As a middle blocker with a talented setter on my team who frequently sets to me, I am really grateful for all setters who frequently set to their middle blockers. It requires much better timing and coordination, but it is so much more satisfying to pull off a quick attack that the other team doesn't have time to block!
This is my first year playing and I’m a middle blocker. Monday is my first game and I make a lot of mistakes. This video made me feel a lot better about my position
@@User-nj1nd hey! I’ve been playing for a year now and honestly, it’s really fun. It’s one of the easiest positions to master and honestly volleyball is really fun so don’t worry about it! My first season was terrible but we came back and won more games
I've been a long-time coach (4 different DI schools, now helping club kids in semi-retirement). The one skill I think that isn't being taught as well anymore is middles tracking the pass. I just did a clinic where some highly regarded club middles seemed to have no clue about it. They just ran at the setter, no matter if the pass was slow or fast, high or low, tight or off. I would love to see someone like yourself do a deep dive into the skill of ball tracking.
Just found your channel and this was a great video! I'm a middle and even though I'm really tall, I definitely have a lot to work on. Physically, I feel like I need to work on quickly getting to the block and closing the seam, as well as my vertical (I'm the stereotypical uncoordinated lumbering giant). Mentally, I have a bad habit of blaming myself for a lot of kills that I feel I could've blocked if I was just a bit better. I'm slowing getting over it but I still have a long way to go.
Hey! A drill i really like to help with getting over quick is to use a resistance band and simulate the movement of your arms/shoulders during block. Just standing with the band attached to something stable behind you. And do reps with resistance (fast push over then controlled back to base) and you'll find that in game the movement becomes faster and less awkward. I hope thats helpful!
I’m in 8th grade and I’ve just started volleyball, I have wanted to be a middle blocker and my brother and I have been training me. This video really did make me want to do it more. It’s making me feel more confident about my style of the game and I think my favorite thing about practicing it is being able to block the ball.
I agree with 99% of the information presented. The only thing I would have stated, being that I played this position most in my playing career, a middle is a middle blocker when the ball is on the opposite side and a middle hitter when the ball is on the team’s side. A middle must have this mindset to be really productive. If you look at the positions on a volleyball team only one position has two names. So that identifies the importance of the middle position. This is somewhat inferred, but not outright stated, which I do with every one of my middles I coach. When the two roles are separate middles tend to do what each role required. I hear coaches all the time yelling for middles to transition after block attempt. I believe (IMO that is) that the middle doesn't quite clearly understand the separate roles. Being just a middle, many pick one role over the other. I hammer there is two roles and once accepted of both roles I see much more production of the middles I coach.
OMG I love this! That makes so much sense and is totally true, I never thought of it like that! Its probably a lot easier to understand priorities if you look at it like this!
I have been playing middle for 15 years, and the "monkey in the middle" is soooo accurate. I just had an OH try to play Middle in one of our games, and she said, "I honestly don't know how you play Middle... You make it look so easy!" I replied with "Well that's one of the best compliments ever because it is definitely not easy!" 😅 Thanks for the video!
hey thank you a lot for this video, it has helped me a lot. i've started playing volleyball just 7 months ago, had to take a almost two months long break due to a knee sprain and missed a lot of practice. my coaches couldn't make up their minds about what position they wanted me to play (i tried basically everything to see what worked the best) and they recently decided to make me play as a middle blocker. so far, i hate it: it's hard, i'm always in the others' way and i hardly ever get set. i'm also kinda short (5'2.5) and i feel like i play the best when i play back row, i really wanted to be a libero but my team already has one and she's good. i really don't understand why they want me to be a middle, i really have none of the qualities it takes to play middle. i'm trying to do my best either way and stay positive, what matters to me in the end is that i get to play and practice, and at this stage in my volleyball career every position will help me grow as a player. but it's hard, really hard, especially when i get home after every practice feeling awful because i did nothing good for my team. thank you a lot really, this video is making me realize that middle blocker is still a great position and i want to fall in love with it. thanks a lot again
I was a middle myself 40 years ago back in my youth playing days in Ukraine and coaching club volleyball now. Almost every single middle I came across (myself included), when asked what other position they would like to play, answered that they would love to be a setter 🙂
My favorite thing about playing the middle is not having to play back row. Or at least on my team that's how we play. I always dreaded receiving in the back row and staying front just makes it so much better for me.
Everything you said is so true. So frustrating but also so rewarding when you get that block. I've mostly played middle (tallest on the team) and I'm a little embarrassed to say I think I've got a mentality problem. Which is - I wanna play and be on the court AS MUCH as possible. So that break from defense in the back-row that others are happy about - for me it registers as game-time I'm not playing. Like technically I'm in the set but one of our liberos is playing 'my time'. Does that make sense? Combined with the fact that often middles don't touch the ball for several plays or even the entire rotation up front - it gets really frustrating. Like I'm just jumping around up front, maybe getting some blocks in and that good stuff, but no hits. No attacks. Because the setters mostly sets the sides. So it sometimes feels like 'why am I here at all?' and I don't like that mentality. I'm not mad about libero covering because they ARE better, but in the fight for play-time it's frustrating that middle automatically gets approx half-play time for same set time. How do you get past that? It trips my motivation and therefore performance and also I just don't like thinking like this (it feels greedy). I've transitioned into playing opposite half the time partially because it's more play-time for the same set-time, so to speak (even considering trying outside hitter). I hit harder from the side, and loading and approaching is just so much easier from the side compared to middle. I really maintain middle is the most difficult position because of the 360 play all around you + demand of speed contrasted with the danger of basically being in the setters way all the time, which slows down loading time, so I'm not ready as fast as I am on the side. I also really want to be a well-rounded player and be better at receiving, which middle gameplay and training does not facilitate because the only way to get better is practice and repetition - but middles don't get that repetition because liberos cover that spot. Opposite is also not in serve receive but at least they're in regular defense. Any advice would be appreciated 🙏🙏
I definitely agree. And in my personal opinion when you get a kill hit and then the other team tries to hit it over and you completely stuff them is the best feeling.
