What is the best way to block a middle hitter?

Question

I play defense (middle) but always judge the block late. I can see the arm rotation but sometime it is not going the way I assume the ball will be placed. Need advice to counter attack !!!

Answer 1

start to jump right as the player brings their arm up to hit- that should work. my coaches always tell me that, but i'm 5'3''.... not exactly blocking material!

Answer 2

ok my coach always tells me to have you body half way on the hitting hand. this way you take away most of the angles and possibly get the block. also if you block be ready for her to tip the next ball that comes her way.

Answer 3

blocking isnt always about getting the block, its about taking away the angles the ball can be hit so your defense doesnt have to cover as much. Even so, the secret to blocking is to watch the hitters shoulders to see where they are going to hit. and to get a higher jump try swing blocking

Answer 4

what you want to do is stay stomach to stomach with the hitter. If its on the net jump when they jump. By keeping your stomach even with theirs you are likely blocking the direction they are hitting. Now if they are cutting the ball a few times, then you will have to adjust for it. If they are good, your coach should already know if they are routinely hitting in a certain direction and pass that information on to you.

Answer 5

I assume that you can see the "setter's" arm rotation... you will still have to read where the middle hitter is going. If your goal is simply block the middle quick, just focus on the ball and cover it as much as possible when blocking.

Your coach should also read more carefully regarding your opponent's play(s) and tell you when to focus on what (or which hitter).

The more difficult part is to judge whether it is set for middle or for OH and make corresponding move to form double-block with your teammate.

It is okay if "sometimes" the ball is not going the way you assumed. Make sure it is not "always" and you should be fine. No one can be perfect, not to say that your opponent's setter would try to fool you all the time.

Answer 6

If you are talking about reading where the setter is going to set the ball, try to watch them in warmups.  Many setters will show something on the different sets that they do.  Back sets are often more on top of their head.  You will see more bending of the legs when they need the power to set the high, outside set.  

If you are talking about reading the hitter, try to line up where her arm will hit you in the head.  You will lined up on her that way.