So because of this there is some advanced blocking calls we can do to try and trick or deceive the hitter. Now when you start playing at higher levels you will often find that either the hitter will look before spiking and may see what your blocking or alternatively the setter of the other team may call to the hitter what your are blocking. This call is often used when the opposition either don’t have a hard hitting option or seem to struggle if they think a blocker is going to be present. The other commonly taught blocking call is a no block, this is shown by an open extended hand. The main issue with this block is the defender will be taking line which means there is a lot of open court behind the blocker which the defender is unlikely to be able to reach. It is easy to remember as the two fingers creates an angle, This block would be used when the opposition tends to favour swinging cross court, this block can be very effective if used at the correct time as often the hitters hardest hit will be cross court so as a block you can take away the hitters strongest option. The next most common blocking signal is the cross court block which is represented by showing two fingers. If you are unclear on what either the line over or cut shot is refer to my spiking article. It also allows for the defender to stand directly in the hitters power line whilst offering the best possible chance of reaching any line over shots as well as cut shots. The idea of the line block is to prevent the hitter from swinging hard down the line. This is shown by a single finger, it is easy to remember because it looks like a line. The most commonly used blocking call is a line block. So firstly the left hand indicates what the player will block on the left side of the court and the right hand will show what the blocker is planning on blocking on the right side of the court. Now you know that these hand signals show what the blocker is going to do we can get into a bit more detail.

If you read my blocking article you will understand the importance or rather the role of the blocker, that being to take an area away from the hitter to make it easier for the defender to pick up the ball. Well to start with the basics these hand signals show what the blockers are planning on blocking. What do the hand signals behind the back mean Now there is a very good reason as to why they do this and when you learn what they mean you will understand how these simple hand signals can make a huge difference to how many points you win or lose as a pair. So if you are relatively new to volleyball but have watched some more experienced players in action, you may have wondered why they are doing these weird signs on their bums.

Volleyball player hand signals meaning