Volleyball Passing: 6 Drills for Beginners.

The forearm pass (the bump) is the most important basic skill in volleyball. Almost every rally starts with a pass off the forearms.

The good news: passing is all about repetition. First the technique, then six simple drills for home or training.

The right technique

Platform: straighten both arms, place one hand in the other, thumbs parallel. Legs: bend your knees – the power comes from your legs. Contact: on the forearms, just above the wrists – never on the hands.

“The pass isn’t a swing of the arms. It’s a still platform that the ball meets.”

Common mistakes

Bent arms, too much arm swing, and standing still instead of moving to the ball. Keep your arms straight and take the ball in front of your body.

Drills

1. Form the platform (no ball)

   Practise the posture only: arms straight, hands together, knees bent. Hold for 20 seconds.

2. Pass against a wall

   Stand 2–3 metres from a wall and pass. Goal: 10 clean contacts in a row.

3. Self-pass

   Pass the ball straight up and catch it, then two and three times in a row without a bounce.

4. Pass with a partner

   Your partner tosses, you pass it back under control – always take it in front of you.

5. Pass after moving

   The partner tosses slightly to your side; move so the ball arrives in front of you.

6. Target passing

   Put down a hoop as a target and pass to it. Count your hits out of 10 tries.