9 Effective Volleyball Middle Blocker Drills

As a middle blocker in volleyball, your role is crucial in both offense and defense. You need to be able to jump high and quickly, read your opponent’s movements and react with speed and accuracy. To improve your skills as a middle blocker, incorporating effective drills into your training routine is essential. Here are nine effective volleyball middle blocker drills to try:

Drill #1: Blocking Footwork Drill

One of the essential skills that middle blockers need to possess is the ability to move their feet quickly to get into the right position for blocking. This drill focuses on improving the footwork of middle blockers. To perform this drill, the players will line up at the net, and the coach will toss the ball over the net. The players will then move laterally and jump to block the ball, focusing on the correct footwork and positioning.

Drill #2: Solo Blocking Drill

Middle blockers must be skilled in blocking because they are responsible for stopping the ball from the opponent’s hitter. In this drill, the player will be asked to block the ball without the assistance of their teammates. This drill is performed by having the player stand at the net with a coach or a teammate tossing the ball over the net. The player will then jump and block the ball without any assistance, focusing on technique and form.

Drill #3: Transition Drill

Middle blockers need to be quick on their feet to transition from defense to offense seamlessly. This drill is designed to improve their transition skills. The drill is performed by having the player start in the back row and transition to the net for hitting or blocking. The coach will toss the ball to the player in the back row, and the player will then transition to the net and hit or block the ball.

Drill #4: Serving Drill

Serving is an essential aspect of volleyball, and middle blockers must be skilled in serving as well. The serving drill is designed to improve their serving skills. The drill is performed by having the player serve the ball over the net, focusing on accuracy and form. The coach can also add specific challenges such as serving to a particular area or serving under pressure to simulate game-like scenarios.

Drill #5: Three-Step Approach Block

The three-step approach block is an essential drill for middle blockers. Start by standing at the net with a partner on the other side. Take three quick steps towards the net, jump, and block the ball as it comes over the net. Repeat the drill with different variations, such as changing the direction of the block or using different types of sets.

Drill #6: Lateral Shuffle Block

Lateral shuffle block is a drill that helps improve your lateral movement and reaction time. Start by standing in the middle of the net facing your partner. Shuffle laterally to one side, jump, and block the ball as it comes over the net. Repeat the drill, shuffling to the other side.

Drill #7: Off-Bench Approach

The off-bench approach drill is an effective way to improve your vertical jump and overall explosiveness. Start by standing on a bench with your back to the net. Jump off the bench and block the ball as it comes over the net. Repeat the drill, focusing on your approach and timing.

Drill #8: Triple Block

The triple block drill is an effective way to improve your blocking skills as part of a team. Start by forming a line with two other players and facing a hitter on the other side of the net. Work together to block the ball, focusing on timing and positioning. Rotate positions after each block.

Drill #9: Defense to Offense Transition

The defense to offense transition drill is an essential drill for middle blockers, as it helps improve your ability to transition from defense to offense quickly. Start by standing in the back row as a defensive player. When the ball is hit over the net, transition quickly to the front row and attack the ball as a hitter.

Conclusion

Volleyball middle blockers play a crucial role in the game, and it’s essential for them to undergo specific training drills that cater to their position. By incorporating these drills into their training routine, middle blockers can improve their skills, enhance their techniques, reaction time and overall performance on the court, becoming a valuable assets to their team.

Remember to focus on proper technique, communication with your team, and staying motivated to achieve your goals.

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