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This article suggests an efficient progression for teaching blocking in volleyball. The foundation of this progression is related to the concept of predictability and unpredictability as highlighted in all of other volleyball expertise publications.
The authors address the notion of simulation towards teaching blocking in real game situations. Thus, for the authors, predictability is when the blocker knows in advance the spot where the ball will be set by the setter and therefore, the blocker knows in advance where he/she will perform the block. On the other hand, unpredictability is when the blocker does not know in advance the spot where the ball will be set by the setter and therefore, the blocker needs to wait for the setter's decision to start the execution of where he/she will perform the block.
In other words, predictability or unpredictability refers to knowing in advance or not where the ball will be set by the opposing setter. The main idea is that through predictable situations the motor pattern can be developed (i.e., technical aspect). In addition, acquire the ability to coordinate displacements/adjustments with the jump and penetrate the hands/arms over the net based on the blocking reach of each player.
Moreover, unpredictable situations allow the development of perceptive aspects and decision-making. These perceptive aspects represent some of the pre-requisites for the execution of a dynamic blocking action which facilitates the action plan, the timing, symmetry, and the coordination within and between limbs.
This is the scenario that approximates the context of the game. However, we believe that a progression from predictable situations towards unpredictable situations is necessary for the success of both motor and perceptive/decision-making aspects.
