In the Plane of the Net

[widude]

Originally posted by OmniSpiker
Seems that the rules would make a "soft block" now a one of the three contacts. Due to the fact that the player is not deflecting the ball and is directing the ball up and into their side for the opportunity to make a play.

A soft block is still a deflection since he/she doesn't have absolute control over the direction of the ball. The only difference between a block and a soft block is the direction of the fingers (pointed toward the opposite court or pointed back).