Hitters usually attempt to avoid the block by hitting the ball crosscourt or down the line. A better blocker knows whether the average hitter plans to hit inside or outside the block. She can judge this by analyzing or "reading" the hitter's approach to the set, her body alignment, and her arm swing. All hitters give some indication of where they plan to hit the ball, although better hitters try to conceal their intentions until the last split-second or until the hitters are in mid-air. The blocker should watch the hitter's approach, upper body and arm swing.
The following hints will help the blocker to read or analyze certain types of hitters and situations.

1. The hitter with a right angle or straight approach to the net is in a good position to hit a line shot. In this situation, the end blocker should make a move with her hands toward the antenna.
2. A right-handed hitter usually can hit the line shot with accuracy and power from area five (our right front, the opponents' left front.)
3. Short hitters usually have developed a good line shot.
4. When the ball is set close to the sideline, it is easy for the hitter to hit the ball down the line.
5. Right-handed hitters who begin their approach off the court usually have a weak line shot from area one (our left front, the opponents' right front.) The left front blocker should move to a position to block the crosscourt attack.
6. The hitter almost always hits the ball crosscourt on a low, quick set.
7. Almost all hitters hit more crosscourt angle shots than line shots from both the left and right sides of the court.
8. As the ball is set further away from the net, the tendency to hit crosscourt is increased.
9. When blocking a taller player or a hitter with a slow or late arm swing, the blocker should jump later than she normally does.
10. If the hitter runs under the ball, the blocker should expect a low spike or an off-speed shot.
11. A slow approach or a lack of height on the jump usually indicates an off-speed shot.
12. Tired or off-balanced hitters tend to dink or hit off the blocker's hands.
13. Look for any verbal or hand signals by the setter and hitters.
14. A closer starting position prior to the hitter's approach indicates a play combination or quick set.
15. If the set ball travels past the left outside hitter's attacking shoulder toward the sideline, she will hit the ball across her body. If the set ball stays inside the right outside hitter's attacking shoulder, she will hit the ball crosscourt.
16. Every hitter has favorite shots. LEARN THEM!

There are several common errors that blockers make while attempting to block.

• Caused by jumping forward or bending at the waist. Blockers should jump straight up without bending forward at the waist.
• Caused by throwing arms at the ball instead of sliding them over the net in one motion.
• Caused by reaching too far over the net. Blockers must learn their safe range of attack blocking.

• Caused by jumping too far from the net.
• Caused by extending the hands behind the shoulders
• Caused by leaving too large a space between the hands and forearms.

• Caused by closing the eyes. Blockers should see every ball that goes past the block. The blocker must keep the eyes on the ball after the hitter attacks.
• Caused by watching the ball instead of the hitter. Primary attention should be focused on the hitter's approach then on the ball.
• Caused by blockers not squaring the shoulders to the net. This creates a hole in the middle of the block.

• Caused by presenting a flat surface of the outside hand instead of keeping the hand between the ball and the sideline (rotate the outside hand so the little finger drops towards the floor and the thumb points towards the ceiling.
• Caused by the outside blocker reaching to the sideline for a dink or off-speed attack.