Does a Block Count as a Hit in Volleyball? (AVOID Doing This!)

Yes, undoubtedly volleyball is a very interesting and thrilling game. It is best enjoyed when you are familiar with every aspect involved.

For instance, the role of a blocker is praiseworthy. By making successful blocks, the blocker plays an instrumental role in his/her team’s defense. 

The player in question goes about resisting the rival team’s attack. Likewise, the rival team’s attacker do their best to make sure they hit very hard so that the ball lands on the volleyball court on your side. 

Naturally, a question may arise – is a block considered a hit? 

Unfortunately, a block is under no circumstances considered a hit. Yes, you do have the liberty to play off the net in two situations: 

  • During a volley and
  • On a serve.

Nevertheless, a ball that hits the boundary line is in. 

Know why a block does not count as a hit: not considered a hit 

Let us bear in mind one fact. Certain legal volleyball hits are considered legal hits in the game of volleyball. These are: 

  • The bump.
  • Set.
  • Attack hit.
  • Spike.
  • The tip.
  • The down ball and
  • Roll shot. 

Naturally, a block does not come within the purview of these hits.   

A block is not counted as the three hits permissible in the game. Such an instance arises when the player’s hands remain above the top of the said net when the block happens. Nevertheless, if the same hands is found not to be above the net, this comes straight away within the purview of these three hits. 

There are some specific rules and guidelines as to what is a hit in volleyball

In a game of volleyball, there are two sides involved. Each team can gain only three hits. You cannot breach this in the true essence of the game.

According to the rules of the game, it is not permissible for a player to hit the ball in two successions. 

After any legal block, any player has the liberty to get a hit. This includes the player who has blocked the ball. 

How many times can your team hit a ball without letting it pass over the net?

Well, a team has the full freedom to touch the ball. But again, there is a limit attached to it when it comes to how many times the player can touch the ball. As per the rules of the game, the player can do so only three times. Additionally, you ought to be on your team’s side of the net. 

Do it in a systematic pattern which involves: 

  • A Dig that is more of an underarm pass and is mostly with the forearms.
  • A Set which is an overhead pass and is with the hands, and
  • A Spike that is a form of the overhead attack shot.

A block is a defensive play technique 

Photo by Stephen Baker on Unsplash

When you are resorting to a block, it takes the form of a defensive play. You can exhibit certain predefined postures and related things.

For instance, you ought to have:

  • Part of your body above the height of the applicable net,
  • You are necessarily required to establish contact with the ball in this posture.

There may be times when you may end up being unsuccessful. This happens : 

  • When you can see the ball is coming back to your side of the net, and
  • Subsequently, you are permitted to play it again.·    

There is a distinction in rules when it comes to beach volleyball

A lot of people prefer to play beach volleyball. They go about playing the game in doubles and triples. 

Fortunately for them, a block contact is considered a team hit. Normally, the blocking team in question is allowed two more contacts for returning the ball immediately afterward a blocking contact. 

The noteworthy factor here is – the blocking contact in question is not counted as a team contact. 

Whether or not your block will be considered a hit is altogether a different thing. The fact of the matter is- your block has to first fit into the definition of a block.

According to the rules of the volleyball game, you are required to adhere to these rules. For instance, it prevents a player from blocking the rival team’s setter who is trying to set a ball. 

Yes, you have the liberty of blocking a player who is hitting a ball. Of course, you can do so provided there is significant separation between you and the said net. 

Nonetheless, you are restricted from blocking a player who is trying his/her best to set the ball to a different player of their team.

Get aware of the purpose of blocking in volleyball

Well, blocking is essentially a typical skill where the player involved can be seen deflecting the ball from their rival. The player does so with an intention and purpose.

This goal involves two things:

  • Preventing a successful attack, and
  • Not to allow the rival to score a point.    

The blocker has a predetermined task:

  • Block the spiked ball, and
  • Make sure the ball lands in the rival team’s court.·    

What does the rule say about blocking a set? 

 First, you need to understand one thing. Remember, you are playing as a blocker. It is important the setter’s body has to be above the net when the ball comes in direct contact once you have hit it.

The existing rules of volleyball do not permit back row players to play the role of blockers. In a sense, it is considered to be illegal.

At the same time, if two rival players end up touching the ball that also at the same time, all come within the definition of blockers.

Due to these rules, the setter adopts a very clever tactic to outdo their opponent. For instance, they will:

  • They make a careful selection of the timing when blockers are ready and eagerly waiting for the attacker, and
  • Rather than set the ball to the hitter, they go about dumping the same to an open area located in the rival’s court.