Equipment Needed
- Volleyballs
- Net
Setup
- Setter feeds a live hitter approaching from the outside, middle, or right side; one or two blockers set up across the net.
- Coach or a teammate varies the block's positioning and timing on every rep so the read is never identical.
Instructions
- The blocker(s) set up either double-blocking a line, taking away the angle, or occasionally leaving a gap — varied by the coach before each rep.
- The hitter reads the block during their approach, identifying where the seam or soft spot is before contact.
- Based on the read, the hitter chooses to hit line, hit angle, tool the block off the blockers' hands, or tip into the open seam.
- Rotate hitters through all three attacking positions so everyone practices reading blocks from every angle.
Coaching Points
- The read happens during the approach, not after the set — hitters should already have a plan forming before they leave the ground.
- A hard swing at a well-set double block is usually a low-percentage shot; teach hitters that shot selection matters as much as arm swing.
- Encourage using the block on purpose (tooling) as a legitimate, high-percentage shot, not just an accident.
- Debrief after each rep — ask the hitter what they saw and why they chose that shot.
Variation
Add back-row defenders behind the block so hitters also have to place shots away from digger positioning, or run a live rally after every attack to add full-game context and pressure.