The key to a great soft block is all in the hands. For a regular block, you reach as far over the net as possible with your palms facing down so that when the ball hits your arms or hands, it will project back down into the opponent's court.
When you're going for the soft block, your hands should do the opposite. Instead of facing downward into your opponent's court, bend your hands back at the wrists. This way, when the ball hits your hands it will project up and back into your court.
It is important that the ball hit your hands for a soft block and not your arms or wrists so you can control it into your own back court. Make sure you watch the hitter so you can place your hands in the trajectory of the attack.
The worst type of soft block is one that pops up on your opponent's side of the net. You want to avoid this scenario at all costs because the idea is for you to give your team the easy play, not the other side. An easy block that lands on their side gives them that great scoring opportunity and makes your job harder.
