9 Blocking Exercises Every Volleyball Coach Should Teach

Dani Souto August 25, 2025

 


Blocking is a critical skill in volleyball, serving as the first line of defense against powerful attacks. Strong blockers can intimidate opponents, disrupt offensive plays, and significantly improve a team’s defensive efficiency. As a coach, teaching proper blocking technique is essential for players of all levels. In this post, we’ll explore 9 effective blocking exercises, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips for progression, and ways to implement them in practice.

1. Wall Hand Press Drill

Objective: Strengthen hand positioning and timing.
Setup: Stand near a wall, simulating the net.
Execution: Players jump and press hands against the wall at peak height. Focus on fingers spread, hands angled forward, and elbows slightly bent. Repeat 10-15 times.
Tip: Emphasize controlled movements and proper hand alignment.

2. Partner Block Jump Drill

Objective: Improve vertical jump and timing with a partner.
Setup: Pair players; one tosses a ball over an imaginary net.
Execution: The blocking player jumps to intercept the ball at peak height. Partner varies toss speed and angle to challenge timing.
Tip: Rotate partners to simulate different attack styles.

3. Shadow Blocking Drill

Objective: Focus on footwork and positioning without the ball.
Setup: No net or ball required.
Execution: Players practice lateral movement along the net, adjusting hand positioning and jump timing as if blocking an attacker.
Tip: Include quick direction changes to replicate game-like situations.

4. Assisted Block Drill

Objective: Combine technique with ball contact.
Setup: Setter tosses balls near the net for blockers.
Execution: Players jump and attempt to block the ball back to the setter’s side, focusing on penetration over the net and timing.
Tip: Encourage blockers to watch the setter’s hand for cues on ball trajectory.

5. One-on-One Attack Block

Objective: Simulate real-game blocking scenarios.
Setup: One attacker vs. one blocker at the net.
Execution: Attacker performs a spike; blocker tries to intercept. Rotate roles every 5-10 reps.
Tip: Focus on anticipation and reading the hitter’s approach.

6. Three-Step Lateral Blocking Drill

Objective: Improve lateral quickness along the net.
Setup: Place cones along the net to mark positions.
Execution: Players move laterally in three steps to reach each cone, performing a proper jump block at each point.
Tip: Maintain low, athletic stance and quick footwork.

7. Multi-Hitter Block Drill

Objective: Enhance reaction to unpredictable attacks.
Setup: Three attackers positioned across the net.
Execution: Each attacker spikes in rotation while blockers adjust and jump to block. Keep score for successful blocks.
Tip: This drill builds team coordination and anticipation.

8. Blocking Against a Setter Drill

Objective: Improve reading and timing against fast sets.
Setup: Set up a setter and attacker on one side; blockers on the other.
Execution: The setter delivers quick sets to the attacker; blockers react and jump to block.
Tip: Emphasize reading the setter’s hands and timing the jump precisely.

9. Video Feedback and Analysis

Objective: Refine blocking technique using visual learning.
Setup: Record players during blocking drills or scrimmages.
Execution: Review video with players, noting hand positioning, jump timing, and lateral movement. Discuss corrections and improvements.
Tip: Encourage players to implement feedback in the next drill session.

Conclusion

Blocking is a combination of timing, technique, and anticipation. By incorporating these 9 blocking exercises into your practices, you’ll help players develop stronger, more confident blocks and improve overall team defense. Remember to adjust difficulty based on player skill level and consistently reinforce proper mechanics.

For coaches who want to take their volleyball training to the next level, including complete drills, exercises, and strategies for all skill levels, check out the MASTER OF VOLLEYBALL - The Ultimate Coaching Collection


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