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. 🏀🏐
The joy I get from blocking is way more than any attacking points. Happy to be a middle blocker! And yes we can be the game changer. We can ruin the side-out of the opponent by our blocking.
Thanks so much for making this video! I always wanted to be a middle because even though I’m a little shorter than most of the people on my team, I’ve always had the highest vertical so, this really inspired me to do it so thanks :-)
This is an outstanding video. I'm a High School and Club volleyball coach and was looking for a video to describe the middle hitter/blocker position for prospective players that are looking to get into the sport. You did this perfectly. You also explained it in a way that I can share it with our current middles so that they can know how important and appreciated they are. So thanks so much for putting this together.
Awesome, thankyou! I appreciate your feedback! Also I was trying to pin a comment you made on another video but i think I accidentally deleted it! (I think it was you, on the video about peppering) So I'm glad I found another one so here so I could explain!
@@CiMichel haha no worries, the comment is actually still there. It was a response to your "Want to get in your coach's head?" video regarding my preference to run a control drill rather than peppering for warm up. Again, thanks for all the good content.
I have discovered Volleyball at the late age of 33 just before the pandemics. Due to my height(6'1) there was no question which Position I would play 🤣. But basically, it is the best position for anyone learning volleyball at a later stage because your receiving and setting skills dont need to be on point and you can still play in tournaments. I will never catch up in setting and receiving but I can block, I can read the setter and learning spiking as a middle is much easier as compared to hitting from the outside, however you need to be more athletic because due to the short approach you have less time to gain momentum. I spin around a lot and I am always scared of standing in the way but it happens. I got used to spinning around all the time, I dont even realize this anymore 🤣. However, I am lucky enough that I still get set at times. Alas I have horrible difficulties not hitting straight into the block. No idea how to improve this because learning how to hit was already suuuuper difficult. However, if I had the chance to choose, I would not want to be a middle again. The constant amount of jumping, hitting takes a toll on your joints AND is more difficult the older you become. Stamina gets worse day by day even though I am working out almost every day. I think it is ok if you become a middle blocker after developing all other skills and tried every position but if your only focus is middle blocking, it sucks. I will die without ever being able to receive and set properly 🤣
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. 🏀🏐
I just started playing volleyball this year( 10th grade), and on our team they make the middle be the only blocker, so nobody else helps us, and it’s very hard, and I get confused a lot. And I hate being in the way even tho Middles are always in the way, but this helped me a lot thank you
When you’re only 5’6” but still the second tallest person on your team and are put as a middle. I can jump fairly high, but the coach only knew that after giving me the position.
I started indoor volleyball half a year ago, and because our team didn't have any middle blockers, I became the designated middle blocker. In the beginning, I really didn't like the position, as the rotations were really hard to remember, I was always getting yelled at for being in the way, never got any balls set to me, and found it really hard to block the outside and right side hitters. More recently however, I really feel like I have gotten much better as an attacker. I am not nearly as often getting in the way of my teammates, and fortunately we have a really talented setter who is able to set to me almost no matter what. It has gotten really fun now that I am frequently getting quick, unpredictable, but really precise sets, and our setter is great at not giving away who he is setting to, so not even I will know whether I am getting the ball or not until I am off the ground, ready to hit the ball, and the other team has absolutely no clue. I still find it really hard to block the OH and RS when they get quick sets though, especially since I am actually one of the shorter people on my team. I am looking forward to seeing how much more I will have improved in another half a year!
I'm a middle blocker but on Saturday is literally my last practice which is going to be an in-house tournament between our club. I'm actually new to this sport I just played my first 3 month season and I really enjoyed it, I was actually interested into volleyball the to haiku. Lol all Ive said a lot but all I really wanted to say was thank you for the tips because no am still getting the hang of it
Hello! Very original your 5 tips. I coach young middle blockers, I only do that at the end of my coaching career. For the next video you could talk about the "symbiosis" between MB and setter!
I totally agree sometimes you just don't know what's going on sometimes I will do something so stupid because I'm only focusing on the ball and i will maybe accidentally steal someone elses hit or run into someone and then they will be all mad at me and I'm just like I'm sorry dude I didn't see I was just looking up at the ball
My favorite thing about being a middle is probably the absolute SLAMS that hit the 10ft (3m) line every so often. Or hitting someone in the face. Those are the best, lol.
I am a new middle for my team (15) and you said the libero that laughes at you cant even get his fingers above the net.... ours spikes too good ;-; but my favorite thing about middle blocking for now is doing the thing where you change the position of your arms to the side when you know where the spiker is going to hit, and then kill blocking it.
Thanks for this video. Would you say that the middle blocker is an easier position technique-wise to learn compared to other ones? As in, less to learn nevertheless that smaller volume means more drilling of the same things over and over? If not, which position would you say is the easiest to learn? Thanks a lot
None of them are ‘easy’, just maybe a tall player is more suited to middle, a quick player could be a good setter etc. what are your strengths as an athlete first and foremost?
Hahaha... Stuff block from a really hard hit... After landing with the fake middle... 2nd tempo from pipe or 10! Boom!😎 Also love the tip from the setter after you serve... Cuz ure a middle... and you are like oh setter i totally got that ONE... Because yes, probably only one will be a really good pass. 😎 oh yea... Chicken with head cut off... I am always in everyone's way! 🤦🏾♀️ Wait till you block with your setter and she lands and shoves you outta her way... And you are still landing from your block like... Geees... Sorryyyyyyy. 😂 And that first set of the game finally at point 12 that you didn't kill... Your coach's eyes are screaming subbbb! So you don't look. 😂 Confidence boost?! 😳Patience... Patience. 😂 Middles rule.
