Blocking in volleyball is both the simplest skill to execute and the most difficult to do well. Synchronizing the block correctly is part of that. This article will look at that aspect of time. This article will provide some tips on how to improve your timing to make you a more effective blocker.
Timing the batter’s jump
The most important determining factor in timing a volleyball block is matching your jump with the batter’s jump. This doesn’t mean you have to jump at exactly the same time as the batter, but you won’t be too far from that. Keeping this in mind can help with another facet of blocking which is making sure your last bit of attention is properly on the batter, not the ball (topic for a separate article). It will also prevent you from jumping when the batter doesn’t actually jump (bad game etc.).
Off-grid distance
While the most important timing factor is the batsman’s jump, you should adjust your block jump based on how far from the net the batsman will attack the ball. The further back, the longer you will have to wait to realize that the longer it will take for the ball to reach you. A back line attack, for example, requires a bit of lag in your jump compared to a ball hit the net.
Batter’s arm movement speed
The final small adjustment in timing comes by taking into account the force with which the batter attacks the ball. This is like adjusting the batsman’s distance out of the net. An attacker with a quick arm movement will get the ball to you faster than a player with a slow movement. As a result, he should slow down the last one a bit and jump a little earlier for the first one. If he can catch the batter by setting up an off-speed throw, that could also factor into his block time (or his decision to raise).
commit vs read
The timing factors of jumping, distance, and arm swing will be the same whether you’re committing a block (raising a batter without waiting to see if he’s setting) or reading a block (waiting for play). If you’re making a block, you still have to time your block based on the batter’s hop, how close to the net they are, and their swing speed.
Timing isn’t the only factor in a good block, as getting up just in time won’t do you much good if you’re in the wrong place. However, if you can combine proper timing with proper positioning and blocking mechanics, you can set up a very good block.