Volleyball Terms – A Study Guide For Blocking, Part Two
This is part two of six for the Volleyball Blocking Terms study guide which explains what closing the block, penetration, screen, seam, block attempt, hole and roof mean in regards to blocking.
Closing the block – Closing the block happens when two players in defense at the net, successfully close off any holes or spaces that may be created between them when they jump in unison to block the ball, with the intent of preventing a spiker from hitting the ball into their court.
Penetration – Penetration refers to the act of a player penetrating the plane of the net by placing his/her arms and hands as far over the net as possible at the height of his jump so that he can block a hitter.
Screen – A screen is when one of two or more players on defense at the net intentionally (or unintentionally) stand so close to each other that one or more of the opposing team members cannot see the server because the blockers have formed a screen.
In beach volleyball doubles, if one player obscures the view of his teammate who is the server before the start of the rally, the opposing team can stop the play and insist that the blocker reposition themselves along the net so both receivers have a clear view of the server.
Seam – The seam is the space that separates two players when they go up to block. More precisely, the seam is usually in reference to the space that separates the middle blocker’s outside arm and the outside blocker’s inside arm, where these two arms (should) meet during a block, creates a seam in the block. If the arms don’t meet then that opens up an area that the opposing hitter can aim for. When you hear a coach say “aim for the seam” or “hit the seam” he/she wants their hitter to aim for this area between the two blockers.
Hole – A hole in the block can be created between the hands of two players that are going up to cover an area and don’t, or a single player who creates a hole in his or her block because their hands are spread too wide apart.
Roof – An aggressive block usually made against a proficient hard-hitting hitter resulting in the ball going straight down at a high velocity back into the hitter’s court typically within the ten foot, three meter line.
Block attempt – A block attempt is made by a player when he or she performs the action of jumping to block an opposing player but are unable to prevent the spike from entering into their court.
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