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Volleyball · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.5

Blocking and Digging

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 25 October 2026 · markdown

Blocking footwork, hands and timing, reading the hitter, the defensive stance, digging hard balls, emergency skills, covering tips, transition and defensive drills.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Blocking footworkTake a test

  1. For a short move, the blocker steps with one foot and closes with the other.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Crossing one foot over the other covers the long way to the antenna quickly.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Square hips send the jump up rather than along the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Hands kept high are ready to go over the net the moment the blocker jumps.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Floating along the net causes collisions and net touches.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A firm outside edge keeps the ball from deflecting out off the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. The middle must reach both sides of the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Open, cross over, plant square and jump.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The outside sets the edge and the middle closes the gap beside her.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. The middle joins the outside blocker to form a closed double block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 2Hands and arms on the blockTake a test

  1. Wide, spread fingers make a bigger wall for the ball to hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Turning the outside hand in deflects the ball inside instead of out.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Firm fingers resist the hit and protect the thumbs.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Pressing over keeps the hands away from the net and the ball in front of them.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Lifting the shoulders adds height to the reach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Pulling the hands back as they come down keeps them clear of the net.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Without firm fingers, a hard attack slips off the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Ready, jump, reach, press and pull back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Firm and over the net is best; weak and open is worst.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. B's hands leave a gap wider than the ball between them.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 3Timing the blockTake a test

  1. A quick is hit almost at once, close to the net, so the blocker goes early.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. A hitter attacking a high ball is further from the net, so the ball takes longer to reach the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. First find out where the set goes, then time the jump on that hitter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. The ball has further to travel before it reaches the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. The plant and the swing show when the hitter will strike.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A steady rhythm lets the blocker learn exactly when to go.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Jumping on a fake leaves a blocker in the air when the real attack comes.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Setter, set, hitter, then the jump.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The faster the set, the sooner the blocker has to go.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Coming down at contact means the jump was early.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 4Reading the hitterTake a test

  1. The line of the approach often points to where the hitter likes to hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Block and defence share the work: the block takes one shot, diggers the other.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Lining up on the hitting arm puts the block in the ball's path.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. A line block stands over the line, leaving cross-court to the diggers.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Lining up on the hitting arm means moving to the other side for a left-hander.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Scouting reports show where each hitter tends to attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Watching the ball through contact lets blockers adjust their hands and react.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Set, approach, line up, take a shot away.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The block channels the attack to a waiting defender.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. The block closes one angle so that the attack goes where a defender is waiting.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 5The defensive stanceTake a test

  1. A wide base keeps the defender stable and ready to move.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Arms apart in front can go to either side quickly.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. Being still at contact lets the defender push off the right way.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Weight on the balls of the feet means a faster first step.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Leaning forward keeps the body ready to go to the ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Facing the hitter lets the defender read the attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Joining the arms too early limits reach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Build the stance from the feet and be still as the ball is hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Hard spikes need the lowest stance; free balls the highest.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. B is low, wide and leaning forward with the arms ready; A stands upright.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 6Digging hard-driven ballsTake a test

  1. Against a hard hit, the ball's pace is enough; the arms only aim it.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. An upward angle lifts the ball into their own court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A hard ball at head height can be dug with the hands above the face.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Giving slightly softens the rebound so the ball stays in their court.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Meeting it in front keeps the platform under control.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. A hard spike arrives so fast that the defender can barely move.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. The best digs keep a hard attack alive and give the team a chance to attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Read, set, hold and angle.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Soft shots are easier to dig than a hard spike.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. An upward platform lifts the ball high on her own side for the setter.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 7Emergency skillsTake a test

  1. A roll spreads the impact and brings the player back to her feet.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Sliding on the chest and thighs avoids hard landings on the knees.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A one-arm dig extends the reach when there is no time to join the arms.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Starting low teaches the movement before the speed and height are added.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. The fall comes after the contact; going down early leaves the ball out of reach.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Soft mats let players learn the movement without fear of hard landings.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Safety comes first: dive into open space only.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Contact first, then the fall, the roll and back up.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Start low and slow, then add height and speed.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. After an emergency dig, the player gets back up for the rest of the rally.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 8Covering tips and soft shotsTake a test

  1. Someone has to stay close behind the block for soft shots.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. A hitter slowing the swing is about to play a soft shot.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. The off-blocker is the front-row player who is not in the block.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Pulling off the net puts the off-blocker where sharp angles and tips land.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. A tip falls just over the block, so the cover must move at once.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. The call brings defenders forward for the soft shot.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. A tip gives time to move under it and pass it high.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Read, call, move and pass.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Blockers at the net, the tip coverer just behind, the deep defenders at the back.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. B is close behind the block, where tips fall.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 9From defence to attackTake a test

  1. Transition is the change from blocking and digging to attacking.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Players who expect the ball react faster to blocks and digs.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A high dig lets the setter get there and set an attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. The team that just attacked has players landing and resetting.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. In a scramble, the setter needs to hear which hitter can attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. The dig goes to the setter, whose set turns defence into attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. Points won after digging show how well a team defends and counters.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. Defence, set, approach and attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. Height, then a set, then a kill.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Backing off after a dig gives the blocker room to approach and hit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Test 10Defensive drillsTake a test

  1. Hitting from the other side copies the angles of a real attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  2. Defence is about every kind of attack, not only hard spikes.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  3. A dig that cannot be set does little for the team.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  4. Only real hitters give the timing blockers face in matches.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  5. Rewarding touches builds the habit of going for every ball.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  6. Chasing everything in practice becomes a habit in matches.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  7. From behind, the shape of the defence is easy to see.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · recall

  8. From controlled tosses to real attacks.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  9. The block and the defender work together on each attack.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

  10. Block-and-dig drills train the block and the diggers as one unit.

    Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references · applied

Sources

FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II) and general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered FIVB rules belong to the Rules category.

  • FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), general coaching references100