How to Do Consistent Bumps in Volleyball

Because three hits are allowed on one side of the net, often the best progression of these hits is bumping, setting and spiking. Bumping in volleyball is one of the basic skills for any volleyball player. Often the first contact, bumping the ball sets it up for setting and spiking to the other side. To become a more consistent bumper, or passer, practice the technique by passing with a friend, at a wall and in a game setting.

Things You'll Need

  • Volleyball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep low and bend your knees with your quadriceps slightly higher than parallel to the ground. Stand with your legs about shoulder width apart. Keep your quadriceps about parallel with your forearms in the bumping position. One of your feet may be slightly in front of the other one, depending on where you are bumping the ball. For example if you are bumping the ball to your right, your right foot may be slightly in front and vice versa with the left foot. The majority of the force to bump a volleyball comes from your legs and entire body, not your arms.

    • 2

      Straighten your arms with your forearms facing the ceiling, place one hand on top of the other and close your fingers. Do not interlace your fingers because this may cause injury. You want to bump the ball on your forearms between your wrist and elbow. This surface needs to be as flat as possible to bump the ball consistently. Your arms move with your legs and stay as parallel to them as possible when bumping a ball.

    • 3

      Face your target. For a more accurate bump, point your toes directly at the target.

    • 4

      Set up a couple of drills to practice your bumping accuracy. Have a person toss or hit a ball at you. Have the person put her hands over her head, in setting position. Bump the ball back to the person's hands over her head. Repeat until you are able to pass several in a row.

    • 5

      Bump to yourself to practice control of the ball. Toss the ball into the air, get into bumping position and pass the ball straight up. Keep passing the ball to yourself and see how many times you can pass the ball without it falling to the ground.