Slide step blocking

What you need

Players

1 to 8 players

Time

4 to 6 min

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Tape

Ball fed by

Not needed

Space

Half a court

Setup

1. Two blockers at the net on the near side, one beside each antenna, an arm's length from the net.
2. Tape marks on the floor just left and right of the middle show where each blocker plants.
3. A coach stands behind and calls the go, watching the hands and the landing.

How it runs

A ball-free footwork drill for new blockers. Starting beside an antenna, a blocker slides along the net with small side steps toward the middle, plants on a tape mark, jumps straight up and presses both hands over the net, then lands in balance and slides back. Blockers take turns from the left and right ends, so the net always has one working and one ready.

Time and reps: 6 trips each, then a short rest.

Coaching points

• Keep your hands high and your shoulders square to the net as you slide.
• Stay wide and keep your feet from crossing until the last step.
• Jump straight up, press the hands over the net and keep them together.
• Land in balance on both feet, then slide back without a pause.

Ways to change it

• Call the direction at the last second so blockers have to react.
• Two blockers side by side practice keeping their hands close together.
• Add a hitter who stands on a box and shows the angle of the ball.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

• Slide a shorter distance and skip the jump until the feet are steady.

Make it harder

• Add a crossover step to a farther mark, or call the direction late.

Terms on this page

Pin and antenna

The pin is the end of the net where outside hitters attack, and the left pin is on your left as you face the net. The antenna is the striped rod above each sideline; the ball has to cross the net between the two.

Crossover step

A step where one foot crosses over the other to cover ground quickly along the net.