How to Bump a Volleyball

A volleyball player's most important skill is bumping - passing a volleyball by bouncing it off his or her extended forearms.

Things You'll Need

  • Volleyballs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remember that the first contact after a serve is normally the bump, which sets in motion the three-step volleyball offense of bump, set, spike (see "eHow to Set a Volleyball' and "eHow to Spike a Volleyball').

    • 2

      Anticipate the flight of the ball so that you can receive it in a stationary, athletic position with your knees bent, your weight forward on the balls of your feet, and your arms extended forward and down.

    • 3

      Hold your palms open and facing up, and then lay one hand on top of the other.

    • 4

      Fold your hands inward until your thumbs are side by side, pointing away from your body and slightly down. The knuckles of your fingers should be facing out.

    • 5

      Bring in your elbows and lock them so that your forearms are as close to touching as possible, creating a flat platform from your elbows to the tips of your thumbs.

    • 6

      Tilt your platform toward your target.

    • 7

      Allow the ball to bounce off your forearms (rather than swinging your arms at it).