This is my first year trying out and the coach gave me a position in varsity as a middle blocker. I’ve never played that position or volleyball in general only at home and gym class so I’m so stressed cause I’m lost most of the time and can’t even approach the bal. If I don’t get it by the end of this month imma lose this opportunity 😭
Hi, great video :) i just started playing a few weeks ago and I'm having a blast. I'm 18 and 6'5 / 197 cm so middle blocker was what was recommended, since i wouldn't have to learn as many separate things as an outside hitter and had the height. It's going quite well but i haven't been able to hit literally a single time. I don't know if it's a mental block or that I'm too unathletic to pull it off whatsoever. I've practiced the arm moron standing and the steps on their own, but when i try to put it together it creates this horrible off balance motion where my left leg flies up and to the right as i swing my arm. Any advice for how i should practice hitting to get it done the first time? I find a bunch of tips for improving the hit but none for hitting for the first time. Thank you!
I was curious on what I was wanting and heard I gotta have crazy reflex’s and watch the court like crazy and some power so ima try it out. Honestly I’m more of a swimmer but I want to try out some other sports to since honestly I’ve tried everything and this is bout it…
I'm new to volleybal, and the position that looks by far the most fun is middle to me. Getting off a perfect block seems so satisfying. Sadly I'm only around 167cm / 5'6" so I'm definitely never gonna get to play that position. And I'm already fullgrown so rip. I know it's just a sport and it's not the most important thing in life, but man does it suck to just never get the chance to try something just because you were born short and can't do anything about it. I'm learning to get over being short outside of volleybal and being more confident in my own body, but it still blows that I have such a disadvantage when it comes to volleybal. Sure at a recreational level it wont matter as much, but if I were to pour my all into volleybal I would basically have to be a libero just because of how I was born. :( Not that Libero can't be fun, sure, but the other roles look more fun to me.
@@mp.6058 Are you female? I'm a guy, so sadly for me I'm a lot shorter compared to the average male height and especially of those who play volleybal. Also with the net being 2.43cm even if I train very hard to get a good vertical jump I don't think I'd ever be able to compete at even an amateur level as a middleblocker. I'm happy for you though, especially if I assumed wrong and you're also a guy, that'd give me some hope, but it seems quite farfetched. I know it's not the end of the world and I'm sure I could excel at other positions if I try my best and at the end of the day it's just about enjoying the sport, no matter where you are on the court.
@@rap1d715 I am a girl,and yeah your story makes sense.But I've seen a lot shorter guys who are middle blockers..You just have to jumo incredibly high and that takes a lott of practise..But I wish you the most of luck,no matter your position :)
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. 🏀🏐
@@mp.6058 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. 🏀🏐
Hello! I had an accident and break(twist)my right kneecap 2-4 years ago and I want to know if I can play Volleyball now? I haven't played before the biggest reson that I want to play Volleyball is Haikyuu tbh- I can't receive properly ;-; But I can jump! What should I do? Which role should I play? You probably won't even read this but it would make me feel more brave for playing :'D Ok I talked too much-
@@CiMichel Well yes Haikyuu is amazing! I've learned about rules and stuff while I was whatching Haikyuu :> But still I can't receive the ball :( is there anything I can do about it? And thank you I will try my best^^
4:10 now, it would be very helpfull to know, what kind of strengths, weaknesses and body type you are referring to, when talking about it for a middle blocker...
I am a 5-10 high school boy just starting to learn volleyball. My coach recommends I play middle or right side. Not sure if I'm tall enough to play middle, but I don't think right side gets passed to much, and I just want the ball! Opinions?
I've never played anything but lowest-level rec volleyball and I just joined a team that does a 5-1 and they put me at middle blocker. It's only be 4 weeks, but I still have no idea what I'm doing, lmbo....
Wow, watching this is kinda convincing me that I shouldn't quit a team that needs me to play middle. I just need to gain confidence and realize it's normal to be a headless chicken running around. 😅😂
I havent started yet, I will start after the holidays though. My friend told me they needed a middle, and since im like 2 meters tall (and cause of tsukki) I wanted to try middle. Hope this goes well
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. 🏀🏐
Hello! Being in the middle is fun… but I’m somewhat quiet and didn’t realize that the middle calls out different plays during the game. I feel like I have no clue what call or even how to. Do you have any advice on how to learn the different calls for the play?
Can you please do a video about "how to read"? I find it hard to guess where the setter is going to pass. My eyes automatically focus on the ball. But it's better to observe the trajectory of the defensed ball, the body position of the setter and the shoulder opening from the attacker, right?There are just so many things to focus on this little little moment ... As a middle blocker I find it annoying and frustrating when I "choose the wrong side" to swing block. Or when my swing block is not fast enough and I don't jump up in a good position, which leads to a touch but then the ball goes out. Any golden tipps, please?
the sequence in your head should be 'ball setter ball hitter', because as soon as you see the ball leave the defender, you know where it will land (physics), so then you should look at the setter for cues. Same when the ball leaves the setters hands, you then should focus on what the hitters body is telling you. I can for sure make a video on this!
