Just by looking at them, the middle blocker is easily one of the most intimidating players on the volleyball court. They are usually the tallest players on the team, so the sheer height of them can be daunting.
Then you watch them hit a ball during warm ups. Their swings are explosive and the height they reach at the top of their hit is massive.
Then you get a glimpse at what the block looks like: two lengthy arms outstretched over the plane of the net ready to stuff whatever hit you throw at them and way too tall to tip over.
So how did the middle blocker come to be and what can you do to become a successful middle? Everything you need to know is below.
History of middle blocker position in volleyball
Just a few years after the game of volleyball was founded, the set and spike was introduced in the Philippines in the year 1916. This led to more people spiking which needed a defensive move to try and stop them at the net.
That’s where the middle blocker comes into play. They needed someone tall and someone who could move from one end of the net to the other quickly and efficiently.
What is the role of a middle blocker in volleyball?
Middle blockers transition to middle hitters depending whether their team is on the defensive or offensive. And in both offensive and defensive roles, they are big forces blocking hard-driven hits and running quick plays out of the middle.
In both roles, these players have to be quick and smart. They must have great ball reading technique in addition to being mobile enough to quickly transition off the net and be in position to attack the ball. If they can’t read the ball, then they can’t be in position to block the ball.
The middle is also one of the setter’s most versatile hitters, sliding behind him / her to attack from the right side or coming in for a quick hit in the middle.
Player height is another key factor to be an effective middle blocker / hitter (though, if you can jump high enough, you can still make a great middle) and this combined with leaping ability, agility and perfect timing makes the perfect player.
Rules of the middle blocker in volleyball
The middles are different from other players because most of the time, they only play in the front row and are replaced by the libero when they enter into the back row, instead of being traditionally subbed out by another player.