Beach Volleyball Blocking Calls Explained

An in depth analysis of Beach Volleyball Blocking Calls (hand signals) for beginners AND pro-level players. In this MCK Volleyball tutorial we explain the proper technique and movements of all the blocking calls used by the pros on the AVP and FIVB World Tour. These include the traditional blocking calls, Line and Angle, as well as the more advanced blocking strategies: the "show and takes", blocking ball and the split block. We also cover how to call your block in transition and what blinking a blocking call means.
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Credits:
Talent: Austin Rester, Colt Knedler
Produced/Edited by: The McKibbin Brothers
Video Captured by: The McKibbin Brothers & Colt Knedler
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Clips Used:
-Jim Shaffer

[@marlongutierrez9704]

hahahah I just spend about 45 minutes copying down notes from this video lol I love defense and will work my hardest to perfect these techniques once again thank you for everything.

[@TyP3nb]

You guys are awesome! This is my third season playing beach and every video helps! Thanks!

[@cafecubita]

Looking forward to the defender tutorial.

[@c.rucireta4755]

Yes please! Defender placement is all we need! Thank you so much great job! Forza ragazzi!

[@frostbyte2305]

Please make video on how to increase vertical jump..plzzzz....i shal be very thankful.

[@zakriyarabani8696]

Nice video! We use very similar calls in FL. We use an open hand to indicate a go for ball/be an athlete block and a fist for no block. Instead of blinking fingers we will point to the side we want served. If we want middle served we will point both calls inward, outsides serve we will point calls outward. and sometimes if we want the serve to go short we will raise the hand higher on the side we want served and then if we want a deep serve we will lower the hand on the side we want served. I like the shotgun call! def gonna use that.

[@zakriyarabani8696]

MCK Volleyball keep on keeping on!

[@ArchaideDreams]

Can confirm the slight changes in FL :) Love the videos thank you!

[@mariafalla4062]

Same in Germany

[@alisonwise2923]

Love the videos! I know you covered it a bit in the "how and when to drop" video... but one thing I would note is a lot of players will say they're blocking and yet don't start at the net, or drop too early when they see a bad pass. Would also like to see some tutorials on blocking & defending the on-2 attack, as well as back sets and shoot(or is it chute?) sets.

[@josephlambert5736]

You guys crack me up. Love checking out your videos. Informative and educational! Coming from someone who picked up volleyball later in life, all the info is appreciated. Thanks guys! Keep em' coming.

[@bartmaas5850]

Great video, very interesting stuff! When we play we use the same signals for line and angle (1 and 2). But when we try to deceive the opponent we use the thumb with it. So for a 3 we use the index finger plus thumb, and for 4 we use index and middle finger plus the thumb. We only use 4 fingers (so index, middle, ring and pinkie) when we go double cross. So both blocker and defender go for the angle. But we only use this rarely, when the attacker almost only plays angle, or with really strong wind. So interesting to see how you guys play! Keep it up!

[@myfluffypotatoes]

why do you do booty taps in transition instead of the aforementioned hand signals?

[@B-S-K]

Whether at the beach or indoors, I'm very afraid of the ball when blocking. I'm worried about my fingers. Can't look up either, think I'll get the ball in my face. That's why I jump up blindly, eyes closed, head down (and mostly too early or too late)... of course that won't work. How can I solve this problem? How to get rid of this fear? What can I do?

[@karenmiyake2997]

can't wait to see the defender tutorial!

[@jose71115]

I thought blocking ball is another way of saying I’m not blocking this player?

[@karine568]

lol yeah

[@jose71115]

@@themckibbinbrothers that call is used a lot esp when playing B/BB games 😂😂

[@krystalpuente5009]

THANK YOU!! I've played indoor for years and have started to play rec beach and want to get competitive with it.

[@nonononononononon5478]

haha he calls out defenders.. as short guys.. Riley mirrors John Hyden... psssst dude hes 6'4- bruuuh aint you 6 '4 =) ps- John Hyden is BEAST!!!

[@sebbie_gonzo]

So... this wasn't explicitly stated, but watching the video... it's okay for the blockers to reach over the net when blocking?? The group I play with forbids it, but it seems it's allowed after all?

[@A.hdh.]

