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Registration is open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April on Monday October 20 and October 27. From 5-6pm at the Las Vegas Basketball Center.SQUADVBC Train with Coach April 10/20 & 27 Registration is open for Group Training Sessions with me Coach April on Monday October 20 and October 27. From 5-6pm at the Las Vegas Basketball Center.

Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean?

Learn about the words to describe volleyball blocking terminology 'what does a hole in the block' mean along with the action words 'under'  and 'over' mean?

Block Volleyball Terms: A hole in the block can be created between the hands of two volleyball players that are going up to cover an area on the net....and don't. (Michael E. Johnston)Block Volleyball Terms: A hole in the block can be created between the hands of two volleyball players that are going up to cover an area on the net....and don't. (Michael E. Johnston)

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Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What Does A Hole in the Block Mean?

First, I begin by providing a thorough definition along with pictures illustrating what the hole in the block is.

I'll finish up with an explanation for "over" for "under."..


Block Volleyball Terms
What's a "hole in the block?"

Block Volleyball Terms: A hole in the block can be created between the hands of two volleyball players that are going up to cover an area on the net....and don't.Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean?: A hole in the block can be created between the hands of two volleyball players that are going up to cover an area on the net....and don't.


hole in the block can be created between the hands of two volleyball players that are going up to cover an area on the net....and don't.

When two blockers go up to block a ball, if they don't close their blocking hands together to cover the area above the net that's between the two of them, then that leaves a space between them.

If you look at the photo above the two players blocking on defense No.6 and no.21 have made a block attempt and although they penetrated the net with the proper blocking finish with their hands, the hitter, no. 10 has managed to hit the ball through the seam of the block which was created between the right blocking hand of the middle blocker and the left hand of the off side blocker.


Block Volleyball Terms: Villanova Hitter Hits Through The Hole In The North Carolina Block Photo (Charlie J)Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean?: Villanova Hitter Hits Through The Hole In The North Carolina Block Photo (Charlie J)


In the picture of the North Carolina volleyball players blocking above, no. 5 and no. 7 have formed a block, but their hands have not come close enough together to close the hole or the seam that's naturally created between the two of them.

The Villanova hitter, with the no 7. jersey, sees the hole and aims her spike right for that open hole in hopes that there's no Carolina back row player positioned in a defensive spot that's designed to have her pick up or dig a ball that's been hit through the seam.

In this photo it looks like there is someone in defense covering the seam but that isn't always the case.

In college ball now, many types of defense are designed to have a libero or great digger to position themselves in the seam to dig that ball. 

Some players and coaches call it a "gap" between the block or a "hole" in the block.

You may have heard another name for this hole that has been created between these two players called a "seam".


Block Volleyball Terms: Stanford Player Hitting Through The Hole In The Block Photo by Michael E. JohnstonWords To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean?: Stanford Player Hitting Through The Hole In The Block Photo by Michael E. Johnston


Remember that you want to close your blocking hands when you are one-on-one blocking by yourself as well, because a single player can create a hole in her own block if she's the only one going up to block a hitter and she has her own hands spread too wide apart.

Now she has created a hole in her own blocking hands that the opposing hitter could hit through as well.


Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean?Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean?

In either case, that seam, creates a space for a hitter to aim for, in hopes of earning a point for her team by hitting the ball through the hole created by the blocker's hands.


Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking 
What does "over" mean?

"Over" is a blocking term a referee uses to indicate that a front row player has reached over the net to contact/block a ball while its on the opposing team's court.Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean? "Over" is a blocking term a referee uses to indicate that a front row player has reached over the net to contact/block a ball while its on the opposing team's court.


What does "over" mean?

"Over" is one of the blocking volleyball terms a referee will use to indicate that a front row player has reached over the net to contact or block a ball while it is still on the opposing team's court.



Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking  
What does "under" mean?


What does "under "mean?

"Under" is another one of those blocking volleyball terms that a referee will use to refer to a violation committed when a blocker steps "under" the net in a way that interferes with the opposing team's ability to continue playing a ball.

If the timing of your block jump is such that you are reaching the highest height of your jump while the hitter you are blocking is always on her way down, then you will never be able to stop the ball from coming into your court, which is the whole idea behind blocking a ball anyway.

So if you are looking for tips on how to be a better blocker by improving your timing against an opposing team's hitter, then it's vital for you to read the information on this page.


Rice Hitter Blasts Through A Triple Block Photo by Mike E. JohnstonWords To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean? Rice Hitter Blasts Through A Triple Block Photo by Mike E. Johnston

In this section you'll read about the issues concerning how and where you should line your body up against an oncoming hitter who is hitting the line against you or even more commonly how to position yourself up to block someone who is trying to spike cross court against you and your team.


Frequently Asked Questions About Proper Volleyball Serve Technique


1. Question: How can I improve my volleyball serve?


Answer:

Regular practice is key to improvement. Additionally, you can focus on elements such as having a consistent toss, utilizing your whole body for the serve, aiming for different target areas on the court, and varying the speed and spin of your serve. It can also be beneficial to work with a coach or more experienced players for specific tips and feedback.


2. Question: What kind of serve gives the most control?

Answer: 

For beginners, the underhand serve will likely provide the most control. As your skills progress, you might find that the overhand serve gives you a good balance of control and power.

3. Question 3: How can I make my serves more powerful?

Answer:

Power in serving comes from a combination of arm swing speed, timing, and body momentum. Working on your physical strength, particularly in your core and serving arm, can also help generate more power in your serves.

4. Question 4: What is the most difficult type of serve to return?

Answer:

It can be subjective and depends on the skills of the receiver. However, many players find the float serve difficult to return due to its unpredictable trajectory. An excellently executed jump serve can also be very challenging to return due to its speed and power.

5. Question 5: Can I touch the line while serving in volleyball?

Answer:

No, you cannot touch the line. While serving, you need to stay behind the end line until you have contacted the ball. Stepping on or over the line before the ball has been hit is considered a foot fault, and results in the serve going to the other team.

6. Question 6: Why is my serve going into the net/too long?

Answer:

If your serves are going into the net, it may be a result of striking the ball too low or not having enough power. If your serves are too long, you may be hitting the ball too hard, too high, or leaning back too much on contact. Making adjustments in these areas can help improve your serves.


Remember that volleyball is about teamwork, skill, and most importantly, enjoyment!

Train hard, play fair, and always enjoy the game.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you become the best volleyball player you can be!


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Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!

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. 



Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking 
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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Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

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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.

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Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

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    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

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