The blocker has a strategic role in beach that can be broken up into a few different segments. Think of playing defense as having two defenders, a front defender and a back defender. When the other team can play the ball in system one of the defenders plays at the net (front defender) while the other defender (rear defender) stays deep and works to play any ball that goes above or around the front defender. So the job of a front defender is still being a defender, but a defender who is positioned at the net.

The front defender changes the way the attacker makes the ball cross the net either by blocking the ball or by eliminating angles and locations where the attacker can make the ball cross the net. Both results are good in that if the ball is blocked the point is won.

• If the front defender makes it more difficult for the attacker to make a good attack then it gets easier for the back defender to make a good play.
• If the front defender takes away a strong angle that the attacker wants to hit the attacker may make a hitting error.

These are all good outcomes helped by the front defender.

The front defender can force the attacker to make a more obvious attack, and it gives the back defender an advantage. Also when the set is too far off the net for the attacker to attack aggressively, the front defender will pull away from the net and become another back defender.

Here are seven key strategies for blocking at the net from 3 time Olympian and Olympic Gold Medalist Phil Dalhausser:

#1 ATHLETIC STANCE
The first thing I do when I am at the net is make sure I am always in an athletic position. I am never standing straight up.

#2 POSITIONING
I like to line up with my head on the ball. What do I mean in regards to "head on the ball?" When the set is at it's peak or apex, I want my head lined up on the ball directly across the net from where I think the hitter is going to contact the ball when it comes back in to play.

#3 WATCH THE HITTER: 
Once I am in a good position, I take my eyes off of the ball and watch the hitter. I am looking for any tells in his approach. For example, if he is coming full speed ahead chances are he is hitting the ball VERSUS SHOOTING THE BALL .

#4 THE MOVE: 
Now it is time to make my move. I take a mini step in the direction that I am blocking angle (cross court) or line. I try to time it and get as low as my 6'9 frame will allow so the hitter doesn't see the move.

#5 PENETRATION: 
Next, I jump and with strong hands I reach over the net rather then putting them straight up. Reaching over the net is really important because it cuts off angles for the hitter. I am also trying to keep my eyes open as long as possible before the hitter hits the ball. This allows me to see and react to the last second changes a hitter will make often times based upon my block.

#6 DISTANCE
Another tip is don't jump too close to the net because it is harder to penetrate over the net. Plus you have a better chance of touching the net. I like to be about 3/4 of an arm length away from the net. Play with that distance to see where you are comfortable.

#7 LANDING
Lastly, land in an athletic position in case your partner gets a dig. If you do this you will always be in a good position to make a move towards the ball.

Beach Nation is the official beach education partner of the JVA and is dedicated to raising the bar on teaching the game of beach volleyball to players and coaches. This isthe first in our forthcoming series in improving your beach skills as a player and as a thinker. Beach Nation has assembled a team of volleyball coaches and elite players to use their knowledge of the game to help you, the player / coach to be better. Visit Beach Nation to see when we are coming to a location near you and to learn more about why you should choose Beach Nation as a resource to help you improve your game.