Great! Thank you! I am looking forward for the new video with the cues and tipps :) Another question about hitting: sometimes I am a bit too close to the net when I want wo hit the ball. Which prevents me from striking hard and sometimes I even land in the net ... Does it mean I am not jumping enough vertically? Where do you start your steps for the strike? Behind the 3m line? Can you please give some advice about detaching quickly from the volleyball net after blocking or backing the backup for another one's hit? How can I improve on preparing quickly for the next attack? Thank you in advance !!!! :)
i started a week ago but my coach already put me into more middle blocker type practices because my only strenghts lay in my genes. im just tall run fast and jump high ... thats all i got, i can't receive at all haha
OMG I have been playing middle for 5 years and nobody told me that my only job is to block! I always thought I don’t get any balls because I am not that good, but you are saying that it is because middles are not really offensive players? My dream is crushed. I thought one day I’ll be hitting left and right 😞
im tall (almost 5'10) and i want to be a volleyball player. i like hitting but im not really strong. i like passing. ive never really tried setting but it seems kinda fun. any idea on which position i should be?
Well things like hitting and strength can be improved. Remember, basically everything in volleyball, except height, can be improved. Volleyball is a game of technique. If you’re not strong and not good at hitting there are 2 things you can do. 1. Improve strength through exercise 2. Improve your hitting technique There is plenty of information all over the internet, USE IT!!!
@@CiMichel I'm working hard on vertical jump rn (and still expect my height to grow a bit) but anyway... I think I'll do my best in every post I can reach 💪
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. 🏀🏐
Totally! One tip is as you come down from the block, turn over your right or left shoulder depending which way the ball went if that makes sense? follow the ball over your should and spin that way to open up. 👍🏻
When you get a really good block and you look down to see people on the floor trying to get it up and you just look down on them like “ha human scum” 😈
I play outside for my JV high school team and I play all around, but my coaches had me start playing middle and I am the only middle who can pass the ball well
I was force to be a middle blocker and honestly I’m scared of the other teams whenever I blocked. I’m literally like soft bean who’s (5’4) blocking like GIANTS, I’m not sure what my jump high is but I can jump above the net 2 or 3 inches above of it which I’m thankful for cause my arms are SHORT LMAO. I learn a lot blocking moves from haikyuu surprisingly.
Who else agrees middle blocker is the best position?
Me!.. I'm short but i want to be middle blocker.. This video is amazing.. Thank u for ur advice
I agreee😌😌😌
it’s really really fun. even though i’m 5’7 or 173 cm, jumping to block those pretty tall dudes is super satisfying.
me!
yes! but it tires me out so much! 🤧
Everyone hates on middles until they try it themselves 😂
So true right! I myself have a love/hate relationship with the position. After 20 years it’s finally growing on me... 😂😂😂 are you a middle?
FACTS 🤣🤣
I love setting my middles. My middles actually get set probably wayyyy too much.
Well then you probably have a well spread offense that is difficult to defend. I’m on board with that.
Lol my setter is th complete opposite, intact he actually says that middle is the hardest to set. Then again we are both new
As a middle blocker with a talented setter on my team who frequently sets to me, I am really grateful for all setters who frequently set to their middle blockers. It requires much better timing and coordination, but it is so much more satisfying to pull off a quick attack that the other team doesn't have time to block!
Honestly I enjoy the sport but haikyuu is what pushed me to start practicing for real for real
Ah I've never seen it! Be honest, should I make one of those "player reacts to haikyuu" videos or would that be super cheesy?
Ci Michel I would honestly love to see that because it’s more realistic than I imagen with still a hint that it’s not all real😭
@@CiMichel if you do make them your viewership is gonna rise as well as subscribers.
Same-
eh same
This is my first year playing and I’m a middle blocker. Monday is my first game and I make a lot of mistakes. This video made me feel a lot better about my position
It’s all about making mistakes! Just keep getting back up, showing up to work and you’ll get better 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
I’m a bit late to ur comment lol but I’m in the exact same position as u, my first game is this Friday. Ahhh I’m So nervous
@@User-nj1nd hey! I’ve been playing for a year now and honestly, it’s really fun. It’s one of the easiest positions to master and honestly volleyball is really fun so don’t worry about it! My first season was terrible but we came back and won more games
@@Avaisme123 I’m improved over these two weeks, my perspective on volleyball has changed sm I love the sport now thank u !
@@User-nj1nd that’s great!
5’ 2” Libero/ds here, really appreciate the middles for blocking and killing those balls off of our good passes
I've been a long-time coach (4 different DI schools, now helping club kids in semi-retirement). The one skill I think that isn't being taught as well anymore is middles tracking the pass. I just did a clinic where some highly regarded club middles seemed to have no clue about it. They just ran at the setter, no matter if the pass was slow or fast, high or low, tight or off. I would love to see someone like yourself do a deep dive into the skill of ball tracking.
i love that feeling of getting a really good block and no one goes for the ball on the other team. i’m a middle and it’s so much fun. i love it 🥰
Agreed!
Just found your channel and this was a great video! I'm a middle and even though I'm really tall, I definitely have a lot to work on. Physically, I feel like I need to work on quickly getting to the block and closing the seam, as well as my vertical (I'm the stereotypical uncoordinated lumbering giant). Mentally, I have a bad habit of blaming myself for a lot of kills that I feel I could've blocked if I was just a bit better. I'm slowing getting over it but I still have a long way to go.
Hey! A drill i really like to help with getting over quick is to use a resistance band and simulate the movement of your arms/shoulders during block. Just standing with the band attached to something stable behind you. And do reps with resistance (fast push over then controlled back to base) and you'll find that in game the movement becomes faster and less awkward. I hope thats helpful!
I’m in 8th grade and I’ve just started volleyball, I have wanted to be a middle blocker and my brother and I have been training me. This video really did make me want to do it more. It’s making me feel more confident about my style of the game and I think my favorite thing about practicing it is being able to block the ball.
Awesome! Great to hear!
I agree with 99% of the information presented. The only thing I would have stated, being that I played this position most in my playing career, a middle is a middle blocker when the ball is on the opposite side and a middle hitter when the ball is on the team’s side. A middle must have this mindset to be really productive. If you look at the positions on a volleyball team only one position has two names. So that identifies the importance of the middle position.
