9 Volleyball Blocking Drills to Dominate at the Net

Blocking is a team’s first line of defense — a well-timed block can shut down a powerful hit outright, and even a partial block slows the ball enough for teammates to dig it up. These volleyball blocking drills build the footwork, hand positioning, timing, and communication that turn a hesitant blocker into a real threat at the net.

Stance and Hand Position Fundamentals

1. Arm and Hand Position Without a Jump

For true beginners, put hitters on a stand or chair, or lower the net so players can reach above it without jumping. Blockers focus purely on arm and hand position — palms angled to direct the ball downward — before footwork or jumping enter the picture at all. Keeping this progression simple early on builds correct habits from the start.

2. Jump and Arm/Hand Position

Once players are comfortable with hand position, add the jump, ideally still using a lowered net. The focus stays on reaching high, penetrating over the net with the hands, and directing the ball down into the opponent’s court rather than just blocking straight back.

3. Mirror Blocking Drill

Two blockers stand at different spots along the net. One player performs a blocking movement — shuffling and jumping — while the second player mirrors the movement exactly. This builds the footwork and reaction speed blockers need while also teaching players to read and match a partner’s movement, a core skill in Pakmen Volleyball’s collection of blocking drills.

Footwork and Movement Drills

4. Lateral Shuffle Footwork

Have players shuffle side to side along the net in a low, ready stance, focusing on quick, controlled steps rather than crossing their feet. Getting the footwork right before adding a ball or a hitter is what allows blockers to actually arrive in position on time during a live rally.

5. Fixed-Height Toss Block

A coach stands on a box near the net holding the ball at a consistent height. The blocker practices jumping straight up and pressing their hands over the net as if blocking a real spike. This is one of the best entry points for teaching timing and eye tracking before introducing a live hitter.

Live Hitter and Reaction Drills

6. Block Against a Live Spiker

Once footwork and hand position are solid, progress to blocking against a hitter who actually approaches and attacks off a real set from a setter. Blocking drills need to become game-like as soon as the fundamentals are in place — blocking a ball on a stand only teaches part of the skill.

7. Reactive Toss Block

A coach or player hits balls toward the net from varying angles, forcing the blocker to react in real time rather than anticipating a fixed toss. This builds the split-second decision-making blockers need when reading a hitter’s approach and arm swing during an actual match.

Team Blocking and Communication Drills

8. Attack the Hole Drill

Set up two blockers, a setter, and a line of hitters. Hitters specifically attack the seam or “hole” between the two blockers, forcing the pair to work on closing gaps and overlapping their hands correctly. This drill directly targets one of the most common breakdowns in team blocking — leaving a gap between blockers for hitters to exploit.

9. Seam Closure with Communication

Using two or three blockers along the net, have the middle blocker read the setter’s toss and move to join the outside or pin blocker, closing the seam between them as quickly as possible. Add verbal calls like “Line!” or “Cross!” so blockers communicate where they’re covering. Strong communication is what turns individual blockers into a genuinely coordinated wall, as detailed in SoloStats’ guide to blocking drills.

Building Blockers Who Actually Stop Hitters

Blocking isn’t just about jumping high — it’s footwork, timing, hand positioning, and communication all working together under real pressure. Progressing through these volleyball blocking drills from basic mechanics to live, game-like reps is what turns a technically sound blocker into one who actually changes the outcome of points.

Evaluating skills like blocking timing and net positioning consistently across a season helps coaches see real development, not just match-day results. TeamGenius gives volleyball programs an easy way to track and evaluate player growth from tryouts through the season. Visit teamgenius.com to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions