Last Updated: February 8, 2024
There are certain things you can do to become a great middle blocker, from training your footwork to developing all kinds of blocking techniques. But when it comes to the mental side, your mindset makes the difference.
The mindset of a successful middle blocker revolves around knowing the opponent. For some players, it’s an innate skill. For others, it must be trained. But then, being a good observer is a must here.
Observing the Opponent
Double check if there’s a dominant hitter in the opponent team. Pay attention to the most common set a hitter will get from the setter, not to mention the hitters’ tendencies and styles.
Observing a direction isn’t everything. You need to be a perfect observant. Pay attention to their wrists and see how they rotate; that may indicate the direction. Look at the palms, how many steps they take before jumping, and so on.
The mindset of a quality middle blocker is based on observing everything and finding a pattern. That is a key trait to have.
Chasing the Ball
You need to be well driven to succeed as a middle blocker. Total commitment to the position is necessary, as your instinctive reactions must be immediate and without hesitation.
You need to chase every ball, simple as that. Sometimes, this mindset is referred to as the relentless pursuit because that’s exactly what it is.
As you observe things and determine patterns, you’ll be able to move more effectively. After all, your position depends on the opponent team’s set.
It is tight? Off net? What’s the formation? If you can find the pattern and anticipate the shot, you’ll be able to block the ball in a more effective manner.
The Mindset of an Instinct
Once again, when you’re a middle blocker, you don’t have too much time to think about it. You need to chase the ball, no matter what. If you spend half a second to think about it, chances are you’ll fail the block and lose the point.
It’s hard to avoid this aspect because you’ll naturally think about the most effective way to do it. But a late reaction is the last thing you want. As stupid as it may seem, chasing the ball doesn’t involve much thinking.
It’s hard to work against your instinct, but you’ll have to push it in that opposite direction. As you observe, you need it to become a natural thing. You don’t have to think that a certain player only hits left. You want to naturally go in that direction once they get ready to hit.
Your instinct is in the subconscious part of your brain, and that’s what you need to focus on.
Conclusion
Being a successful middle blocker isn’t all about the physical part, but also about the mental game.
Many things must be trained and developed into instincts and natural reactions in order to anticipate things fast and react accordingly. It may take time, but it’s totally doable and can make a difference.