Purpose of the Block

Articles In This Section:

· The Block

· Rules Pertaining to the Block

· Importance of the Block

· Purpose of the Block

· Individual Blocking

· Team Blocking - Part 1

· Team Blocking - Part 2

· Team Blocking - Part 3

· Summary

Many believe that the block is primarily a means to project the ball into the blockers' court in a manner that makes it easy to set. Actually, it seldom happens that way. A blocked spike usually rebounds toward the opponents' court. Often the opponents cannot recover the ball before it touches the floor. When this occurs, the block in reality has become an offensive weapon.

Many coaches emphasize the offensive nature of the block. In analyzing the first-place finish of the Stockton YMCA in the 1954 and 1955 National Championships, Klinger wrote: "Our emphasis is placed on blocking as we feel we can't match the Southern California teams in ball handling. In order to get on the court with them, we must stop them at the net. We feel that blocking is the real offense of volleyball." ⁵

The effectiveness of the block can be measured by the number of points won or lost through its use. However, a good block at a strategic point in a game is worth more than a point.

The block affects individual and team morale. A spiker who is continually blocked effectively may lose his spirit, thereby reacting on his team. For the defense this can give added inspiration and help make better team play.

"The block should be put up like a solid wall. As a spiker gets tired, his spikes tend to straighten out, and a solid block will get its percentage of blocks. A three-man block carefully coached will wear down any spiker." ⁶