Beach Volleyball blocking tips
by A. Aguilar
The basic strategy in beach volleyball is stopping the best shots of the attacker. For example, if the attacker likes to perform cross shots, you should deny him that possibility, and force him to shoot in another direction.
Once you've decided how you're going to block, you must convey that to your partner, and the best time to do this is right before the service.
Most blockers use hand signals.
Here are some simple signals you can use:
Pointing a finger means that you are covering the band and pointing two fingers means that you will be covering the crusader attack; Three fingers mean the block is a fake. A fake block is staying close to the net until the last second, before the opponent shoots (simulating the intent to block) and then open up to defend the attack.
Another signal that's not very commonly used is the fist; making a fist with your hand means that the blocker will guess what the direction of the shot will be and then block in that direction.
Good blockers take risks
Like a good jumping service, the block on the beach requires aggressiveness and risk-taking.
It is difficult to block on the beach because you are always obstructed by the terrain. Great blockers have the ability to jump sideways in the last second. The three blocking strategies on the beach are:
The Cross BlockWhen a Blocker tries to cross-block, he/she aligns his/her body with the shoulder of the opponent's attacking arm, then in the last second jumps and penetrates through line's Net with both hands crossed, removing the attack. What’s important about this strategy is to show the attacker that the crossed attack is open/available, then in the last second jump and block in that direction.
The Band or line blockThe strategy of the blocking band or line is similar to the cross block. The blocker aligns his/her body with the shoulder of the striking arm of the opponent player, then jumps in the last-second entering as deep as possible with both hands, removing the band.
In both previous strategies, the goal is to take control out of the attacker, showing either a crossed or band opening, and in the last second jump and block the attack in that direction.
If you're not a high blocker, the best strategy is to communicate with your partner, and deny the attacker one of his attacks either at the cross or the band, and let your partner make the necessary adjustments on the defense.
Blocking against tall playersIf you're playing against a player that is much taller than you or has a jump that surpasses your own (the type of player that seems to shoot above everyone), it's best to jump just straight up to block. Jump and try to put up your hands as high as you can; this means that you can not enter with your hands, but what you are trying to do here is for the shot to crash into your block, weakening the attack so your partner has an opportunity to raise the ball to put together a counterattack.