This is somewhat inferred, but not outright stated, which I do with every one of my middles I coach. When the two roles are separate middles tend to do what each role required. I hear coaches all the time yelling for middles to transition after block attempt. I believe (IMO that is) that the middle doesn't quite clearly understand the separate roles. Being just a middle, many pick one role over the other. I hammer there is two roles and once accepted of both roles I see much more production of the middles I coach.
OMG I love this! That makes so much sense and is totally true, I never thought of it like that! Its probably a lot easier to understand priorities if you look at it like this!
I have been playing middle for 15 years, and the "monkey in the middle" is soooo accurate. I just had an OH try to play Middle in one of our games, and she said, "I honestly don't know how you play Middle... You make it look so easy!" I replied with "Well that's one of the best compliments ever because it is definitely not easy!" 😅 Thanks for the video!
so true right! we are just running around like chickens with our heads cut off most of the time!
Fav thing: when you start off the block lowkey bad and expect to fail miserably but get a good block anyways on accident
Agreed.
Coach: your only job is blocking!
Rettke: I’m just gonna slide over here...
☺️
hey thank you a lot for this video, it has helped me a lot. i've started playing volleyball just 7 months ago, had to take a almost two months long break due to a knee sprain and missed a lot of practice. my coaches couldn't make up their minds about what position they wanted me to play (i tried basically everything to see what worked the best) and they recently decided to make me play as a middle blocker. so far, i hate it: it's hard, i'm always in the others' way and i hardly ever get set. i'm also kinda short (5'2.5) and i feel like i play the best when i play back row, i really wanted to be a libero but my team already has one and she's good. i really don't understand why they want me to be a middle, i really have none of the qualities it takes to play middle. i'm trying to do my best either way and stay positive, what matters to me in the end is that i get to play and practice, and at this stage in my volleyball career every position will help me grow as a player. but it's hard, really hard, especially when i get home after every practice feeling awful because i did nothing good for my team. thank you a lot really, this video is making me realize that middle blocker is still a great position and i want to fall in love with it. thanks a lot again
I was a middle myself 40 years ago back in my youth playing days in Ukraine and coaching club volleyball now. Almost every single middle I came across (myself included), when asked what other position they would like to play, answered that they would love to be a setter 🙂
My favorite thing about playing the middle is not having to play back row. Or at least on my team that's how we play. I always dreaded receiving in the back row and staying front just makes it so much better for me.
Right?!? Me too!
Awesome video, I am definitely going to send to my daughter and her friend that are middle blockers
The feeling of stuffing a spike is just too good
😊😊😊so good!
Everything you said is so true. So frustrating but also so rewarding when you get that block.
I've mostly played middle (tallest on the team) and I'm a little embarrassed to say I think I've got a mentality problem. Which is - I wanna play and be on the court AS MUCH as possible. So that break from defense in the back-row that others are happy about - for me it registers as game-time I'm not playing. Like technically I'm in the set but one of our liberos is playing 'my time'. Does that make sense? Combined with the fact that often middles don't touch the ball for several plays or even the entire rotation up front - it gets really frustrating. Like I'm just jumping around up front, maybe getting some blocks in and that good stuff, but no hits. No attacks. Because the setters mostly sets the sides. So it sometimes feels like 'why am I here at all?' and I don't like that mentality. I'm not mad about libero covering because they ARE better, but in the fight for play-time it's frustrating that middle automatically gets approx half-play time for same set time.
How do you get past that? It trips my motivation and therefore performance and also I just don't like thinking like this (it feels greedy).
I've transitioned into playing opposite half the time partially because it's more play-time for the same set-time, so to speak (even considering trying outside hitter). I hit harder from the side, and loading and approaching is just so much easier from the side compared to middle. I really maintain middle is the most difficult position because of the 360 play all around you + demand of speed contrasted with the danger of basically being in the setters way all the time, which slows down loading time, so I'm not ready as fast as I am on the side. I also really want to be a well-rounded player and be better at receiving, which middle gameplay and training does not facilitate because the only way to get better is practice and repetition - but middles don't get that repetition because liberos cover that spot. Opposite is also not in serve receive but at least they're in regular defense.
Any advice would be appreciated 🙏🙏
I definitely agree. And in my personal opinion when you get a kill hit and then the other team tries to hit it over and you completely stuff them is the best feeling.
It’s so good you’re right!
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. 🏀🏐
The joy I get from blocking is way more than any attacking points. Happy to be a middle blocker!
And yes we can be the game changer. We can ruin the side-out of the opponent by our blocking.
Thanks so much for making this video! I always wanted to be a middle because even though I’m a little shorter than most of the people on my team, I’ve always had the highest vertical so, this really inspired me to do it so thanks :-)
You got this!
This is an outstanding video. I'm a High School and Club volleyball coach and was looking for a video to describe the middle hitter/blocker position for prospective players that are looking to get into the sport. You did this perfectly. You also explained it in a way that I can share it with our current middles so that they can know how important and appreciated they are. So thanks so much for putting this together.
Awesome, thankyou! I appreciate your feedback! Also I was trying to pin a comment you made on another video but i think I accidentally deleted it! (I think it was you, on the video about peppering) So I'm glad I found another one so here so I could explain!
@@CiMichel haha no worries, the comment is actually still there. It was a response to your "Want to get in your coach's head?" video regarding my preference to run a control drill rather than peppering for warm up. Again, thanks for all the good content.
I just recently made 11 nationals as a middle blocker / hitter and came for tips 💕
awesome! any questions?
I just started volleyball and I am a middle and as a beginner it totally feels like everything is going a million miles an hour around me.
