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What're Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills All Blockers Should Know 

I describe blocking terms which explain common volleyball blocking skills and techniques varsity players know like "the joust"

Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills: After the serve, blockers at the net jump to deflect an attack hit to keep the ball from crossing the net. (Ralph Aversen)Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills: After the serve, blockers at the net jump to deflect an attack hit to keep the ball from crossing the net. (Ralph Aversen)

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Welcome to my blocking page where I describe volleyball blocking skills like;

  • joust

Let's get started.  

Blocking in volleyball is the first line of defense for the serving team in a rally.



Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills
What's a joust?

East Carolina vs. Rice In A Blocking Volleyball Joust At The Net. A joust occurs when two players contact the ball over the net at the same time. (Michael E. Johnston)East Carolina vs. Rice In A Blocking Volleyball Joust At The Net. A joust occurs when two players contact the ball over the net at the same time. (Michael E. Johnston)

What's a joust?

A joust occurs when two players contact the ball over the net at the same time.


Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills: A joust occurs between one blocker and one hitter who was trying to tip the ball over the blocker and instead the ball was set close to the net (M. E. Johnston)Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills: A joust occurs between one blocker and one hitter who was trying to tip the ball over the blocker and instead the ball was set close to the net (M. E. Johnston)

This action occurs between two opposing blocking volleyball players, or one blocker and one hitter who was trying to tip the ball over the blocker and instead the ball was set close to the net, so now both players are contacting the ball at the same time, with both of them trying to push the ball into the other team's court.

Nine times out of ten, if two opposing players go up to contact a ball at the same time over the net, the last player to contact the ball almost always wins because they have momentum on their side.


Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills: If two opposing players go up to contact a ball at the same time over the net, the last player to contact the ball almost always wins (Ralph Aversen)Terms For Volleyball Blocking Skills: If two opposing players go up to contact a ball at the same time over the net, the last player to contact the ball almost always wins (Ralph Aversen)

Their advantage is that they are going up and pushing the ball over while the first player is coming down from their jump losing momentum and power as they get closer to the ground.

That's the secret to winning the joust.

It's one of the most important blocking secrets for short players. You must  try to be the second player to touch the ball in a joust. 

Once I learned this trick of being the second player to touch the ball, I hardly ever lost a joust because I knew that all I had to do was wait as long as I could, then once I saw the opposing player touch the ball then I put my hands on the ball and pushed it over into the opposing court.


Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball's Middle Blocker Position



3. What are the primary responsibilities of a middle blocker?

Middle blockers must:

- Lead the blocking defense at the net
- Close blocks with outside blockers
- Run quick attack plays in transition
- Communicate blocking assignments
- Read opposing setter's tendencies
- Provide offensive options in the middle
- Help defend against tips and dumps


4. Why did you choose a gorilla to represent middle blockers?

I selected the gorilla because of its natural characteristics that parallel elite middle blockers: dominant presence, exceptional strength, surprising agility, and natural leadership abilities.

Like a silverback gorilla commanding its territory, middle blockers must control the net with authority and power.


8. How do I know if the middle blocker position is right for me?

You might excel as a middle blocker if you:

- Are typically taller than your teammates
- Have good vertical jumping ability
- Can move quickly laterally
- Enjoy the leadership aspect of defense
- Have strong court awareness
- Communicate well with teammates
- Like being involved in every play


9. What are common challenges middle blockers face?

Middle blockers often deal with:

- Constant movement along the net
- Quick transition requirements
- High energy demands
- Complex reading responsibilities
- Need for consistent timing
- Leadership expectations
- Multiple blocking assignments


10. How can wearing position-specific gear improve middle blocker performance?

My gorilla t-shirt collection is meant to:

- Reinforce the dominant mindset needed
- Build confidence through position identity
- Remind players of their leadership role
- Create team unity through shared symbolism
- Be a constant reminder about one's blocking responsibilities
- Inspire aggressive net play
- Promote the middle blocker's crucial role


This has been an important message by your favorite volleyball coach! That's me!!

Thanks for visiting.

Be sure to check out more of my volleyball articles by clicking one of the links below!  (April Chapple)


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I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 




The Volleyball Word
Where do you need to go now? 


Here are three options: 

  1. Learn more about the volleyball words, terms and terminology in the Related Links below.  
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page  Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
  3. Or visit the pages in the Information section in the drop down menu at the top of the page. 

Read more about volleyball terms on these pages. 

If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

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Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played) Checklist pdf:

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Guide Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves Guide - $7


Parents Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf ✓Learn exactly what to look for in your player's serving form so you can provide meaningful feedback. ✓Confidence Building Strategies Discover how to provide encouragement that actually improves performance and mental toughness. ✓Smart Coach Questions Know exactly what to ask coaches to show you're engaged and help your player develop properly. ✓Home Practice Ideas Simple, effective drills that don't require a gym or expensive equipment. ✓Volleyball Terminology Understand the language coaches use so you can better support your player's development. ✓Mental Game Support Help your player develop the psychological aspects of serving that many coaches don't have time to address.Parents Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf ✓Learn exactly what to look for in your player's serving form so you can provide meaningful feedback. ✓Confidence Building Strategies Discover how to provide encouragement that actually improves performance and mental toughness. ✓Smart Coach Questions Know exactly what to ask coaches to show you're engaged and help your player develop properly. ✓Home Practice Ideas Simple, effective drills that don't require a gym or expensive equipment. ✓Volleyball Terminology Understand the language coaches use so you can better support your player's development. ✓Mental Game Support Help your player develop the psychological aspects of serving that many coaches don't have time to address.

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


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Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

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    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

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Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

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Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
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In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

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