, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
To convey your blocking intentions and whether it’s a commit block or read block, use hand signals.
A commit block involves aggressively jumping to block the opposing middle if the pass is reasonably accurate, while a read block means deciding whether to jump as the ball reaches the setter.
Opting for a commit block is suitable when the opponent is being set frequently and poses a significant offensive threat.
On the other hand, if they aren’t causing many problems and aren’t set up often, a read block may be more appropriate.
Signal a commit block with an open palm and a closed fist for a read block. Use your other hand to indicate the blocking direction by pointing.
Being aware of your opponent’s preferred hitting direction, aim to block that part of the court.
If uncertain about their hitting direction, pick one anyway to help your defenders better cover the open court.
6. Don’t Swing Block Recklessly
Frequently observed in inexperienced middle blockers is the tendency to mishandle balls set to the pins.
In such situations, the middle blocker’s role is to swiftly position themselves for a double block with their wing player.
However, some middle blockers, particularly when the ball is set quickly to the sticks, make the mistake of jumping from too far inward.
Their attempt to close the seam in mid-air often results in a collision with the shoulder of the other blocker, disrupting the block and potentially taking them out of the play.
For opposites or outsides, it becomes highly frustrating when a 250lb, 6’10” middle blocker consistently collides with them in mid-air during blocking attempts.
Addressing this concern involves a relatively straightforward solution.
Even when executing a swing block, it is crucial to initiate the jumping movement with minimal horizontal momentum.
The focus should be on going almost straight up from the take-off point, with an acknowledgment that some unavoidable sideways drift may occur.
This leads us to the next crucial consideration.
7. It’s Better To Not Get Far Enough Out Than To Put Up A Sloppy Block
Illustrating this point further, when the setter rapidly directs the ball towards the antennae and you realize you won’t reach the optimal position for a well-formed double block, adopt a strategic approach.
Instead of attempting to close a gap that is unattainable in time, go up to block from your current position when the attacker is spiking—even if it means a noticeable seam between you and the other blocker.
The rationale behind this approach lies in making it evident to the defenders behind you that there’s a seam in the block.
By doing so, you signal to your teammates to step up and defend the gap.
If you attempt to desperately close the gap when it’s impossible, the result is often a sloppy block with inadequate height and penetration, leaving a seam for the spiker to exploit.
By going up strong from wherever you managed to position yourself, you effectively eliminate the sharp cross-court angle and provide your defenders with a clear understanding of what to expect, contributing to a more coordinated defensive effort.
8. Blocking Is About Penetration, Not Height
Contrary to a common misconception among beginners, achieving a successful block is not about getting your arms as high above the net as possible.
Once you jump and get your fingers above the net, the key is to direct them forward across the net rather than simply raising them.
Conceptualize blocking as a matter of reaching across, not solely elevating your arms.
The primary objective of blocking is to ‘take out’ a specific area of the court that your opponent can hit the ball into.
Since people typically don’t make contact with the ball at a great height, reaching over the net covers more court space than reaching upward.
Penetrating across the net not only effectively eliminates more space but also prevents the ball from sneaking through your arms and landing between you and the net—an undesirable outcome.
Novice players often make the mistake of initially going straight up and, near the peak of their jump, patting their arms down across the net. It is advised not to follow this approach.
Instead, focus on shooting forward as soon as your fingers clear the net. Your arms should already be over the net, and as you reach the peak of your jump, they should extend further over rather than higher up.
Observing an experienced blocker, you’ll notice how, as soon as their hands get above the net, they extend forward across the net.
Additionally, note how they lock their shoulders out at the top of the jump, enhancing forward extension.
9. Block With Strong, Evenly Distributed Fingers
Considered a fundamental blocking tip, particularly crucial for middle blockers, is the positioning of your hands.
Beginners commonly block with their hands either straight up or up and back, but elite blockers adopt a nuanced technique: ensuring their hands and wrists are slightly bent forward upon contact with the ball.
This intentional forward bend increases the likelihood of deflecting the ball back across the net rather than letting it land on your side.
Throughout this blocking maneuver, it’s essential to keep your fingers tensed and firm over the net, maintaining a strong and controlled position.
10. Practice Your Blocking Footwork With Intense Focus
While blocking drills may seem mundane and repetitive, they hold the key to significant improvement, especially for middle blockers.
The effectiveness of your practice lies not in elaborate drills but in how you approach them.
Visualization becomes a crucial tool for enhancing reaction speed and quickness during blocking practice.
A personal anecdote comes to mind when I played against the Thai Navy team at the age of 16. Their rapid ball movement to the sticks demanded intense focus and quick positioning. The milliseconds mattered, and I had to be as reactive as an Olympic sprinter waiting for the start gun.
A simple yet impactful drill can be done on an empty net. Assume the blocker-ready position, and practice the significant initial outside step, followed by the crossover step and the jump.
Ensure quick execution while maintaining proper form. The emphasis is on speed, simulating the need for rapid reactions during a game.
If you have a partner, introduce an element of randomness by having them say ‘go’ at unpredictable intervals, providing you with a stimulus to react to.
This drill not only develops reaction speed but also reinforces proper blocking techniques, making it a valuable addition to your training routine.
11. Improve Physicality But Remember Technique Reigns King
The middle blocker position demands a high degree of physicality, requiring athletes to be big, athletic, and strong.
Despite the emphasis on improving vertical jumps in volleyball, it’s surprising to discover that this aspect is not as pivotal for middle blockers as one might assume.
The top middle blockers worldwide do not necessarily boast gigantic spike heights, challenging the notion that vertical jump height is the sole determinant of success in this position.
