Volleyball Blocking Drills

Blocking drills should train footwork along the net first, then hands and timing. Players learn to move from the middle to the antennas with shuffle or crossover steps, jump straight up without touching the net, and press their hands over to the other side. Once the moves are clean, add a live hitter so blockers learn when to jump.

Drills

3

Players needed

1 to 9

Equipment

Net, optional box or hitter

Typical block

10–20 minutes

Start with

Footwork along the net, no ball

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Pick a drill

The drills

How to choose and progress blocking drills

Start at the step that matches what your blockers can already do and the equipment you have: steps 1–3 need only a net (plus a sturdy box for step 2), while steps 4–5 need hitters and a setter. Change one thing at a time, and go back a step whenever net touches or drifting jumps return.

1. Footwork along the net with no ball (Blocking Footwork). Move on when most reps end square, without touching the net, on a two-foot landing.
2. Add the press: a coach on a sturdy box across the net holds a ball over the net, and blockers press it back. Move on when the hands go straight up and over without the arms swinging into the net.
3. Add a read: a coach points left or right once the blocker is ready, and the blocker reacts and moves. Move on when the blocker reacts to the point without a false step.
4. Block a live hitter: put a blocker on the far side during Hitting Lines. Move on when the blocker is usually in front of the hitter before jumping.
5. Block in real rallies: Six-on-Six Wash.

These checks are practice suggestions, not tests; adapt them to your players' age and experience.

Key coaching principles

Rule required by the named rulebook. Team agreement a choice this team makes; other teams may choose differently. Practice cue a simplified instruction for practice.

• Feet before hands. If the blocker is not in front of the hitter, good hands don't matter.
• Jump straight up. A blocker who drifts sideways hits teammates or the net, and leaves seams.
• Hands over, not up. Press the hands across the net toward the ball, thumbs up, fingers spread and strong.
• Read, then jump. Watch the ball to the setter, then the setter, then the set, then the hitter. Time your jump off the hitter, not the ball.
• Rule: No net, no line. Touching the net between the antennas while playing the ball is a fault. A foot may cross the center line only if part of it stays on or directly above the line. If you play under school or college rules, check their center-line wording. (FIVB 2025–2028, rules 11.3.1 and 11.2.2.1)
• Rule: Who may block. Back-row players may not complete a block, and the libero may not try to block. A block touch does not count as a team hit, so your team still has three contacts. See the rules for beginners. (FIVB 2025–2028, rules 14.6.2, 14.6.6 and 14.4.1)

Safety

Blocking means repeated jumps next to teammates and the net. Land on two feet on your own side, watch for feet under the net, and space blockers so they cannot collide. See common injuries and ankle braces.

Health note: General information, not medical advice. Young athletes should train under a qualified coach, and anyone with pain or an injury should see a doctor or physical therapist.

Watch: blocking footwork along the net

All of the Blocking Footwork You Need

What to watch for: Footwork and body position for four blocking moves, and when each one is used.

Video: Four Athletes on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.

Frequently asked questions