Back Row Blocker

[Spaman_29]

Soft block - this is taught to players who either can't get over the net or are late to block. The player stands as in a beach dig with his/her hands over their heads with their palms flat. Usually they are below the height of the net so it is always a first contact rather than a block. In both college and USA it is taught to the players to also prevent the offense from putting a ball straight down. This is also legal for a back row player to do in USA and college.

The big thing to judge is the attempt for NF. If a player is back row and you would have called a first contact type of hit for a front row player then is should be allowed for a back row player to do the same thing.

We disscussed this at length in our local association and came to the conclusion that the player must be attempting to block, so that keeps us out of hot water when making that type of call.