Volleyball Swing Blocking Mini-Clinic
The Swing Block System:
Understanding, Implementation, and Training
Mini-Clinic Focus
The mini-clinic series will take an in-depth look at a variety of training topics. It will provide thoughts on training the skill supported with links to key articles and videos. I recommend you take the time to read/watch all of the links so that you get a complete understanding of the system and then have the necessary information to make an informed decision.
The Swing Block Clinic
The swing block is a dynamic skill that provides a number of benefits for the defense. As a high school coach, I made the decision to implement this system and found that the benefits far outweighed the negatives that I had heard. This mini-clinic is designed to share important take-aways from that experience along with links to key videos and articles that will provide insight for you on how to train your team/program, along with what you and your staff must focus on to implement this system properly.
The clinic has five sessions and each includes articles/videos to support the instruction. If you are new to coaching the swing block, I would suggest you take the time to move through the clinic in order. If you are an experienced coach, feel free to jump to a session that interests you.
The Program
Introduction:
Session 1: First Steps
Session 2: Video Examples of Footwork/Arms/Eyes
Session 3: The Training Plan: Individual and Group Repetitions
Session 4: Drills
Session 5: Key Learnings: Specific Focus Areas
Preview
Considering the swing block?
When a coach considers the appropriate systems for their team and the upcoming season, an important factor impacting the design of the defensive system(s) will be the blocking scheme. Movement and positioning of the back row players will be dictated by the blockers starting assignments and their movements.
Though the swing block system has been used for a number of years, a significant number of teams are still using the standard or traditional blocking scheme. The standard blocking scheme assigns pin blockers to move early to front their hitter and relies on the middle blocker to block middle and then move based on the set.
In my experience as a coach, I have found the conversations about blocking schemes to be intellectually interesting. Every season, I would continually reevaluate our defensive systems and the aspects that impacted our wins or losses. One spring I made the decision to learn about the swing block system and the Bunch Read scheme in order to evaluate whether it was appropriate for my program. Thanks to Rob Browning (St. Mary’s College), my staff and I, along with our players, were able to take part in a team camp that was a crash course in the swing blocking system.
After the camp, I decided that the swing blocking system was a good fit for the program and opted to prepare to implement the system for our upcoming fall season. It turned out to be a significantly positive change leading to improved blocking and digging stats, along with more wins.
Benefits of the Swing Block System
If you need additional information about the swing block system and why you should consider it, I am providing a link to an article written by Carl McGown in 2011. Though it may seem dated, it does provide evidence of the positive reasons to adopt the system and additional links for more information:
One advantage I found was that our opponent’s attackers had a very difficult time seeing our block. In our old standard blocking system, attackers would be able to see our pin blocker’s position as they jumped. This provided early information for the hitter about what might be open to attack. When I adopted the swing block, it was interesting to see how many more balls were hit into the block. In watching our match video, it was apparent that the hitter couldn’t track the movement of our block and also watch the ball to hit it. Their vision played tricks on them as they thought there was a specific opening - only to have it closed a split second later by the swing block.
My experience with the swing blocking system also supported the claims that Carl McGown made in his article and keys that Rob Browning passed along to me at his camp. It was true that my smaller blockers blocked higher and farther over the net. Players that had weak blocking stats the year prior to adopting the swing block had significantly better blocking stats the next season. I believe this was due to the movement of the block plus the increased focus on vision training.
Session 1
First Steps
A couple of important factors for a high school coach to embrace if you decide to implement the swing block system. First, I strongly suggest that you develop a plan to teach the system to your entire program, not just the Varsity team. Though it may take longer for the lower level players to master the required skills, the long term benefits for program consistency far outweigh any negatives. Secondly, given that you are introducing this to your players for the first time, you must be committed to dedicating the proper amount of time, training, and feedback. This allocation of time is vital so that your teams will have enough repetitions to ensure understanding of the system and experience success.
As you watch the videos and read the articles you will hear a consistent message about the importance of training time. In this first article from Chris McGown at Gold Medal Squared, he notes that 15 - 30 minutes a day is required to see improvement. He outlines a number of considerations along with the verbal cues they use to teach a Bunch Read/Swing Block system.
Keys to consider in the article: Footwork, Eye-work (Vision), and Tactics. Also, take a moment to watch the video at the end of the article - he included this to provide examples of specific schemes within the swing block system.
