Skill
Blocking
The skill of using the hands or body to stop or slow an opponent’s attack.
Skill
Overview
Blocking is a defensive skill in which a player intercepts an attack — in volleyball, reaching above the net to stop or deflect a spike; in basketball, contesting a shot legally. It denies the attacker a clean path to score.
Timing and positioning define a good block: reading the attacker, getting into position and meeting the ball at the right moment matter far more than height alone.
Key points
- Reading the attacker’s approach helps you position the block in time.
- Timing the jump to the hit is more important than jumping as early as possible.
- In volleyball, blockers reach over the net with firm hands to redirect the spike downward.
- A block does not have to stop the ball outright; slowing it helps teammates defend.
- Legal contact rules vary by sport, so a fair block avoids conceding a foul.
Where it’s used
Sports that use blocking:
Related skills
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Blocking to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Movement patterns
- JumpThe plyometric pattern of projecting the body off the ground through explosive triple extension and controlling the landing — the core expression of lower-body power.
- AccelerationThe athletic pattern of building speed from a standing or slow start by driving large horizontal forces into the ground to project the body forward.
- DecelerationThe athletic pattern of actively braking and absorbing momentum to slow or stop under control, producing eccentric forces that oppose the direction of travel.
- HopA single-leg spring that takes off from and lands on the same leg, using the stretch-shortening cycle to project the body vertically or horizontally.
- SlideA slide is a controlled, low-friction skid of the body or foot along a surface, used to brake, extend reach, or hold a line, where managed friction and a lowered centre of gravity govern the movement.
Coaching concepts
- Decision-Making PracticeTraining athletes to read cues and choose the right action under pressure — coupling perception to action, not just rehearsing physical technique in isolation.
- Skill acquisitionHow a movement or sports skill is learned — progressing from conscious, effortful control to smooth, largely automatic execution through practice and feedback.
- Practice VariabilityVarying practice conditions — spacing, interleaving skills and changing situations — to build adaptable, durable skill, even when it feels harder day to day.
Positions
- Middle blockerThe middle blocker plays in the centre of the net, leading the team’s blocking and attacking with fast, quick sets.
- OppositeThe opposite is a volleyball attacker who plays on the right side of the net, opposite the setter in the rotation, and is often a key scorer.
- LiberoThe libero is a defensive volleyball specialist who wears a contrasting shirt, plays only in the back row, and cannot attack the ball above the height of the net.
- SetterThe setter is volleyball’s playmaker, taking the team’s second contact and delivering accurate sets for hitters to attack.
- Wing (handball)The handball wing plays wide on the left or right of the attack, using speed to finish fast breaks and shoot from tight angles near the sideline.
Learning paths
- Learn BasketballA structured, educational learning path for basketball — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn VolleyballA structured, educational learning path for volleyball — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn TennisA structured, educational learning path for tennis — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn PadelA structured, educational learning path for padel — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn BadmintonA structured, educational learning path for badminton — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
Skills Academy
- Team-play skillsThe skills that make a team work — combining, covering and communicating through the ball.
- Endurance-sport skillsThe skills of going the distance — pacing, breathing and efficient technique in running, cycling and swimming.
- Locomotor skillsMoving the body efficiently — running, sprinting, changing pace and getting into position.
- Object-control skillsHandling a ball or implement — controlling, receiving, passing and moving it with intent.
- Racket-sport skillsThe core skills of racket sports — serving, returning, rallying and controlling the net.
Techniques
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
- Volleyball DigA defensive contact that keeps a hard-driven ball in play by passing it up off the forearms, usually from a low position.
- Bodyweight SquatA foundational lower-body exercise that lowers the hips by bending the knees and hips, then stands back up, using only body weight.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.