Jousting in Volleyball - A Blocking Drill
You know when those guys on horses charge at each other with big sticks, trying to knock the other off first? Well, we do that in volleyball too!
Of course, there are no horses involved, and we really shouldn’t be making contact with the other player. Jousting in volleyball is when a ball is in that weird gray zone of “is it coming over the net, or is it not?”
Ideally, in this situation, your player will jump up to hit or block the ball instead of just standing there and watching it drop. (Even if it’s on the other side of the net! We still want to be ready.)
And I pity the fool who stands and watches while the opposing team goes up to smack it, almost certainly winning the point unchallenged.
Let’s break down a joust, shall we?
JOUSTING: WHAT IS IT?
Jousting in volleyball is when the ball is falling somewhere near the centerline of the net, and both teams are able to make a play on it. It needs to be somewhere on the net, since we are not allowed to reach across to play a ball (simplified rules).
Often, middles are the ones who need to know how to joust, but all front-row players will benefit from learning this skill.
In a joust, players from both sides jump up and try to make a winning play on the ball.
HOW TO WIN A JOUST
There are two main ways to win a joust. And yes, short players can win! Don’t let your smaller athletes use their height as an excuse!
#1: Contact the ball first and redirect it away from the opposing player.
Tall players or players with a high reach should attempt this method. If they can make first contact with the ball and redirect it away from the opponent, they’ll often win the joust.
For players with less body control, I recommend swiping to redirect the ball rather than trying to smash it. (But if the opportunity is there, swing away!)
#2: Contact the ball second by reading the opponent and blocking their attempt back over them.
This is the method I suggest to my shorter players, or if the ball is mostly on the opposing side. It’s probably your safest bet to win and stay out of the net.
This is more challenging, of course. You need to:
Read the direction of the ball
Read the hitter
Make a judgment about the direction they’re most likely to take
With practice, though, this can be the most effective method.
Pushing the ball back over the hitter often results in a point. This play is tough to dig, and many inexperienced front-row players will swing their arm back, interfering with their teammates on defense.
HOW TO TEACH JOUSTING IN VOLLEYBALL
Jousting is one of those skills you only need to teach once or twice before it makes a noticeable impact on how your players see the game. Even if it doesn’t feel “productive” at first, it’s a necessary skill!
When I teach jousting, I prefer groups of three, although four works too.
Two jousters (one on each side of the net)
A tosser/shagger
(Optional) a second shagger if using groups of four
You can fit three groups on one net, but it is VERY IMPORTANT to talk about safety when loose balls roll under players’ feet. If your team cannot freeze immediately when you yell “BALL!” then skip this drill or reduce the number of groups.
Drill setup:
Two players face each other on opposite sides of the net, hands up in blocking position.
A third player (the tosser) stands off to the side with a ball.
The tosser throws a high ball (slightly above antenna height) toward the middle of the net.
Each side gets five tosses in a row, then switch.
Rotate players.
If you have a fourth player, they can serve as a shagger. Hand them a ball to keep the drill moving when blocked balls roll away.
Always follow this drill with a game-like activity where players can apply their jousting skills.
READ MORE: In a hurry? Check out some of our pre-made practice plans!
SAFETY REMINDER
Before I let you go, let me emphasize safety one last time. I busted an ankle during my junior season, and it was one of the saddest moments in my volleyball career.
Teach your team to stop moving and playing no matter WHAT is happening when they hear someone yell “BALL!” You don’t want a ball rolling under them mid-jump and causing a rolled ankle.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Jousting always elevates the level of play on my teams, and I hope it will do the same for yours. It’s an under-taught skill that can win you a surprising number of points once your players learn how to execute it.
OK, now… Go teach your team to joust!