Omagah i always wanted to know what theese mean. Thx for the tutorial

[@colesmith7014]

I understand the calls and the signals that are being made but what I am confused about is why the signals are being made only before the serve when the blocks vary based on the spike position of the opposing team. The blocker could say they are doing a line block but the opposing spike may be on the far side corner of the net, which is where you would want to most likely do a angle block. If that is the case then the signal you made prior to the serve is no longer valid and your teammate wont know what type of block you are going to perform. I need help understanding the advantage of calling your block type before the opposing team is set up to spike?

[@maverickdoe6984]

Why do you need a 3 to tell your partner you're going to fake the 2? If you give the 1, I would think he's going to rely on that 1, and not care if you fake to the one or just go straight to it. Thanks for this video. Learned a lot.

[@traveljunkies5239]

Another great vid! I have been watching since your first video and I feel like they have helped me get pass the skills plateau I was at. Keep them coming!

[@leongouzinis4521]

Another one is fake the block by pulling your arms down at the last moment, makes them hit out maybe...

[@sofyentahiri7986]

I’ m french and for us block the ball us five et 0 is no block it’s because i’ m 16 and in front of me i often see bad spiker

[@im_yu_]

Me & my team we first hand sign if your gonna block or anything then we look at there number then blink there number on our left or right hand indicating if there left or right handed to help our libero and get the point it helps our libero a lot BTW 😊

[@rodrigobusto4738]

brothers mckibbin tell taylor make a video of his tips or advice on how to improve on the beach volley hit thaks greeting argentina

[@DennisRajden]

Boss! Great video as per-ush! This made me feel smarter, so sort of feel like I achieved something by looking at this one! Easy and great explanations ✌ Keep em up, looking forward to the next one!

[@joshkeeton9616]

We use a middle finger for both. Cause we're f*d.. Cause we suck.

[@infernal..]

Oh.. I never knew about the signals. I mean I've seen them in movies only.

[@chauna5413]

Is there a call when you wanna fake a block then pull off the net last minute? I thought the fist meant no block

[@mjavor]

What is seam? Outside hand on seam, do you mean lined up with the seam of the ball?

[@winstagram1785]

What is the call for only blocking with your head?

[@marcosmarcosmarcos1133]

HEY. We defenders are not short. The sand just happens to be deeper wherever we stand on the court...all of the time. 😐 (Great vid, keep kickin arse)

[@abeott5866]

Dope Video! Keep up the good work!

[@abeott5866]

MCK Volleyball Any day, any day.

[@beachvolleyballinc]

Do you use the 'no block' call, i always like to know which side my partner is peeling/pulling off the net, with the no block there is an assumption they pull to their side, but even if we discuss that we arent gong to block a player i always like to know which direction the blocker is going to pull and move into. So to pull or not to pull that is the (next) question? Follow the signals or pull line?....

[@beachvolleyballinc]

using one hand we use the 1-5 fingers for positions and thumb only for six, so instead of waggling/blinking hands you are serving more specific target zones. esp good when blocker at the net sees small adjustments by the receivers to change their counter attack. adding in depth to target zones, also good when you notice lack of concentration or vulnerable reception space in the preparation by receivers. the the other hand signals cross or line blocks-wouldnt work when adding in threes and fours but i am pretty sure you could communicate that another way too. great to open up the discussions surrounding communicating as ultimately both need to be on the same page and if you both know the book then its easy to get to the understanding faster!

[@BangOutVolleyball]

I just played in a doubles grass tournament this past weekend.. this makes sense now why I got blocked so much in A pool. I look forward to using this in my gameplay.

[@Ayceeis]

I cant find the song from epidemic...

[@ITALUZ15]

Hi, is there a hand signal to tell the partner to serve a short ball, I means a ball that falls just close to the net (don't know how to call it)? Sorry for my english and thanks for your replay.

[@ITALUZ15]

@@themckibbinbrothers I used to bend my finger. ;o)

[@Shubham-tk6qs]

Hi sir I gotta a question when a blocker blocks d ball n he has told his defender to defend the angle to his (defenders) left side n if the opponent hitter has made a placement shot to the opp. Side how to improve our receive before the ball is landed on the sand ??? How to improve our guide the blockers guide ? When place ment is made

[@Shubham-tk6qs]

@@themckibbinbrothers my question was if my defender is defending me angle not d straight line Wer m blocking how do we read d hitter Wer he puts d placement n how much tym do we have to improve to dig for dat placement or dat short how got trick d placer also....I guess I'll catch this answer in Ur dig videos !!

