Saturday, October 27, 2018

Important Blocking Rules for Volleyball Players


Alyssa Kotomi Luhrs graduated from Collin Community College with a degree in science in 2018. Her studies, preceded by two introductory nursing camps, emphasized anatomy and physiology. During her time at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas, Alyssa Kotomi Luhrs balanced her coursework and nurse training with time on the school’s volleyball team. She featured on the cover of Lonestar Volleyball Club magazine as the 2011 MVP.

Volleyball is a unique sport in that all players have freedom of mobility over the course of a point, yet must consistently play within their position's restrictions. For example, during a scramble or broken play, a back row player may find themselves near the net and in prime position to help block an opponent’s attack. Unfortunately, only front row players in the rotation can set a legal block, regardless of where those players move over the course of a live point. A back row player who attempts to set a block will be called for a violation and loss of point and possession, even if they make no contact with the ball.

Adhering to blocking rules is highly important for volleyball players, as legal blocks do not count against a team’s three hits. Additional elements of legal blocking include refraining from setting a block on an opponent’s serve and focusing blocks on the ball and not the opposing hitter, which can result in a net or physical contact violation.