For instance, Marko Podraščanin, ranked as the third-best middle blocker globally, has a modest spike reach of only 346cm.
Similarly, Simone Anzani, the fifth-best in the world, achieves a spike reach of 350cm.
Even Lucas Saatkamp, considered the second-greatest middle blocker globally, reportedly possesses a 340cm spike reach.
While the accuracy of these numbers may be questioned, the point remains valid – a remarkable vertical jump is not the sole factor determining success in middle blocking.
These examples underscore the reality that becoming one of the best middle blockers globally is feasible without an extraordinary vertical jump.
While a good vertical leap is beneficial and contributed to Robertlandy Simón’s status as the best with a 387cm spike height, it is not the sole determinant.
The most successful middle blockers distinguish themselves through superior technical skills. They exhibit better offensive timing, quicker reactions in blocking, and a superior ability to read the opponent’s offense.
As athletes, continuous improvement is essential.
Enhancing strength, explosiveness, and overall athleticism through heavy lifting and training are vital aspects of a middle blocker’s development.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that reaching the pinnacle of middle-blocking rankings may not be solely achieved through exceptional jumping abilities.
12. Aim For The International Hitting Zones When Spiking
Middle blockers commonly tend to execute sharp hits, often targeting the attack line.
This inclination is partly due to the advantage of facing a single blocker, making it easier to direct the ball downward without the challenge of navigating a double block.
However, a noticeable improvement in hitting efficiency can be achieved by consciously aiming for the back corners of the court, even for middle blockers.
The notable success of players like Anzani and Podraščanin in maintaining solid hitting percentages lies in their deliberate choice to hit deep into the backcourt.
This strategic approach remains challenging for defenders despite the quickness of the attack, while simultaneously reducing the risk of hitting the ball out or encountering a successful block.
The effectiveness of this tactic highlights the importance of thoughtful shot placement in middle blocking, underscoring the potential for higher efficiency and success on the court.
13. When It Comes To Spiking, Variety Is The Spice Of Life!
Being labeled as a one-dimensional middle blocker, solely relying on hitting the A-ball, is a scenario you want to avoid at all costs.
Even worse is the reputation of exclusively running A-balls or consistently hitting the ball straight, lacking versatility in your approach.
An effective middle blocker should be challenging to predict, avoiding the trap of becoming overly formulaic and easy to play against.
Unpredictability is key, and a skilled middleman should keep opponents on their toes by incorporating a range of attacks.
Striving to hit A, C, and B-quick balls demonstrates a well-rounded skill set. Beyond that, the ability to execute meter balls, 2s, and 4s adds an extra layer of unpredictability to your game.
While you don’t need an exhaustive repertoire of tricks, consistency in running 1-2 attacks and the capability to aim for various spots on the court will elevate your performance and make you a formidable presence on the volleyball court.
14. Be Aware Of The Proper Defensive Positioning After Serving
Upon serving the ball, your role shifts to playing defense for the remainder of that rotation.
Typically, you’ll transition to position 5 after serving, where you should be poised and ready to defend.
If the opponents set to their right side, your defensive strategy involves transitioning with one foot on the sideline, anticipating and preparing to defend against a line shot.
Should the set go to their outside hitter, your positioning changes to staying relatively close, ready to dig a hard cross-court angle, or swiftly respond to a tip/roll.
The crucial takeaway is that you can’t disengage just because you’ve moved to the backcourt and are gearing up for a libero swap.
Instead, for that one rotation, you must be a defensive asset, willing to get low and put your body on the line to save the ball—contributing actively to your team’s defensive efforts.
15. Get Good At Running The Pipe
Mastering the skill of hitting from the back row after serving opens up additional offensive options for your team, providing a valuable advantage.
This strategy is especially effective for athletic middle blockers with strong jumping abilities.
For those proficient in hitting the pipe, a strategic approach involves transitioning from defending out of the back/left to a back/middle position after serving.
This positional adjustment enhances your readiness to execute the pipe attack, giving your team a dynamic and unpredictable offensive option.
By seamlessly integrating serving, defense, and hitting from the back row, you contribute to a more versatile and formidable offensive strategy.
16. Turn Your Jump Serve Into A Weapon
Middle blockers, often considered some of the best servers globally, possess distinct attributes that contribute to their serving prowess.
Their longer arms grant them the capacity to generate more power, translating to a harder and more impactful serve.
Additionally, many middle blockers exhibit a high spike height, enabling them to serve the ball at a more challenging and devastating angle, making it tougher for opponents to receive.
Biomechanically configured for serving effectiveness, middle blockers are well-positioned to deliver serves that are difficult to return.
To capitalize on these advantages, embrace the potential of your serving game by dedicating more time to refining your jump serve.
Elevating your serving skills can contribute significantly to your overall performance on the court.
Parting Words Of Advice: Volleyball Middle Blocker Tips
To elevate your skills as a middle blocker, focus on becoming a more well-rounded asset on the court.
Enhance your blocking capabilities by refining your reaction time, and simulating real-world situations in practice to improve your on-court responsiveness.
Expand your offensive repertoire by mastering multiple attack variations in different directions.
Incorporate a powerful jump serve into your skill set to add versatility and unpredictability to your game.
Develop proficiency in executing the pipe attack, contributing to your team’s offensive diversity.
Invest time and effort in honing your defensive skills, ensuring that you can effectively defend when needed.
Embrace continuous improvement by working on various aspects of your game, from blocking and attacking to serving and defense. The journey to becoming a better middle blocker involves a holistic approach to skill development.