Volleyball: Solo Block Reading the Setter

The middle blocker learns to watch the setter, not the ball, to move earlier to zone 4 or zone 2, using a side step and jumping with hands reaching over the net. The task records how often the blocker arrives in time at the attack point.

How to play

1. Block technique on the spot: hands at forehead height, vertical jump and hands reaching over the net without touching it (4 min).
2. Side-step footwork from zone 3 to zone 4 and from zone 3 to zone 2, with a jump at the end (5 min).
3. A setter receives tossed balls and sets to 4 or 2; the blocker reads the setter's shoulders and hips to move (7 min).
4. Add an attacker on each side; an observer records whether the blocker was on time, late or went the wrong way (6 min).
5. Group discussion of the cues that gave the setter away (3 min).

Rules

• No touching the net; if it happens, repeat the action at lower speed.
• When landing, the blocker looks where they step and doesn't cross into the other court.
• Attackers hit at medium power in the first rounds.
• Change blockers every five actions to avoid knee fatigue.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays setter standing and works on disguising the direction.
• Shorter students: block with a lowered net, judged on timing rather than height.
• Ankle injury: acts as observer and logs arrival times.

Learning goals

• Perform the block with lateral footwork and a coordinated jump.
• Anticipate set direction by reading the setter.
• Use data to judge block effectiveness.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 8
• volleyball net: 1
• cones: 8
• worksheets: 8

Teacher tip

Don't confuse this with the double block or coverage: this is about individual reading. Group students of similar height on each side of the net.

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