The block

In this video you will learn how to block. Blocking isn't counted as a touch of the ball

Follow these three steps in order to block effectively: prepare, jump, and block.

First,: prepare.

Stand about 30cm from the net. Move towards your opponent by sidestepping or by running along the net.

Keep your feet parallel to your shoulders, and your legs very slightly bent in order to be ready to jump.

Reach your arms up and bend them, with your forearms parallel to the net and with your hands at head height.

Second: jump.

Always begin your jump just after your opponent jumps.

Simultaneously push with your legs and raise your arms.

Jump vertically, keeping your head high and your eyes on the ball.

Once in the air, stretch your arms with your hands open and your fingers spread to have maximum surface area for the block.

Third: block.

Adapt your block depending on the two following situations.

If you are late or your opponent is bigger than you, block defensively.

For this, bring your hands back towards your head, bending your wrists.

Try to slow the ball during contact in order to retreive it afterwards.

If the ball is very close to the net, or the opponent is smaller than you, block offensively.

For this, bend your body forwards so that your arms and hands can enter into the opponent's court.

Don't forget to control your fall in order to avoid any contact with the net, or entering into the opponent's court, as this would be counted as a fault.

Land on your front foot, then uncurl your toes and gently bend your knees.

Blocking is the best way to destabilize an attack, so adapt your block according to the match situation. Over to you!