Blocking Form - Hands and Arms

[BHitterDPasser]

I'm going to start out once again by pointing out that I have no formal instruction and am just playing the game so if I'm doing something wrong, help me out.

When I block, I typically spread my fingers out as far as possible keeping my thumb tips almost together. This gives me a pretty wide block but it leaves a gap between my elbows jst big enough for a ball to fit through.

Would it be preferable or better form if I were to rotate my hands such that my thumbs were parallel instead of pointing at eachother thereby reducing the gap between my forearms?

[set10]

yes, the second way (thumbs parallel) is the correct way to block, also if you look carefully, it gives you just as wide, if not wider, blocking area for the hands. Also when you have your hands straight up like you do, its much much more difficult to turn your hands in to redirect the block back into the court and not get tooled

[BHitterDPasser]

I'll get some pics but I'm 6'5" (genuine height, not volleyball height) with a moderate vertical jump. When I spread out my hands and have thumb tips touching, there is MORE than enough room for a ball to fit between my arms if it is just in the wrong/right spot.

I've been picking up MH this season but have been known to wander around the OH & Opp positions when I'm allowed.

Originally Posted by eyesofanangel

Pictures? What are you trying to accomplish, a soft or hard block? Sounds like a hard block but for a ball to fit between your arms would mean more then arm placement.

• What position do you play?
• What is your vertical?
• What is your overall reach?
• What is your height?
• What is your length from your toes to your fingertips?

My coaching side has just kicked in. Proper position is standard, but for taller people it's a blocking approach that makes the difference.

Note to self: Don't say, "I'm trying to block".

[dex]

Originally Posted by set10

yes, the second way (thumbs parallel) is the correct way to block, also if you look carefully, it gives you just as wide, if not wider, blocking area for the hands. Also when you have your hands straight up like you do, its much much more difficult to turn your hands in to redirect the block back into the court and not get tooled

set10, to me when you go to block hitter you will get tooled? i mean how do you block and NOT get tooled? i mean you'll get tooled no matter what? how you avoid getting tooled? dex

[BHitterDPasser]

Originally Posted by eyesofanangel

This is what I figured. Your jumping over the top tape. Are you getting your shoulders over each time?

What do you mean "OH & Opp positions when I'm allowed"? You are 6'5, who would be stopping you? What is your natural position?

I'm not getting my shoulders to clear but I get enough of my face up there to take the occasional rocket off the ole nose...

C+ MH's are a rare breed up here so once I mention that I play Middle, I pretty much am stuck there. It's all good though.

[set10]

Originally Posted by dex

set10, to me when you go to block hitter you will get tooled? i mean how do you block and NOT get tooled? i mean you'll get tooled no matter what? how you avoid getting tooled? dex

when you surround the ball and turn your arms/ hands in towards the court you are much, much, much, less likely to be tooled. If you are getting tooled every single time you go up to block you have some issues. Its Geometry my dear watson, you just make the surface angles of your arms and hands directed towards the floor and middle of the court.

[NewEnglandRT]

Originally Posted by BHitterDPasser

I'm not getting my shoulders to clear but I get enough of my face up there to take the occasional rocket off the ole nose...

C+ MH's are a rare breed up here so once I mention that I play Middle, I pretty much am stuck there. It's all good though.

Uh, I stop him. I'm his captain and he's a middle. That's his natural position, he loves the net and loves to block. Also his vertical is a little greater than moderate.

In a perfect world your arms are just far enough so as not to let the ball through, think old school beach dig. Fanning your fingers is correct. Alot less can get through if you jump higher and penetrate more.

PS: I wish I was tall and could jump

[coachmanzi]

Originally Posted by set10

yes, the second way (thumbs parallel) is the correct way to block, also if you look carefully, it gives you just as wide, if not wider, blocking area for the hands. Also when you have your hands straight up like you do, its much much more difficult to turn your hands in to redirect the block back into the court and not get tooled

Actually if you turn your hands with your thumbs to the ceiling, it reduces the area in between your hands for the hitter to hit through. Hands straight up leaves you wide open to get hit through and obviously, your hands have the same surface area either way, but turning thumbs up widens the block more

who taught you how to block? really. With your hands parallel, it reduces surface area and is really easy to tool.

Let's say i'm blocking right side against their OH and blocking the ball, not line, angle or seam.
Now, i'm 5'6" and pushing a 43" vert. I can get up and see my hitter and push my right shoulder into the court onto his arm and eliminate his ball. If my right arm is coming into the court, my body turns that way, too, thus, bringing the ball into the court when i block.

any questions?

[revjim27]

Originally Posted by eyesofanangel

This is what I figured. Your jumping over the top tape. Are you getting your shoulders over each time?

What do you mean "OH & Opp positions when I'm allowed"? You are 6'5, who would be stopping you? What is your natural position?

I too stop him; since I'm the setter. Any middle that can hurt people with his left as much as his right stays at middle (Even though you complain about it; you know you love getting kills with your left). But stop stealing my sets, *grumble, grumble* ...stupid giant...

[BHitterDPasser]

Originally Posted by coachmanzi

who taught you how to block? really. With your hands parallel, it reduces surface area and is really easy to tool.

No one taught me that's why I am asking you blokes for advice.

Originally Posted by coachmanzi

any questions?

Yeah. Why does it look like your hands are parallel in this pic and forearms are wide enough to fit frank thomas through them?