During a volleyball block, what does timing the jump refer to?

• A. Jumping as soon as you see the ball
• B. Jumping at your lowest point
• C. Jumping when you reach your highest point relative to the ball contact
• D. Jumping after the ball is hit

Answer: (C)

Timing the jump means leaping so that your hands meet the ball at the moment of contact, at the top of your vertical reach. When you jump at the ball’s highest point, you maximize your blocking height and keep your hands over the net, making it harder for the hitter to get the ball past you. Jumping too early puts your hands below the peak and the ball can be hit around or over you; jumping too late misses the chance to influence the trajectory. Jumping after the ball is hit is simply too late to affect the block. So the best approach is to time the jump to contact the ball at its highest point.