Blocking in Volleyball - How to Master the Bunch Read by Chris McGown/Gold Medal Squared
Reflections:
To incorporate the repetitions required, our program spent a minimum of 15 minutes at the beginning of each practice working through footwork patterns. First we would do individual footwork and then change to pairs of blockers or three blockers working on their footwork along the net.
Then, within the daily practice plan, I included a number of drills that provided swing blocking reps versus one or more hitters.
The vision aspect required in blocking is a vital skill that must be rehearsed in game-like situations. You must provide a number of game-like drills each day that allow players to practice their footwork, movements, and vision (individually and in pairs/threes) so that the swing blocking movements become habit.
Your staff must discuss/review how you will support this training. Just as it is important for the players to get enough reps, your staff must position themselves so that they can provide constant feedback to the players - commenting on footwork, positioning, speed of the blocking movement, and, most importantly, how the players are using their eyes.
As you immerse yourself into the swing blocking methods, you will find that other coaches have a variety of opinions about how to train, what to train, what to prioritize, etc. I believe it is always worthwhile to discuss viewpoints and pros/cons as you learn more about swing blocking. However, for your own program, adhere to a systematic approach in teaching and training. Allow time for your players to learn and perform this skill in practice and in matches. Though you may hear ideas/suggestions that appear to be helpful (in regards to how you train swing blocking), too many adjustments may cause issues and frustrate your players.
Session 2
Video Examples and Discussion of Footwork/Eyes/Arms
Now that you have read through the overview, the following videos provide a visual example for you. These videos focus on proper footwork, arm swing/penetration, and landing. Jim McLaughlin discusses the fine points of the swing block movement, efficient use of the steps along with the need for increased speed as the player moves to block.
This video provides a great example of the individual footwork that your players must practice every day. You will notice that Jim does include what I would consider a high-level move (he calls it a “Quick 2” step). For high school programs, I would suggest you hold off on trying to teach any advanced movements until your players have mastered the basics.
How to Block a Volleyball - Footwork and Arm Techniques by Jim McLaughlin
As you outline your training plan, keep in mind that it will be beneficial to teach the footwork, arm movements, and vision all together. As your players perform repetitions, make sure they are are aware of what they are looking at - make them train their eyes at the same time they are training their feet/arms. In practice, I prefer to stand where I can see their vision and give them feedback about what they are watching.
Finally, Gold Medal Squared provides this video that is strictly focused on the 3-step swing block. This video breaks down the movement.
Swing Blocking in Volleyball - Footwork
In your practice design, if you do not have a coach or player that can properly demonstrate the movement in the gym, you might consider showing one or more of these videos so that the players can see the full skill - starting position, movements with steps, blocking arms, and landing.
Session 3
The Training Plan: Individual and Group Repetitions
The training plan should start with the explanation of the skill, a description of why you feel that the swing block will be beneficial to the program, and an overview of what the players can expect through the training sequence. Note: I will provide a short review of swing blocking benefits at the end of this clinic.
Make sure your staff is clear on the key aspects they must watch and then provide feedback:
Starting position - including where you want their hands (eyes on pass, then setter).
First step - be sure to have all blockers practice movements to the left and the right (eyes from setter to hitter/seeing speed of set).
Long cross-over step with increasing foot speed (eyes reading approach line of attack/speed of attacker).
Jump with quick hand penetration (eyes on attacker’s arm swing and hand).
Balanced two-foot landing
Starting positions: The typical starting positions for the three blockers would be the middle blocker in the exact middle of the court and the two pin blockers approximately eight feet away to each side. Eventually you will make modifications to these based on your opponents. However, to start with, keep it simple and start as a balanced group. You might put down some floor markings on both sides of the net to designate where the pin blockers should start.
If you want a visual - look again at the Gold Medal Squared article I first shared in Lesson 1 and scroll down to the video at the bottom. Though the video is providing different schemes, you can watch how the University of Washington team moves into block-ready position immediately after serve or transition every time.
Blocking in Volleyball - How to Master the Bunch Read by Chris McGown/Gold Medal Squared
Reflections:
I would suggest you provide a consistent time period in practice for individual and then group reps. I would include this at the beginning of practice as part of our dynamic warm-up each day. Players would do a set number of reps individually. They could either be along the net or use a line on the floor as the net. This way everyone is getting reps together. Also, during the first couple of weeks, I had everyone do a set number of reps together - I called out the direction and footwork - all players faced the same way and moved together. Then they did additional reps solo.