I know that feeling! Like a chicken with your head cut off! It gets easier 🐥
I have discovered Volleyball at the late age of 33 just before the pandemics. Due to my height(6'1) there was no question which Position I would play 🤣. But basically, it is the best position for anyone learning volleyball at a later stage because your receiving and setting skills dont need to be on point and you can still play in tournaments. I will never catch up in setting and receiving but I can block, I can read the setter and learning spiking as a middle is much easier as compared to hitting from the outside, however you need to be more athletic because due to the short approach you have less time to gain momentum. I spin around a lot and I am always scared of standing in the way but it happens. I got used to spinning around all the time, I dont even realize this anymore 🤣. However, I am lucky enough that I still get set at times. Alas I have horrible difficulties not hitting straight into the block. No idea how to improve this because learning how to hit was already suuuuper difficult. However, if I had the chance to choose, I would not want to be a middle again. The constant amount of jumping, hitting takes a toll on your joints AND is more difficult the older you become. Stamina gets worse day by day even though I am working out almost every day. I think it is ok if you become a middle blocker after developing all other skills and tried every position but if your only focus is middle blocking, it sucks. I will die without ever being able to receive and set properly 🤣
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. 🏀🏐
Im middle for like 12 years now and i love it
awesome!
I just started playing volleyball this year( 10th grade), and on our team they make the middle be the only blocker, so nobody else helps us, and it’s very hard, and I get confused a lot. And I hate being in the way even tho Middles are always in the way, but this helped me a lot thank you
You are welcome, happy to help
When you’re only 5’6” but still the second tallest person on your team and are put as a middle. I can jump fairly high, but the coach only knew that after giving me the position.
You can always change as you go, just work on all your ball control skills
I'm a middle, but I also love defence so it's extra fun when I don't switch with the libero
I started indoor volleyball half a year ago, and because our team didn't have any middle blockers, I became the designated middle blocker.
In the beginning, I really didn't like the position, as the rotations were really hard to remember, I was always getting yelled at for being in the way, never got any balls set to me, and found it really hard to block the outside and right side hitters.
More recently however, I really feel like I have gotten much better as an attacker. I am not nearly as often getting in the way of my teammates, and fortunately we have a really talented setter who is able to set to me almost no matter what. It has gotten really fun now that I am frequently getting quick, unpredictable, but really precise sets, and our setter is great at not giving away who he is setting to, so not even I will know whether I am getting the ball or not until I am off the ground, ready to hit the ball, and the other team has absolutely no clue.
I still find it really hard to block the OH and RS when they get quick sets though, especially since I am actually one of the shorter people on my team. I am looking forward to seeing how much more I will have improved in another half a year!
I'm a middle blocker but on Saturday is literally my last practice which is going to be an in-house tournament between our club. I'm actually new to this sport I just played my first 3 month season and I really enjoyed it, I was actually interested into volleyball the to haiku. Lol all Ive said a lot but all I really wanted to say was thank you for the tips because no am still getting the hang of it
Glad you enjoyed the vid!
Im a 5'4 15 years old girl and Im having fun and wanna knoe how to be a middle blocker 🥰
Good luck, it’s a great position 👍🏻
this actually convinced me to play middle!
Nice!!
Very helpful thanks
Hello! Very original your 5 tips. I coach young middle blockers, I only do that at the end of my coaching career. For the next video you could talk about the "symbiosis" between MB and setter!
I totally agree sometimes you just don't know what's going on sometimes I will do something so stupid because I'm only focusing on the ball and i will maybe accidentally steal someone elses hit or run into someone and then they will be all mad at me and I'm just like I'm sorry dude I didn't see I was just looking up at the ball
My favorite thing about being a middle is probably the absolute SLAMS that hit the 10ft (3m) line every so often. Or hitting someone in the face. Those are the best, lol.
lol. in the face.
I’m a middle on the JV team
Nice!
This video was so relatable and helpful thanks a lot !
I'm so glad!
u r always wonderful!!
I appreciate you!
My father part abt Bing middle is that you get that block and you scored the last point you needed to score
Thank you sm! This video was so helpful.☺️
You're so welcome!
I am a new middle for my team (15) and you said the libero that laughes at you cant even get his fingers above the net.... ours spikes too good ;-; but my favorite thing about middle blocking for now is doing the thing where you change the position of your arms to the side when you know where the spiker is going to hit, and then kill blocking it.
My least favorite thing is being next to the setter... THEY ARE ON A MISSION AT THAT SECOND BALL... AND THE MIDDLES ALWAYS R IN THE WAY
Probably killing those hits and giving them the devil smile
🤔
Great vid! Keep up the awesome work!
Thanks! Glad to hear that! Did you learn a little something about volleyball?
Yeah, back in college I had a friend who played that we’d go and cheer on, an apparently this is the position she played as well.
The overpass 😍
My fav.
I’m only 15 but my setter is crazy he sets me everything from gaps two zeros a front and behind him.
Thanks for this video. Would you say that the middle blocker is an easier position technique-wise to learn compared to other ones? As in, less to learn nevertheless that smaller volume means more drilling of the same things over and over? If not, which position would you say is the easiest to learn? Thanks a lot
None of them are ‘easy’, just maybe a tall player is more suited to middle, a quick player could be a good setter etc. what are your strengths as an athlete first and foremost?
As an Ex DS now middle this vid made me feel alot better about the position I have now
Woah, quite the transition! Hope you're enjoying it!
