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Sport of spikes and blocks (10) - Crossword Clue
Answer: VOLLEYBALL
Understanding the Crossword Clue
- Volleyball is the perfect answer to this 10-letter crossword clue that describes a dynamic sport characterized by powerful spikes and defensive blocks.
- This team sport involves two teams separated by a net, where players use their hands to hit a ball back and forth, with spiking (attacking) and blocking being two of the most exciting and essential skills in the game.
Why VOLLEYBALL Is the Answer
- The clue cleverly references two signature moves that define volleyball gameplay.
- Spiking is an aggressive offensive technique where a player jumps and forcefully hits the ball downward into the opponent's court, while blocking is a defensive move where players at the net jump with arms raised to prevent the opponent's spike from crossing over.
- These two elements are so fundamental to volleyball that mentioning them immediately brings the sport to mind for anyone familiar with it.
Tips for Solving Sports Crossword Clues
- Look for action words: Clues mentioning specific movements like "spikes," "blocks," "serves," or "digs" often point to volleyball rather than other net sports.
- Count the letters first: Knowing you need exactly 10 letters immediately eliminates shorter alternatives like "tennis" or longer ones like "badminton."
- Consider the equipment mentioned: References to nets, balls, or sand suggest volleyball, while mentions of rackets or shuttlecocks point elsewhere.
- Think about team dynamics: Volleyball is unique in being primarily a team sport played without individual equipment, unlike tennis or badminton.
- Use crossing words: If you've already filled in some intersecting answers, use those letters to confirm VOLLEYBALL fits properly.
Sport of spikes and blocks (10) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could this clue refer to any other sport?
A: While other sports have nets and blocking (like basketball), the specific combination of "spikes and blocks" is distinctly characteristic of volleyball, making it the definitive answer for a 10-letter sport.
Q: Does it matter if it's beach or indoor volleyball?
A: No, the clue encompasses both variations. Indoor and beach volleyball both feature spiking and blocking as core techniques, though beach volleyball typically has only two players per team.
Q: Why is volleyball called volleyball?
A: The name comes from the game's objective—to volley the ball back and forth over the net. The original name was "mintonette," but it was quickly changed to volleyball to better describe the action.
Q: Are there other common crossword clues for volleyball?
A: Yes, clues might reference "beach sport," "Olympic net game," "sport with liberos," or mention famous players like Kerri Walsh Jennings or Karch Kiraly.