Next we moved blocking in pairs along a net. They did a set number making sure the middles were getting reps in both directions and pin hitters took turns as the left and the right pin blocker.
Finally, the players moved through a sequence of 3-blockers on the net (two groups would do this at the same time - one group of 3 on each side of the net). One sequence was typically = middle blocks a 1, then the left pin/middle move left to block (right pin moves to defense), blockers move back to ready position, then right pin/middle move right to block (left pin moves to defense), blockers move back to ready position.
Important: make sure every player hustles back to defense ready after every block rep. A key to a successful swing blocking team is the sense of urgency and the understanding that being in the proper starting position helps insure that the players are able to replicate their movements.
Every program has a group of players that will not be blockers. Typically these are defensive specialists. This group should be given their own dynamic routine to work through with a coach while the blockers perform their swing blocking reps.
Session 4
Drills
You will be able to adapt any 6 vs 6 drill so that your team gets the necessary reps in live action. This is a vital step in the team’s learning curve as this will reinforce key techniques including ready position, vision and reading of the opponent, and the actual block.Having to repeat these skills in live action will push the players to grow under pressure.
An additional movement piece will be to teach your players how to swing block and transition to offense. With the new blocking mechanics, the players will need to learn how to block, land, and transition to attack. You should include these footwork patterns in their warm-up routine after they have mastered the basic blocking steps.
Following are a few examples of individual and team drills.
Brian Rosen from Carolina Juniors describes a basic level team block and transition drill. This would be appropriate for teams new to swing blocking
Game-Like Blocking Drill - All Levels
Keylor Chan (currently at Samford) provides an individual drill for middle blockers.
AVCA Tip of the Week - Middle Blocking & Tracking the Ball
Jesse Mahoney (University of Colorado) outlines a warm-up drill called Pin to Pin Pepper. Though this isn’t a specific swing blocking drill, I believe it demonstrates a typical 6 vs 6 drill that you can use to provide focus for your players on their swing blocking movements. Team drills that require multiple movements (block ready, block, back to block ready, etc.) will help you determine how players are learning their responsibilities.
Pin to Pin Pepper (Art of Coaching)
To give your middles opportunities to transition and hit, Brian Gerwig (University of Houston) describes a fast paced drill called Activate-Terminate. In every 6 vs 6 drill, your staff must focus on the blocker’s habits and hustle. Do both sides start in the proper positions? How is their eye work? Does the middle blocker properly track the middle hitter (fronting her if necessary)? Once the ball is set - how quickly does the block move to the attacker and do they position themselves properly?
In this drill, first sets are going to the middle. I would suggest that any subsequent sets go to a random hitter. This will force the blockers to get back to ready position so they are able to defend all hitters.
Activate - Terminate Drill (Coaches Insider)
Another 6 vs 6 drill is the 3 Ball Game presented by Keegan Cook. Note that he focuses on the blockers always getting to block ready before the next ball can be entered into play. Also, I would add that you make sure the block performs a full block every time a ball is about to be entered. If you allow blockers to slow down or not perform a full block, it will take significantly longer for your team to develop the necessary habits to be a strong swing blocking team.
3 Ball Game (Championship Productions)
For additional drills, visit the Combination Drills page under the Nuggets of Wisdom here at Volleyball Wisdom. Here you will find a number of drills that can be adapted to promote your team’s growth as a swing blocking team.
Session 5
Key Learnings: Specific Focus Areas
For the final session, I will touch on a variety of topics that I found had a positive impact on my player’s ability to learn the swing blocking system or impacted the schemes we used.
Vision
Eye work was highlighted in the above sessions and I think it is important enough to repeat. From the beginning of your team’s training in the swing block, make sure that all staff members pay attention to your player’s vision and provide consistent feedback about what they see and/or ask questions about what they see.
Hugh McCutcheon (University of Minnesota) in the link below discusses planning and reading. You will hear Hugh state that “reading is the premiere skill in our sport”. Listen to his thought on vision.
Blocking: Planning and Reading
As you plan your sequence of training sessions to teach your program how to swing block, make sure that you bring their visual skills along at the same pace. This will pay significant dividends when the team enters competition and needs to enact a game plan.
