When you block do you use your hitting approach?

Question

When you block do you do your hitting approach (left, right, left)? I know how to block I just don't know if get to the net and when they are about to hit go up or when they are about to hit do hitting approach and then block.

Answer 1

No you always always always stand next to the net when blocking.  You have to be right there... if you mess up your approach you pretty much give them a point. Stay squated down ready to (verticle) jump right in front of the net.

Answer 2

no your already up to the net  

Answer 3

No, you don't use your hitting approach when you block because that would take you right into the net.  You position yourself a couple of feet away from the net, then jump off both feet simultaneously -- crouch first and spring up as high as you can.  Extend your hands over the net, spreading your fingers to make as big of a wall as you can.  

To position yourself correctly, watch the hitter's body rather than the flight of the ball.  Make sure you figure out before the match starts which players are right-handed and left-handed so that your defense is set correctly.  

When your opponent contacts the ball, contract your abs to make your body a wall, and to prevent the hitter from slipping the ball past you.  I actually make a little grunting noise (so I'm told) when I block because of the effort I put into contracting my abs.  

The main reason you put up a block is to take away court from your opponent's offense, directing their attack to your defense.  A good block can also induce the hitter to make an error -- hitting into the net or out of bounds.  If you happen to stuff block the opponent, that's great, but it's not the first priority.  

There is a blocking technique called swing blocking that involves an approach rather than a straight jump up, but the movement is parallel to the net rather than towards the net.  The armswing that goes along with the swing block can help some blockers get up higher.  The swing blocking move is definitely a distraction to a hitter, but it's a much more advanced technique.  Perfect your standing block first.