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Closing the block can be extremely difficult when teams are running a fast, balanced offense. However, having two blockers that are hip-to-hip, in front of the hitter, will make it much more challenging for the hitter to score. How can our teams get two blockers in front of the hitter more often? Today on The VolleyPod we cover this and much more!

Today Davis and Tod go over closing the block, and give listeners a slew of ideas for how to close the block more often and more effectively. This podcast is mostly focused on the middle blocker closing to the pins.

Also, the two old buddies discuss the common refrain from coaches, "My team has no leaders", and talk about how to handle this situation and make it great for our players.

Finally, we share an excellent resource for developing new leaders, Jeff Jansen's The Team Captain's Leadership Manual.

Skill of the week: Closing the block

Scenario of the week: My team has no leaders

Resource of the week: Jeff Jansen's The Team Captain's Leadership Manual is located here:https://www.janssensportsleadership.com/resources/leadership-for-captains/ https://www.instagram.com/Volleycountry/?hl=en

Volleyball resources mentioned in this episode:

- Ohio State Mens Volleyball Blocking Concepts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2R5H7FI43o

- Keegan Cook from University of Washington and Chris Tamas from University of Illinois share tips about how to close the block: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJclrFY7YZM

- Rachel Adams from the U.S. National Team teaches the 3-step crossover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOCp5wUOrXk

Bonus Video:

- Brian Rosen from Carolina Juniors introduces concepts through a game-like blocking drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaKK1qKDo8Q