Here's your latest tip...

It's July, it's summer and if you're not careful out there you're going to get burned!  So keep putting on the sunscreen and use this month's tip to limit the damage after you get burned.  I'm not talking about a sun burn though, I'm talking about getting burned at the net- blocking.  You could have sworn the other team's setter was going to set the quick, or the pipe or whatever set that has you jumping or moving the wrong way.  But whatever the reason, you've made the wrong decision. 

      Now it's time to help your team and still try to stay involved with the defense.  If you've simply stepped the wrong way anticipating the set to another player, don't give up on getting out to block your man or help your teammates block.  Get those feet moving in the right direction as far as you can towards the set.  Block with the same timing as you normally would even if you're far off from closing the block and get over the net.  Chances are you'll be close enough to at least eliminate the sharp cross court shot and the space you're taking will help the defenders behind you set up to dig the opening.  

     If you've jumped while making your wrong choice, prepare for landing.  By that I mean get ready to land on the foot farthest away from where you want to go.  For example if you jump and help in the middle and the set goes to the opposition's 4 position, land on your left foot and drive off of it, opening up a big step with your right leg.  You'll be quicker moving laterally this way, rather than landing on both feet, then picking up the right foot  to initiate the move.  Opposite steps apply for moving to your left.  

     The key to success here is quick, efficient footwork which you need to train over and over again.  Practice doing a block jump, have a partner queue you to the right or left while you're still in the air, and work the footwork in that direction.  Get it to the point where you're equally comfortable right and left, and able to land on one foot and get a huge laterally step as soon as you're touching down!  

     Nail this tip and you'll limit the damage when you're caught out!  Until next month....

Paul Duerden