@@CiMichel it's interesting
Attack the ball
There is no way middle blocker is made for me, but here I am playing it
Nice. You must be fast and smart 🦉
Hahaha... Stuff block from a really hard hit... After landing with the fake middle... 2nd tempo from pipe or 10! Boom!😎 Also love the tip from the setter after you serve... Cuz ure a middle... and you are like oh setter i totally got that ONE... Because yes, probably only one will be a really good pass. 😎 oh yea... Chicken with head cut off... I am always in everyone's way! 🤦🏾♀️ Wait till you block with your setter and she lands and shoves you outta her way... And you are still landing from your block like... Geees... Sorryyyyyyy. 😂 And that first set of the game finally at point 12 that you didn't kill... Your coach's eyes are screaming subbbb! So you don't look. 😂 Confidence boost?! 😳Patience... Patience. 😂 Middles rule.
Haha, yes to everything! #middleslife! How are you? Living it up in London?
Waiting for you to come back and run a development camp already
I feel like the middles and the setters have array good connection and they should have a good connection. Just me?
Your RUclips name is Almond Milk. That’s amazing 🤣
This is my first year trying out and the coach gave me a position in varsity as a middle blocker. I’ve never played that position or volleyball in general only at home and gym class so I’m so stressed cause I’m lost most of the time and can’t even approach the bal. If I don’t get it by the end of this month imma lose this opportunity 😭
my favorite thing is blocking
Hi, great video :) i just started playing a few weeks ago and I'm having a blast. I'm 18 and 6'5 / 197 cm so middle blocker was what was recommended, since i wouldn't have to learn as many separate things as an outside hitter and had the height. It's going quite well but i haven't been able to hit literally a single time. I don't know if it's a mental block or that I'm too unathletic to pull it off whatsoever. I've practiced the arm moron standing and the steps on their own, but when i try to put it together it creates this horrible off balance motion where my left leg flies up and to the right as i swing my arm. Any advice for how i should practice hitting to get it done the first time? I find a bunch of tips for improving the hit but none for hitting for the first time. Thank you!
Before I'm an open hitter then my coach shift me to middle blocker because of my high jump
I was curious on what I was wanting and heard I gotta have crazy reflex’s and watch the court like crazy and some power so ima try it out. Honestly I’m more of a swimmer but I want to try out some other sports to since honestly I’ve tried everything and this is bout it…
Yea! Go for it! Good luck!
I'm new to volleybal, and the position that looks by far the most fun is middle to me. Getting off a perfect block seems so satisfying. Sadly I'm only around 167cm / 5'6" so I'm definitely never gonna get to play that position. And I'm already fullgrown so rip. I know it's just a sport and it's not the most important thing in life, but man does it suck to just never get the chance to try something just because you were born short and can't do anything about it. I'm learning to get over being short outside of volleybal and being more confident in my own body, but it still blows that I have such a disadvantage when it comes to volleybal. Sure at a recreational level it wont matter as much, but if I were to pour my all into volleybal I would basically have to be a libero just because of how I was born. :( Not that Libero can't be fun, sure, but the other roles look more fun to me.
Hey I'm about the same height and I'm a middle 👀
@@mp.6058 Are you female? I'm a guy, so sadly for me I'm a lot shorter compared to the average male height and especially of those who play volleybal. Also with the net being 2.43cm even if I train very hard to get a good vertical jump I don't think I'd ever be able to compete at even an amateur level as a middleblocker. I'm happy for you though, especially if I assumed wrong and you're also a guy, that'd give me some hope, but it seems quite farfetched. I know it's not the end of the world and I'm sure I could excel at other positions if I try my best and at the end of the day it's just about enjoying the sport, no matter where you are on the court.
@@rap1d715 I am a girl,and yeah your story makes sense.But I've seen a lot shorter guys who are middle blockers..You just have to jumo incredibly high and that takes a lott of practise..But I wish you the most of luck,no matter your position :)
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. 🏀🏐
@@mp.6058 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. 🏀🏐
Hello! I had an accident and break(twist)my right kneecap 2-4 years ago and I want to know if I can play Volleyball now? I haven't played before the biggest reson that I want to play Volleyball is Haikyuu tbh- I can't receive properly ;-; But I can jump! What should I do? Which role should I play? You probably won't even read this but it would make me feel more brave for playing :'D Ok I talked too much-
Sure, go for it. I honestly have never seen haikyuu, should I finally watch it?
@@CiMichel Well yes Haikyuu is amazing! I've learned about rules and stuff while I was whatching Haikyuu :> But still I can't receive the ball :( is there anything I can do about it? And thank you I will try my best^^
4:10 now, it would be very helpfull to know, what kind of strengths, weaknesses and body type you are referring to, when talking about it for a middle blocker...
I am a 5-10 high school boy just starting to learn volleyball. My coach recommends I play middle or right side. Not sure if I'm tall enough to play middle, but I don't think right side gets passed to much, and I just want the ball! Opinions?
Right side attacks a LOT at the higher levels! It’s the mean offensive weapon usually!
@@CiMichel right?
I've never played anything but lowest-level rec volleyball and I just joined a team that does a 5-1 and they put me at middle blocker. It's only be 4 weeks, but I still have no idea what I'm doing, lmbo....
Im 5’9 ish and 13 and i only started middle because a coach threw me there because i was tall and its now the only thing i want to play
Thats how a lot of middles start, just bein tall!
Wow, watching this is kinda convincing me that I shouldn't quit a team that needs me to play middle. I just need to gain confidence and realize it's normal to be a headless chicken running around. 😅😂
Yes! It’s so normal! You have to work so hard and be ready for everything!
I like your video!!
I havent started yet, I will start after the holidays though. My friend told me they needed a middle, and since im like 2 meters tall (and cause of tsukki) I wanted to try middle. Hope this goes well
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. 🏀🏐
i’m lucky because me and my setter are close and i’m one of the most aggressive i wanna hit people on my team so her go to is to set me
haha, love that. gotta be kind to your setter always!