[@oisinlmac]

Great stuff! Am a huge fan of your videos. Think you guys really have established a niche! Question: do you have any recommendations regarding the delay and amount of penetration *giggedy* of the block i.e. trying to get a touch or a block on those pesky roll shots, or should that really always be the sole responsibility of the defender? I have been told that by taking a more vertical and delayed jump (on line for example) gives the defender slightly more time and slightly less court to cover. Do you have an opinion on this?

[@pawezeszko400]

I have a question about the risk of injuring your fingers: I am a guitar player who started playing beach volleyball couple of months ago and I'm a little concerned about my fingers while blocking. Do you know any tips what I could do to minimize the risk of injury? I guess that important thing would be to make sure my hands and fingers are always tensed, but what else? Taping? Two months ago while attacking I hit the net badly (the steel cable actually) and it recovers really slowly so I'd like to be extra cautious now.

[@jjoonas2324]

Might sound weird but since we have showed just 2 different situations - blocking the line or blocking the ankle, using index and middle fingers. So, we used the ring finger and the little finger for passer to go to block. For example, my partner is smaller than me, and he wants me to block the right side player, he shows left index finger for himself and right little finger for me to block the line :D or right little+ring fingers means that I have to block right side coming ankle strike. Does that make any sense

[@jjoonas2324]

Alright so we use classics 1&2 (like you said on the video). Situation: I'm the one who serves the ball. My partner is small player and he doesn't want to block the player on opposite right side, only left side player. He uses "classics" showing me with left hand what he is going to block. With the right hand he uses little and ring fingers to show me what I am supposed to block when the opposite team is striking from the right side of the court. That is just classics but changing the blocker :D

[@jjoonas2324]

The McKibbin Brothers fair enough haha thanks for the answer. Guess I need to stay tuned to learn some more haha

[@emilysnedeker6583]

My partner and I (and most others I've met in Florida) use the fist to signify no block and just peel to our sides, and a five to signify blocking ball.

[@emilysnedeker6583]

MCK Volleyball Any time! Thanks for replying and for making these cool videos! They're entertaining, yet helpful 😀 I also struggle to see what my partner is calling in transition (he'll usually hold the angle or line call at his butt), so I'm asking him to switch to the booty tap... It'll be so much more clear to me!

[@KKoRn85]

Here in Italy it's the same, "five" for ball, "fist" or "zero" means no block

[@ljungan93]

It's the same in Sweden and for most other europeans I've played with and against so far.

[@peakbeach4908]

Central Florida and 2nd what Emily says. Wonder if east coast/west coast thing.

[@patrickpark3167]

Most people in my area (NJ, so East Coast) do the same, but I imagine at the level that the McKibbin brothers play at there's always will be a block call as every hitter deserves a block. I figured the fist "no block" call only existed for non-top level play.

[@jamisondelles6595]

two that we use is the L and the "gotcha" short call. if i see the receiver slightly forward I'll give the L (think loser forehead) call. Inversely if they line up to far back i use the "gotcha" call (made famous in beginning of video). and and .. the short call works great to force the "hot box" scenario where you short serve the shit out of their opposite side player and block his angle. his options become high high over angle which you have time to get or they get frisky on no approach and blast line .. but you're sitting there

[@charlesdicus6451]

how do you do the signs if your blocker is serving. You wouldn't be able to show the signs without showing the other team.

[@charlesdicus6451]

The McKibbin Brothers thanks ok. I’ve seen some people do that but I’ve also seen blockers just give the signs on the fly on the way up

[@davepicklyk3198]

These are awesome, I'm trying them tomorrow! I like the deceptive block calls. Also the shaka, split-block call is great for those middle hits. I'm tall, I've got my head hit blocking a guy's hit (behind the 3m) on a woman's height net when playing R2s. Turning the head to either side is better, plus light Maui Jim glasses with nose pads lol.

[@paolaarredondo7556]

hey guys!! can you make a video on how to jump higher? I'm 5'2 and a girl so I can almost go under the net without having to move my head XD. That's how small I am but I would love to be able to block.

[@ragnar.p]

I/ - serve left side, \I - serv right side, \ / - serv middle (hubby-wifey serv), I I - serv where you want to, i don´t care, they are both weak.

[@bradevans8714]

What about blocking form...how low to crouch? Timing? Spacing from the net...

