Last Updated: February 8, 2024
The middle blocker is a crucial player, and despite the name of the position, offense is also an important aspect of their game. It’s not all about observing opponents, jumping, and blocking, but also about hitting back or supporting hitters.
Choosing the right training drills is a must, and while some are suitable for the whole team, some are mainly aimed at middle blockers.
Here’s how to up your game.
Performance Boosting Drills for Middle Blockers
1. Solo Blocking Drill
This drill is solely aimed at blocking, there’s no team play involved whatsoever. Its primary purpose is to improve your technique, capability to jump, form, posture, and observation. Simply put, you’ll need to adjust your form game by game, depending on the opponent hitters.
In this drill, there’s no assistance. What you need to do is stay by the net, while different team members toss the ball over. This way, you’ll be exposed to different techniques, hitting styles, and tricks. The more you see, the better you become at it.
You’ll also have to adjust your technique according to each player.
2. Serving Drill
If a blocking drill actually makes sense, most middle blockers overlook their serving capacity. Serving is one of the most fundamental aspects in volleyball, and despite being by the net, you must be able to serve by the book as well.
In this drill, you need to head towards the defensive line and serve over the net. There are all kinds of challenges involved. You can focus on certain areas of the opposite side of the court, but you can also try serving under pressure.
The idea is to get ready for all kinds of game-like scenarios.
Recommended Read: Exploring the Tactical Mindset of Successful Middle Blockers
3. Lateral Shuffle Block Drill
Blocking isn’t always about being in the middle. In an attempt to trick you, opponent hitters will try to hit from all kinds of different directions, not to mention hitting styles. In other words, your lateral movement is just as significant.
And as if it wasn’t enough, your reaction to unexpected scenario also requires some training. Stand in the middle and get ready to block balls from teammates from the other side. Shuffle to the left, jump, and block, then do the same on the other side.
The more training partners you have, the more effective this drill becomes.
4. Triple Block Drill
There will be times when you’ll be blocking the ball by yourself, as well as times when you’ll have to work in tight coordination with your teammates. It’s a group training drill that will improve everyone’s skills and defensive capabilities.
Stand by the net with two other teammates. The other side of the net should have a hitter. You three will have to work together to block the hitter, so you’ll need to coordinate positioning and timing. After each block, you must rotate positions.
5. Blocking Footwork Drill
To excel as a middle blocker, you need to be fast and pay attention to timing. Most of your jumps will depend on your footwork. You must be able to move your feet very fast, move around, and jump at the right time.
In this drill, you and other teammates must line up by the net. Someone else will throw the ball over the net. You’ll need to move from one side to another, jump and block. It sounds like a regular blocking drill, but you need to focus on the right positioning, as well as your footwork.
6. Transition Drill
Since you’re also an offensive player, you must be able to transition from a defensive position to an offensive one in a natural manner without focusing too much. It has to be a seamless transition done naturally, hence the necessity of training.
In this drill, you’ll start by the back. You’ll have to move towards the net for blocking or hitting. One of your teammates will send the ball to someone in the back. The player will then move towards the net and block or hit, whatever the requirement is.
Also Read: How Middle Blockers Turn Blocks into Attack Opportunities
7. Three Step Block Drill
The three step block technique is one of the most popular ones among middle blockers and requires quite a bit of training. It’s difficult to master, but not impossible. You’ll start at the net, with another teammate behind the net.
You need to be about three steps away from the net. Take three steps forward, jump, and block the ball. Obviously, timing is very important. You need to plan the size of your steps, as well as the direction and time.
There are more variations of this drill, too, only to diversify your movement.
Conclusion
While there are plenty of other drills to try out as a team, these ones in particular are meant to help middle blockers become more effective. They’ll cover everything you need as a middle blocker, from footwork and timing to planning and blocking capabilities.