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 jump batsman

The biggest determining factor in the timing of a volleyball block is matching your jump to the batsman’s jump. This doesn’t mean you should jump at exactly the same time as the batter, but you won’t be too far from it. Keeping this in mind can help with another facet of blocking which is making sure the last bit of your attention is properly on the batter, not the ball (topic for a separate article). It will also prevent you from jumping when the batsman isn’t actually jumping (bad game, etc.).

Distance outside the network

While the most important time factor is the batter’s jump, you should adjust your block jump based on how far from the net the batter will attack the ball. The further back, the longer you have to wait to account for the longer it will take for the ball to reach you. An attack from the back line, for example, requires a bit of delay in your jump compared to a ball stuck to the net.

Batter’s arm movement speed

The final small adjustment in time comes taking into account the force with which the batsman attacks the ball. This is like adjusting the batsman’s distance away from 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 must delay the latter a bit and jump a bit earlier for the former. If he can catch the batter setting up an off-speed shot, that could also account for his block time (or his decision to raise).

commit against read

The timing factors of the jump, distance, and arm swing will be the same whether you’re committing a screen (going up with a batter without waiting to see if he’s setting up) or reading a screen (waiting for the game). If you’re making a screen, you still have to time your screen based on where the batsman jumps, how close to the net he is, and the speed of his swing.

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 spot. However, if you can combine proper timing with proper positioning and blocking mechanics, you can set up a very good screen.