[@conNen83]

Hi! Great vid, very useful indeed! I come by with a question though. I really hope you can help me out here. When blocking a free ball, can you catch the ball, i.e. the contact is extended with open hands, the ball doesn't rebound? Some people say you can as long as the trajectory of the ball is perpendicular to the line of your shoulders. Is that right? Please look at this rally between Alison, André and Smedins, Samailovs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWKXnneifLKNoMk. From my point of view, it's an extended contact, but it's not the first time that I see it during blocking actions by top players and the ref never called it CATCH. Thank you very much. ☺️ Congratulations again for your work!

[@dempseem]

Awesome video guys. Love everything you are putting out. I am pretty new to the game but want to work on improving myself. My hand setting is poor to say the least. Any chance you could do a video on hand setting?

[@petersuchodolski3169]

Great video!!! You know you are ready to "soak up"all the info when you have made enough defending errors on the court to the point of that the F... is wrong with me. Now, back to the court one more time ;)

[@raulmayers2072]

Haha its crazy that the past few videos you guys have posted have been problems I've noticed while I played and needed answers for. Love your videos and thank you!

[@mrddoesyoutube7797]

How do u guys jump higher in sand. Like i jump high indoor ball for college. But sand i always struggle. Any tips

[@royrojas8378]

Quick question for a blocker blocking angle on a right handed right side player: Where do we line up to take away angle?

[@demisx]

Is there a call that stands for “no block”? Or do you guys try to block everything pretty much?

[@jeffcummings7635]

Your content is always McKtastic. Seeing a lot more on two these days. After protecting the on two, do you still try to take the charge or have to accept motion transitioning to blocking position?

[@copastm]

Bearded bros, thank you! This is very helpful. Could you guys make a video describing blocking technique? I’m a tall awkward person that has never learned how to jump high correctly without taking a running approach which most of the time puts me into the net. Thanks again for the videos, always enjoy!

[@pedrochaparro]

guys, why instead of using booty tap , to use one finger for line and two for cross? thanks

[@pedrochaparro]

Thanks a lot Riley, really amazing work are you both doing with this tutorials. Muchas gracias :)

[@Machinegunman83]

Nice explanation, very clear! My blocking partner must see this video! Congrats, your channel is amazing, i've shared it with all my team mates

[@matthewmichels7096]

Great video, for defense I believe a great offense is key that why I just take my pants off everytime they come up for a spike

[@alexjaffrey5534]

our group in NZ uses the thumb to signal the servers to serve deep on a particular player and the pinky finger to suggest a short serve

[@bonfilu]

Your tutorials definitely kick ass ! Waiting for your suggestions to learn finally how to hand set 🙌

[@ondra.neumann]

Rhank you so much i was searching a lot of time how to defend midle and you help me and learn things i didnt knew about, thank you

[@jayson1554]

can i use these for indoor

[@joncena168]

lol to the charges!!! Love it!! You guys are such cool brothers!!

[@vaheednoushad6729]

How to jump hiegher

[@fakemoon108]

what do you do when the attacker does a loop and attacks behind the setter?

[@sunsetbeachcamps]

Another great video, congrats! 100% professional! Quick question. If you are blocking line on the right (for instance) and your right hand is on the ball, what about the space between you and the antena? You''d "never" block right where the antena is, correct? I've always heard (again, for the right hand side example): left hand on the ball, kind of closing the straight-middle hit and seam the line with the right hand. I think it's shown pretty well on your defence video (min 3.59-4.03) what I am trying to explain Thanks!

[@sunsetbeachcamps]

Yes it does, thanks. Sounded a little different on the video but (at least to me) this makes bit more sense. Of course it's like everything this is the basics but it'll all depend on the attacker, approach, statistics, etc... Thanks for answering! Did you guys get my email by the way?

[@kalebmiller5151]

awesome video and has been the video I have been waiting for since you guys started this channel. It would of been cool if you went into when/how to peel as well. Thanks for the video!

[@kalebmiller5151]

surprised I missed this vid. much appreciated man. I gotta work on that footwork

[@SimasSkilinskas]

Could you suggest with samples how to block when attacker atacks from different side than he made a pass?

[@SimasSkilinskas]

MCK Volleyball yes! Im really interested how professional like you handle that.

