How Far Should You Stand From the Net When Blocking?

Ideal Distance: 1.5 to 2 Feet from the Net

A good rule of thumb is to stand about 1.5 to 2 feet (45 to 60 centimeters) away from the net. This distance strikes a balance between being close enough to press over and far enough to avoid touching the net.

The Elbow Method: A Simple Measuring Trick

To find your optimal blocking distance:

Stand at the net with your elbows bent at your sides, like you're holding a tray.
Reach forward until your fingers just barely touch the net.

This method ensures that you're in a natural blocking position, neither crowding the net nor standing too far back.

Why Distance Matters: Balance, Reach, and Safety

Too Close to the Net

Standing too close causes several problems:

Harder to press over the net: Your arms can’t fully extend forward, reducing your reach into the hitter’s space.
Increased risk of net violations: Brushing the net with your arms or torso becomes more likely.
Limited vertical jump space: Your body may naturally pull back during takeoff, losing height and momentum.

Too Far from the Net

Being too far back can be just as problematic:

Creates a gap between you and the net: This gap gives the ball room to sneak past your hands and land on your side.
Reduces pressing power: You won’t be able to extend fully into the hitter’s path, which weakens your block and gives the attacker more angles to exploit.
Less court control: A shallow block means you’re taking away less space from the hitter, making it easier for them to score.

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO IMPROVE YOUR BLOCKING SKILLS:

The Goal: Penetrate the Net with Maximum Coverage

A volleyball player in a white jersey with "Ishikawa" jumps to spike the ball, facing four opposing players in red jerseys attempting to block at the net.

The farther over the net you can press your hands and arms, the more court space you take away from the hitter. This reduces their hitting angles and increases the chances of a successful block or deflection.

Practice Tip: Fine-Tune Your Distance in Drills

Every blocker has different arm lengths, jump heights, and timing. Use drills to:

Experiment with different stances and distances
Observe when you touch the net or get beat by quick attacks
Adjust until you find the most stable, powerful blocking posture

Final Thoughts

Volleyball players in action at the net, with two players in dark jerseys attempting to block a spike by a player in a light jersey, while another player prepares in the background.

Standing 1.5 to 2 feet from the net puts you in the perfect position to:

Press into the hitter’s space
Maximize your blocking angles
Avoid net violations
Respond quickly to quick sets or off-speed attacks

Train with purpose, make micro-adjustments, and you'll find the perfect distance to become a more effective and disciplined blocker.

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