I’m really struggling with a faster approach and harder hit
Hello! Being in the middle is fun… but I’m somewhat quiet and didn’t realize that the middle calls out different plays during the game. I feel like I have no clue what call or even how to. Do you have any advice on how to learn the different calls for the play?
Can you please do a video about "how to read"? I find it hard to guess where the setter is going to pass. My eyes automatically focus on the ball. But it's better to observe the trajectory of the defensed ball, the body position of the setter and the shoulder opening from the attacker, right?There are just so many things to focus on this little little moment ... As a middle blocker I find it annoying and frustrating when I "choose the wrong side" to swing block. Or when my swing block is not fast enough and I don't jump up in a good position, which leads to a touch but then the ball goes out. Any golden tipps, please?
the sequence in your head should be 'ball setter ball hitter', because as soon as you see the ball leave the defender, you know where it will land (physics), so then you should look at the setter for cues. Same when the ball leaves the setters hands, you then should focus on what the hitters body is telling you. I can for sure make a video on this!
Great! Thank you!
I am looking forward for the new video with the cues and tipps :)
Another question about hitting: sometimes I am a bit too close to the net when I want wo hit the ball. Which prevents me from striking hard and sometimes I even land in the net ... Does it mean I am not jumping enough vertically?
Where do you start your steps for the strike? Behind the 3m line? Can you please give some advice about detaching quickly from the volleyball net after blocking or backing the backup for another one's hit? How can I improve on preparing quickly for the next attack? Thank you in advance !!!! :)
i started a week ago but my coach already put me into more middle blocker type practices because my only strenghts lay in my genes. im just tall run fast and jump high ... thats all i got, i can't receive at all haha
Awesome! Use your skills and become the best middle there ever was! 🦅
What if I’m a short middle? Only my palms go over the tape…. 😭
Killing is definitely my favorite part
My coach put me as a middle blocker but I can barely touch the net and I have a match tomorrow. I’m not gonna make it.
you got this, just keep practicing
Do you have a work out routine to recommend to become a better middle blocker?
OMG I have been playing middle for 5 years and nobody told me that my only job is to block! I always thought I don’t get any balls because I am not that good, but you are saying that it is because middles are not really offensive players? My dream is crushed. I thought one day I’ll be hitting left and right 😞
i dont think that the only job is to block! middles offense is so important to keep the blocker honest...
I'm 181 cm, playing middle since g5.
But when college comes, guess who's converted into setter position 😭
haha, classic...
im tall (almost 5'10) and i want to be a volleyball player. i like hitting but im not really strong. i like passing. ive never really tried setting but it seems kinda fun. any idea on which position i should be?
Well things like hitting and strength can be improved. Remember, basically everything in volleyball, except height, can be improved. Volleyball is a game of technique. If you’re not strong and not good at hitting there are 2 things you can do.
1. Improve strength through exercise
2. Improve your hitting technique
There is plenty of information all over the internet,
USE IT!!!
@@dcchaos6409 but at my current level which position do u think I would be best at?
@@rithikakapila4451 well if you play with a lower level team then Opposite seems good, if it’s a pretty good team then I’d suggest Outside Hitter.
@@dcchaos6409 would middle not be good?
@@rithikakapila4451 I mean you said you wanted to spike, and muddled tend to get set a lot less than other positions.
We need more tips👀
On it 👍🏻
my tryouts are tomorrow 😳.
I'm curious on how does it feel playing volleyball, I have a ball myself but nobody wants to play with and I don't have a team 😅
Just make the wall your best friend 😊
@@CiMichel If bestfriends send the ball to your face then, the wall is already my bestie ❤︎
I am... too short for this post 😅
fr I thought being 172cm at 14 would help me, but I'll never be tall enough to reach the top of the net 😭
Maybe work on your jump? Or play libero?
@@CiMichel I'm working hard on vertical jump rn (and still expect my height to grow a bit) but anyway... I think I'll do my best in every post I can reach 💪
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. 🏀🏐
Today was my first game as a middle and it was confusing 😂😂 either way we won
It’s certainly confusing... but fun!
As a middle I always feel like a lost duck on the court. Does anybody have any tips on how to not lose the ball?
Totally! One tip is as you come down from the block, turn over your right or left shoulder depending which way the ball went if that makes sense? follow the ball over your should and spin that way to open up. 👍🏻
lol i wanted to be a middle blocker but my coach made me a libero... sad day
I am 5'9' is it enough to be a middle blocker?
Of course!
I am middle blocker.....its a taxing position
When you get a really good block and you look down to see people on the floor trying to get it up and you just look down on them like “ha human scum” 😈
Wow, I’ve literally never thought that in my life. Ever.
@@CiMichel ASHGSKSKS I’m just realizing how bad this sounds I’m sorry 😖💀
Blocks and tips in front of 10 foot 😤
Middle is a hard job...
@@CiMichel omg- an olympic MIDDLE VOLLEYBALL OLAYER RESPONDED TO MY COMMENT
why thank you :)
You're cute I came here for the tips and what am I doing now😵
over 6,5 gang were you at???
Here.
i will be here i'm 6ft and 13
When you can jump and block and they put you as back passer aHHHHHHHHHHH 😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😡😡😡😡
Go prove them wrong 😊
I play outside for my JV high school team and I play all around, but my coaches had me start playing middle and I am the only middle who can pass the ball well
Awesome, that’s a good skill to keep working on!
I was force to be a middle blocker and honestly I’m scared of the other teams whenever I blocked. I’m literally like soft bean who’s (5’4) blocking like GIANTS, I’m not sure what my jump high is but I can jump above the net 2 or 3 inches above of it which I’m thankful for cause my arms are SHORT LMAO. I learn a lot blocking moves from haikyuu surprisingly.
You had me at soft bean 😂😂😂