Footwork and Arms
From the beginning of the training sessions, be sure to include reps for all of the required footwork options (shuffle steps, crossovers, 2-step, 3-step, and 5-step). Ultimately, a player must instinctively be able to use the appropriate footwork given what they read, without having to think about it - it must become habit.
From the videos watched previously, you were shown examples of footwork and arm movement. As you train your players, your staff must pay attention to the use of the arms.
First, in block ready position, each player must know whether to keep their hands at eye level or above, or, whether to allow their hands to be lowered so the arms would be ready to help the player run through their swing block.
Second, you may read or see differing options on how to use the arms as the player jumps to block. How to use extended arms or when to bend the elbows, will impact the height, speed, and position of the block.
Finally, how quickly a player can extend the hands over the net will have a direct correlation to the effectiveness of the block. Kent Miller (St. Louis University) reviews the use of the arms in the swing block and provides a few training tips:
Previously, I had mentioned the importance of discipline and hustle as a program learns to swing block. A prime reflection of how these attitudes translate into the game will be demonstrated by the players ability to complete a block properly. This means that there is speed in the movement and that the hands penetrate the net quickly. The best way to make this habit is to finish every blocking rep properly. Every block, every day!
Block Ready Position
Another habit built on discipline and hustle will be your team’s ability to get back to defense ready (block ready) position immediately. Players can not afford to wander back to these positions after transition. Any lazy movements will give the advantage to the opponent.
The block ready position will be determined by your plans or schemes to defend each opponent. Our standard block ready position was with the middle blocker directly in the middle of the court with the two pins approximately 8 feet to each side. I would then adjust the three blocker’s starting position based on the opponent and their offensive tendencies. If it is helpful, review Chris McGown’s video at the end of the first article in session 1. He provides a visual of different schemes that were used.
Blocking in Volleyball - How to Master the Bunch Read by Chris McGown/Gold Medal Squared
When you watch different swing blocking teams, you will see some teams where the pin blockers immediately turn to get into a running position as the pass goes to the opponent’s setter. My suggestion is to avoid using this strategy. I believe, at all levels, that having all three blockers in a position to immediately block the zone directly in front of them is more important then getting ready to run.
Note: As a strategy, when the opponent was going to give my team a free or down ball, I had my blockers always stay at the net and block. Two key benefits resulted from this scheme. First, we scored a significant number of points by blocking the free or down balls. Secondly, by staying at the net, we forced the opponent to pass or hit the free/down ball at a higher trajectory stopping them from dropping the ball short and trying to disrupt our offense. This allowed us to run our quick tempo offense with a higher success rate. Though many coaches insist that “pulling” the block for a free or down ball allows for a better transition, I found that statistically this was not true.
Other considerations that may cause you to adjust the starting position of your swing block would be:
A front-row setter when the opponent is running a 5-1 offense.
An opponent that passes well and runs a quick-tempo middle offense.
An opponent that has one primary hitter that gets a high percentage of the sets.
Given these types of challenges you may opt to adjust your blockers starting positions or have your middle blocker make an immediate move based on the pass and attackers movement. The best options will be dictated by your team’s strengths and ability to make quick reads/decisions.
As your players learn their starting positions as blockers, they must be taught why they are standing in that spot and what they are watching for in terms of attacker’s movements. Each blocker must know their responsibilities. In every team drill, remind them about their vision and what to watch.
Final Thoughts
The swing block system (or a version of it) has been implemented by teams at all levels. In conversations with coaches at the high school level, I found that many people did not have a clear understanding of the strengths of the system. In addition, others were apprehensive to adopt it due to their lack of knowledge about training the system.
This mini-clinic was designed to provide a basic understanding of the system and emphasize key factors that must be embraced to properly introduce and train the system. As I have noted, your staff must be dedicated to making the swing block system work by using consistent training/feedback. The discipline and the focus must start with the staff so that it is embraced by the team.
To increase the learning curve for your program, I would encourage your program to attend a summer camp or clinic together where the swing blocking system will be taught. This provides a consistent message to the players and allows for in-depth questions/analysis as your staff works with the camp coaches.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email me at Volleyballwisdom@gmail.com.
A Special Thanks to the following sites and coaches for their support of volleyball.
Gold Medal Squared (Carl McGown, Chris McGown, Tom Black)
The Art of Coaching Volleyball (Kent Miller)