Middle Blocking Tips from an Olympian: Attacking

[@VedDhole]

Could you do a video on how to read an offense and though process behind that?

[@katecissell5839]

This is very helpful! I’m not a beginner player so I like how you make it simple but also include some advanced tips 👍

[@jamisonmichel]

Love your videos, thank you! My request would be a video on attack footwork in a variety of situations. I often end up too close to the net when I’m attacking

[@kashfiaislam9995]

Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis should all play middle blocker position in volleyball since they are extremely tall for their age and will end up being extremely tall as adults. 🏀🏐

[@fightingkim2393]

i'm glad always to see u ciara!!! love u!

[@CiMichel]

Thanks friend!

[@mingkykathryn8135]

More content being a middle. Thank you

[@allenjoseph3905]

Please do a video on tempo, timing and footwork, and for footwork and timing it would be sick if u could go to a court and explain it examples in the gym

[@CiMichel]

good idea! i'll try to do that soon

[@cheninfo]

Funny, but helpful! Thanks

[@CiMichel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@megaacademy1870]

I struggle really bad with the timing, I feel like I'm always starting too far back, but when I start closer to the net and go for the "straight up and straight down" approach I end up hitting under the ball and it sails. Any thoughts? I've seen some middles do what looks like a wrap around approach but haven't been able to try this yet.

[@CiMichel]

Try to keep a triangle between you, setter and net. Close to the setter, arms length from the net...🐵

[@arinnwing9108]

I really struggle with middle bc this is my first year doing it. I've been a setter for the past 3 years and I barely clear the net when I block bc I'm 5'7. I also struggle with timing for EVERYTHING related to blocking. Do you have any tips for me!

[@sybrandwoudstra9236]

The main problem I have is that when I'm on the front row, the pass can be anywhere on the right half of the 3 meter line, so I don't want to obstruct the setter. Then I don't want to obstruct the outside attacker. Then I also don't want to obstruct the attacker behind me (the other middle blocker, who is really good) who wants to attack from 3 meter line. Then I also don't want to obstruct the diagonal attacker who is then on the front row. So sometimes I just panic and try to find a way to not obstruct some 4 players and I'm useless. My confidence is terrible. Other times I block someone who is much larger than me and I'm basically hit by imposter syndrome. How fun, I'm somewhat terrible at this. Also, when I have a good day I a lot better at volleyball, but that is only once in 20 games or so.

[@mhawke]

Here's my advice. Whenever my Middles (I'm a coach) get 'in the way', it's almost always because they hesitated. "S/he who hesitates is lost". LOL. The moment you can get to the middle of the court at the attack line, GO!!!! Do not wait to see if you are going to be in the way because I guarantee that waiting WILL cause you to be in the way a LOT more often than just going fast and figuring things out 'on the fly'. If you're in serve receive then GO the moment the ball is contacted by the setter. The only caution is if the serve is going to the middle back player (in 6) then delay a tiny bit so you're not blocking the view of the passer but otherwise... GO!! If the pass is so far off the net that the setter is running back there with you then that's not your problem, that's a passing problem for others to solve. You say you're nervous about getting in the way of the middle back player so as soon as you can run your attack, you should GO and run it. That way you will be moving towards the net and out of everyone's way who might be hitting from the back row. You own the middle of the net so run your play every time. If the setter sets you then rip it. If the setter sets it somewhere else then by running your play towards the net, you are naturally in a position to 'cover' whatever attacker gets the set. Hope this helps.

[@sybrandwoudstra9236]

@@mhawke Thank you

[@oseniyusuf8944]

Thank u for the videos but I usually try to avoid touching the net and then I block the ball into my own court

[@CiMichel]

yea its a fine line between staying out of the net, but penetrating so the ball doesnt cross...

[@sam_-ef3bi]

I don't know anything about volleyball, so can you tell me good things are tricks about it and love your videos and I really want to be in the middle blocker

[@CiMichel]

Go for it, middle is fun! Some tricks to be a good middle: be in great shape because you have to jump and run a loooooooooot during the game! Strong shoulders and fast feet.

[@sam_-ef3bi]

@@CiMichel thank you so much for the advice

[@solmar-xu8pl]

Hey, how tall are you? i am a middle but i dont know how tall i should be ti be D1, i consider myself pretty tall compared to average people, as i am 5,9 but how tall should i aim to be?

[@vballsport9626]

Yes more.

[@CiMichel]

always more...😆

[@wetbreadno8279]

middle is definetly the position for my body but my brain would like to spike more but at the same time my team needs middles and my friend plays outside hitter .... idk what to do

[@CiMichel]

Make friends with the net

[@dobbygamer9076]

I am translet your language in Hindi language and you are translet my language in English language ok मैं आप का वीडियो पसंद करता हूं आप का कुत्ता अच्छा है आप ने उससे नहीं मीलाय अच्छा वीडियो आप अच्छी खिलाड़ी हैं,👍😌

[@CiMichel]

Thanks...I think...

[@JeanCouteEdv-Arckly]

Did you say oh mon Dieu😂

[@danmartens1282]

I would like to see how to move as a middle player ( for my daughter)

[@CiMichel]

You should get a subscription to watch volleyball! Volleyballworld.tv you can see all the top international level and learn!

[@Verere.Oyearone]

What do you think the biggest difficulty is going to be post covid

[@CiMichel]

Haha, great question! It's just so bizarre! I've already seen a few teams from Italy are preparing to start, but all with masks and from a distance, but I just don't know how it's possible...

[@dallassoonias5287]

Legit my next video will be: yadda yadda yadda from not an Olympian

[@CiMichel]

Haha, you know I'm trying to get that street cred! If I were anywhere near as funny and entertaining as you, I wouldn't need to brag...but alas...This is the only card I've got to play...

[@dallassoonias5287]

@@CiMichel disagree. Ci "full Deck" Michel

[@cbandit7715]

Thats crqzy how little views tips from an olympian middle blxoker gets lol!

[@Destamoon]

Are you british with a slight american accent?

[@CiMichel]

sure.

[@badhabits2630]

Do you have your fav Middle Blocker?

[@CiMichel]

I don't really have a favourite, but right now I am watching all the middles at Athletes Unlimited and they are awesome!