[@1CDNThief]

Can you guys - at some point - also address how to peel after you have made a block call but don't end up having to block? My partner and I always end up bumping into each other. Also: the quality of your videos is first class, and the content is super applicable for all levels. High fives.

[@1CDNThief]

Ah! Will check it out, thanks for the prompt reply!

[@geronimo2906]

Hey guys, greetings from Belgium, you make really awesome videos! One detail I was wondering about in this video: When blocking three or four, I thought that in an ideal situation you never “jump in to” the line or cross, this to keep the height and position of your block consistent (to not get easily tooled for example). What we do with a three block is (like you say) take the step to the cross, but then we step back to the line (in a low position) at the last minute and jump straight up (instead of jumping “diagonal” from the cross in to the line). Any opinions on this? Do you guys ever block three’s and fours like this? Any reason why you don’t?

[@toddsmith8608]

Great question, I'm guessing if the blocker did that, the hitter could possibly see (out of their peripheral vision) the blocker shift back and the deception would be less effective. You are probably right about losing height in the jump but it's likely just an inch or two, not sure.

[@dmitryf9515]

Hey guys! Thanks for the cool video. Hoped for more advanced info though) Got some questions: 1. What if you called line block for an opponent, but he ends up attacking from the other side (e.g. he received a backset). Do you still block line (which is a different zone in that scenario) or you switch to angle (blocking the original zone you called)? What if he attacks from the middle of the net? 2. Do you call different blocks for attacks on second touch?

[@ilyagorshkov3824]

Hey, as this wasnt yet answered, I dare to reply... they teach me yes, you keep on sticking to your first choice (in this case line), no matter where it will move to - or you change your mind but clearly signal this to your defence ( in this case showing angle behind your back). make sure you dont do this change last second so your defender has time to adjust

[@andresantiago7049]

Cool! Looking forward to your next video on what the defender does. I know that a lot of times the defender makes their own signs too... and usually the signs are the the same. What I don't know is if those signs refer to what area they are gonna cover or if they represent what the bloker has to cover. You guys are awesome!! I'm always rooting for you guys. I live in Brazil and I always watch all your videos!! Keep them coming!!

[@andresantiago7049]

Yes!! That was a very clear explanation!! Thank you so much!! (Valeu!!)

[@andrewkarpolyuk7713]

Can you do a tutorial on hitting different shots?

[@zero_x93]

Good job guys! Great explanation.

[@connordelaney197]

Awesome Job guys! While I am primarily a defender , it's still really helpful to learn the footwork and techniques that come with all of these different calls. Can't wait for another Vid!

[@connordelaney197]

Can't wait!

[@NicodemusFilms]

Amazing thank you! Exactly what I was looking for 💪

[@trishpav]

Awesome. Love the drone shot in the beginning.

[@mkt943]

Hey guys!!! What about the topic that I asked playing in (really) windy conditions?!

[@mkt943]

MCK Volleyball thank you guys!!! Love your job!

[@jason4real]

....defenders, you short guys. lol!

[@catherinalewis5716]

Cool

[@jakobmeibeyer]

So for me a "0" or a "ball" just means that u're faking a block and defend too. But awesome Video

[@xcver]

for us as well (that is germany middle managment beach volleyball :)

[@graemegalloway]

This is awesome! I posted asking for exactly this on one of your first videos and it's really cool to see you guys covered everything!

[@jeandjuka6392]

More tutorials please much thx

[@n1ce999]

Really good tutorial! Looking forward to the defense tutorial.

[@Chabulus]

You used the term “seam” in this video, what exactly do you mean by that?

[@georgehannaum834]

It is the middle of the court

[@tools2use975]

Thank YOU good sirs!

[@vbsand5882]

🤙🏽

[@MrOmegabob]

How to float serve? :o

[@HECHOS-DIARIOS]

Gracias desde argentina!

[@larsballer2385]

Super good video!!

[@cannaould]

Cool video with cool jokes! Really cool 🤪

[@herman2002]

Great! Great! Great!

[@keenanpiller2447]

Love the videos

[@christhelegend4523]

Damn it u got me

[@BenightedStar]

can't wait for a video about setting!

[@BenightedStar]

I can tell. your videos are awesome! I'm sure they take a long time to make.

[@jinto12]

legit bro! awesome tuts!

[@Theizzer]

I love you guys!

[@jhh4529]

Great vid

[@venturacgi5049]

Superb !