Last Updated: February 8, 2024
A middle blocker has a crystal-clear goal in volleyball: to defend against hitters. The idea is to block hits and return the ball to the opposite side or at least reduce its speed and make it more approachable.
With these thoughts in mind, middle blockers are usually considered defensive players. They’re some of the tallest players in the team and for good reasons, they need to be good jumpers in order to block.
While not very common, the best middle blockers out there will use their defensive technique to turn it into offense.
There are more types of blocks out there. Some teams defend with more blockers. Others defend with different techniques. A block is successful when the hit is reduced in speed and force, so the ball is easy to dig.
But then, there are also situations when a block becomes an offensive weapon.
The Concept of Offensive Blocks Explained
Sometimes, the block reduces the actual ball force. Other times, it works like it should, and the ball remains on the opponent team’s side of the net. This is called an offensive block.
If executed by the book, the block implies jumping and reaching to get over the net and even into the opponent team’s area. It requires excellent research and anticipation to become offensive. The direction of the ball should be anticipated, not to mention calculating the ideal footwork.
Timing is critical to make an offensive block. Practically, you need to intercept the ball on its trajectory before it actually makes it over the net. If it gets over the net, there’s a risk for the ball to fall on your side of the court, meaning your team will lose the point in most cases.
Using the Roof to Turn a Block into an Offensive One
A block that becomes an attack opportunity must be done with the so-called roof technique. Apart from anticipating everything prior to the block, the middle blocker must also pay attention to the palms.
When the jump is high enough, palms should be facing downwards at about 50 degrees. They must be facing the bottom interior of the opponent team’s court.
If the hands meet the ball, the force of the hit will be redirected towards the attacker’s floor, very close to the net. It’s similar to an attacker hitting the underside of a roof. It won’t make it over the roof, but the speed and force will push the ball back down.
Recommended Read: 10 Key Middle Blocker Traits for Success
Defensive Blocks Turned into Attack Opportunities
A block doesn’t always have to be offensive to be turned into a successful attack opportunity. Sure, this way, the attack is quick and aggressive, almost always giving you a point.
But then, the defensive or soft purpose of a block is just as important.
At this point, the force of the ball is dramatically reduced by the block. It slows down, so defending it becomes fairly simple. Digging it becomes a piece of cake for another teammate.
This type of block implies having your palms facing upwards. You’re practically pushing the ball up in the air. It will require more time to land, so your teammates have more time to move accordingly in order to turn this opportunity into an attack.
Whether offensive or defensive, a block requires excellent anticipation. That’s why you also need to observe hitters and attackers in the opponent team. You need to pay attention to how they jump, the most common direction of the ball, their wrists, and so on.
The more you know about these things, the easier it will be to place your hands in the right position to make a successful block. At the same time, anticipating hitters and attackers will also help you determine if you should go for an offensive or defensive block.
Also Read: 7 Training Drills for Middle Blockers to Up Their Game
Conclusion
The block is most commonly seen as a defensive strategy in volleyball, but the way it’s done may inevitably lead to a successful attack as well.
In some cases, it could be a simple opportunity to turn a defensive move into a point scored for your team. Other times, it gives your team time to reorganize and start a well-planned attack from scratch.