Tool (Using the Block)

"Tooling the block" (also called using the block or wipe) is an offensive technique in which the attacker intentionally hits the ball into the blocker's hands at an angle so it deflects out of bounds. The resulting touch by the blocker sends the ball out, and the attacking team scores the point. This is legal under FIVB rules -- if the ball deflects off a blocker's hands and lands out of bounds, the blocking team is at fault (FIVB Rule 10.1.3 -- ball out). The term "tool" is statistical/colloquial, not formally defined.

Ruleset: FIVB  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 10.1.3