Block, Pull, Cover

Steps

1. 01Stand at the net in blocking position. A partner across the net holds a ball and either shows an attack or shows a set going away from you.
2. 02On an attack, press both hands over the net and penetrate, landing balanced on two feet with the feet under you.
3. 03On the away-set signal, turn and pull off the net with two hard shuffle steps and get low, because you are now the second defender and nobody is covering behind you.
4. 04Alternate the two at random for 20 reps, so you are reading rather than guessing.
5. 05Add a live ball for the last 10: block it, or pull and dig it, and the rep only counts if you chose correctly before the ball was struck.

Common mistakes

• Staying at the net after the set goes away, which leaves the whole court open behind you.
• Pulling off while still facing the net, so the first defensive step is backwards.
• Landing off balance, which in soft footing costs the half-second the next contact needed.