Passing (also called a bump) is how you receive a serve and send the ball to your setter. It's the most important skill in volleyball!
Stand with your feet a bit wider than your shoulders and one foot slightly ahead of the other. Bend your knees, lean forward a little, and keep your arms relaxed out in front of you.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Stay on your toes so you can move fast in any direction!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't stand flat-footed with straight legs, or you'll be slow to reach the ball.
As soon as the ball is hit, move your feet so your body is behind the ball. Use quick shuffle steps. The goal is to get the ball in front of your belly button.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Feet first, then arms. Beat the ball to the spot!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't stay still and reach with your arms. Reaching makes wild passes.
Put one hand flat in the other palm, then press your thumbs together side by side, pointing down. Straighten your elbows so your forearms make a flat, wide surface. This is your platform.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Thumbs together and pointing at the floor makes your platform flat.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't cross your thumbs or link your fingers loosely. Your arms will wobble.
Angle your platform toward where you want the ball to go, usually the setter near the net. Turn your shoulders and hips to face that target too.
🧢 Coach's Tip
The ball goes where your platform points, like a mirror bouncing light!
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't face the ball and forget the target. Aim your arms at your teammate.
Let the ball hit the flat part of your forearms, just above your wrists. Keep your arms still and below your shoulders. Don't swing your arms; the ball bounces off your platform.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Watch the ball all the way onto your arms.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't hit the ball with your hands or swing your arms up hard. That sends it flying.
Push gently up through your legs and lean toward your target as the ball leaves your arms. Your legs give the ball its power, not your arms. Finish with your platform still pointing at the target.
🧢 Coach's Tip
Use your legs like a lift going up, smooth and steady.
⚠️ Watch Out!
Don't lift your arms above your shoulders at the finish.