600x600 Get 5 free servingtipspromoGet 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Register TODAY! for my
Coach April's
May 16 -17 and 30 -31
Spiking and Hitting clinics

COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today
COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today
COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today
COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today

Email: info@improveyourvolley.com for info or to register for this weekend's clinics! 


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block

There are three types of footwork patterns in volleyball middle blockers should know including the hop step, shuffle step and the swing block footwork. 

Blocker footwork and block timing is essential to stopping the ball at the net.Blocker volleyball footwork and block timing is essential to stopping the ball at the net.

There are three different types of volleyball middle blocker footwork patterns used in the front row.

  • Hop Step
  • Shuffle step
  • Swing Step

From easiest to hardest...


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block

The Hop Step


The hop step footwork is the quickest step to use and covers the shortest amount of distance along the net.

This is basically a short sideways jump done with one foot at a time. Often used by the middles so they can cover short distances quickly. 



In our weekly Boot Camp classes we work on our blocker footwork in each practice, reviewing hop step, shuffle step, swing steps and transition steps. 


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block

The Shuffle Step


The shuffle step blocking footwork is the step work I prefer to use the most for middle blockers and outside hitters working to improve defensive skills in volleyball. 

My players learn to shuffle step quickly by picking up the outside foot of the direction they are moving towards. 

So if they need to move to the right, they learn to pick up their right foot first and then if they need to move to their left then they pick up their left foot first.

In my opinion the shuffle step, when practiced often can be as quick as the hop and is safer because it keeps you lower to the ground. (You are less likely to hop onto someone else's foot.)


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block


Its also the step I have backcourt players use the most while digging in volleyball.

I want front court and back court players to move the same way, see the same thing and react in a uniform way. 


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block
Block Jump Timing


The Swing Block

Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block. The shuffle step blocking footwork is used the most by middle blockers and outside hitters when moving laterally to a ball.Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block. The shuffle step blocking footwork is used the most by middle blockers and outside hitters when moving laterally to a ball.


The swing step blocking footwork is what I teach our more advanced players and I teach what the USA Volleyball High Performance program teaches in that your first step is the cross over step...with no prep step..

When moving to the right..you cross over with the left and when moving to the left ..you cross over to the right.


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block: 

The swing block is designed to give the blocker more elevation and helps you get your hands and arms further over the net while blocking a fast attack. 


When taking your cross over step your body is

  • turned perpendicular to the net with both arms swung back until you
  • swing both arms forward as you bring your back foot around parallel to the crossover foot.


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block


The swing block is designed to give the blocker more elevation and helps you get your hands and arms further over the net while blocking a fast attack. 

Timing this type of block is very important. 


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block.


The Swing Block Step


Speaking of timing, during your block, you want to wait until, just before the opposing player spikes the ball, then you jump.


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block. During your block, wait until the opposing player starts to swing, then you jump. (Penn State News)Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block. During your block, wait until the opposing player starts to swing, then you jump. (Penn State News)


As you jump, you want to extend your hands, arms and shoulders over the net or if you can’t reach over, then as high as possible in order to grab the ball.

If you haven’t been instructed by your coach to take an area of the court away with your volleyball block, then your goal is to literally try to stop the ball before it passes over the net.

Keep your hands spread and your fingers wide apart in order to cover as much area above the net away from the hitter.

This is how you "block" the ball.


Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block (Photo by Penn State News) Widespread fingers, straight arms, rigid wrists deflect the ball into your opponents court.Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block (Photo by Penn State News) Widespread fingers, straight arms, rigid wrists deflect the ball into your opponents court.


Once you block the ball, your widespread fingers and straight arms which are backed by your solid rigid wrists should just deflect the ball back into the middle of your opponents court.

Let me repeat. Imagine that you are making a wall with your hands and arms that you will use to redirect the ball back into the middle of your opponent’s court.

Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block: Make a wall with your hands and arms that you use to redirect the ball into your opponent’s court. (Ralph Arvesen)Volleyball Middle Blocker Footwork and Timing Help Make A Good Block: Make a wall with your hands and arms that you use to redirect the ball into your opponent’s court. (Ralph Arvesen)


That’s the best way to think about how you should be blocking a ball.



Thanks for visiting. Be sure to check out more of my volleyball passing articles by clicking one of the links below! (April Chapple)Thanks for visiting. Be sure to check out more of my volleyball passing articles by clicking one of the links below! (April Chapple)

Do You Follow Me on Instagram?


Follow me on Instagram @coach_apchap to improve your game even faster!

I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 


Volleyball Positions:
Where Do You Go From Here?


We know where you need to go now! Here are three options: 

  1. Learn more about Blocking by clicking one of the links in the Related Links below. 
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
  3. Or visit the pages in the Positions section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 
  4. Before leaving this page Say "Hi" to Mr G.B Blash, the Bear, wearing the #11 jersey below. "G.B" aka "Great Big" is the starting middle blocker for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star team.  
Mr G.B Blash, the Bear, wearing the #11 jersey below. "G.B" aka "Great Big" is the starting middle blocker for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star team.

You might like these volleyball blocker pages!


If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Ebook_How_to_Clean_Up_Your_Passing_and_Get_More_-linkedin-profile-cover-1.jpeg

Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.

Volleyball Player Whisperer in Vegas Restoring Power + Peace + Passion To Burnt Out Players, High Performance Volleyball Coach, ImproveYourVolley Web Author, Peace Love Volleyball CollectionVolleyball Player Whisperer in Vegas Restoring Power + Peace + Passion To Burnt Out Players, High Performance Volleyball Coach, ImproveYourVolley Web Author, Peace Love Volleyball Collection

AUTHOR BIO

April Chapple is an elite private volleyball trainer, former USA National Team member, and University of Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee who has coached in Las Vegas for 15+ years, training hundreds of athletes and helping numerous players reach college volleyball, including Division I standouts.

She's also the head coach for girls and boys 18s at Squad VBC and offers coaches consulting on technical teaching and player development. Connect with April on LinkedIn or at ImproveYourVolley.com, where her eye for overlooked talent sets her apart.


From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

What Are You Looking For?

Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:

🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide -

Players! Learn How To Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon

Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist Guide

Parents! Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played)


5freeseervingtips600by600promoGet 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


 SUSCRIBE  to my email newsletter below!

as seen as on USA News InfluencerTennessee Athletics Honors April Chapple at Champions Weekend for Legendary Volleyball Achievements
utkchampionsweekendneylandstadiumselfiewithsharrieffaduringsocial

Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

A-1 Vegas Volley VBC

    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

18s Premier Division



Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?

Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.

You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me,        Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.

Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!


Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.
In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Team Building Activities for Volleyball: A Freshman Coach's Guide

    May 12, 26 11:05 PM

    coachapril18steambondingpaintcerramicsteamouting2
    Boost Your Freshmen Team's Chemistry! Discover fun and effective team building activities for volleyball freshmen players to improve communication and teamwork.

    Read More

  2. 2 High School Volleyball Tips On How To Use Your Communications Skills

    May 10, 26 12:21 AM

    young vb spiker too far under the ball when spiking looking straight up instead of keeping the ball infrontofheralcase
    One of my high school volleyball tips is to be the back row quarterback who maximizes your communication skills to help guide your team through every play.

    Read More

  3. How To Improve In Volleyball The Volleycats Elite Volleyball Club Way

    May 10, 26 12:17 AM

    norasvcebookpage22
    When I became club director of my own Volleycats Elite Club I created a strategic practice and conditioning plan for players on how to improve in volleyball.

    Read More