Load the Block
Posted on Dec 09, 2007 under Technical Instruction |On defense, net players must be prepared to block the attack at the net or to drop off and play floor defense. In order to be prepared to do both well, the player must be in an ideal body posture to perform either skill. A medium body posture with the knees slightly flexed and the hands above the forehead allow for this dynamic skill.
The front row player’s first obligation is to stop the ball at the net with the block. This posture provides a “loaded” stance from which the player can move laterally and jump quickly. His second obligation is to play floor defense. From this load, he can read the set and make the first step to his floor defensive position quickly. The loaded body posture may sound very obvious or basic, but it needs to be practiced and reinforced. Without training the body in this position, players will begin to stand upright. Once a player is upright, he must again lower his center of gravity in order to move or jump. Beginning in the loaded position, the player has eliminated this wasted movement.
Loading your players at the net will quicken their reaction time and therefore allow them to be more effective defensive players.