Swing Blocking

The player should stand facing the net with feet shoulder width apart knees slightly bent and legs loaded. Hands should be up in front of chest also facing the net. When blocking to the left the player should open up with a step on the left foot beginning to swing both arms down and back then taking another step with the right foot. A final step with the left foot should be made bringing both feet next to each other making sure to stay low by keeping the knees bent. The arms with both begin to swing forward raising up above shoulders reaching above the height to the net while the legs are driving the body up off the ground. While making the jump the player should use the arms to swing the body to face the net. Be sure to keep fingers spread wide. Also make sure to land straight down and not float to either side. Once the landing is completed the player should assume the defensive position and read the ball.

Drill: Joust-primary defense

This drill begins with one team on each side of the net. The primary defense (front row players) are in blocking ready stance while the back row players are in coverage. The ball is tossed over the top of the net and the primary players are to react to the play by swing blocking towards the ball. The goal is for someone to block or kill the ball but if a second touch can be made on the ball then the play should continue until the ball is dead. This drill is effective for teaching swing blocking because it calls for quick reaction time for the toss and the focus is on the primary defense putting the ball away with either a block or kill.