Mastering The Bump in Volleyball: A Technical Skill Step-by-Step Guide

Some of your passing problems happen when you bump in volleyball because you don't keep your eyes on the ball until it crosses the net to your court. 

Improve your bump in volleyball consistency by watching the ball earlier... when its in the server's hands and tracking the ball so you move earlier to intercept it when it crosses the net into your court. (A. Chapple)

The bump in volleyball, also known as the pass in volleyball, is an essential basic skill that allows you to effectively transfer the ball from one teammate to another or to a strategic location on the opposing side of the net.

As the first contact made when receiving the serve from the opposing team, mastering the volleyball bump technique is crucial for a successful play and doing it consistently helps you get more playing time.

In my comprehensive guide, I explore the fundamental principles of bumping in volleyball and provide expert tips to help you improve your accuracy and control in this crucial aspect of the game. 

Whether you're a beginner looking to grasp the basic techniques or an experienced player seeking to refine your skills, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to enhance your bumping abilities.

From proper footwork to the correct positioning of your arms and hands, I cover every aspect of executing a successful bump.

So, let's get into the world of bumping in volleyball and uncover the secrets to becoming a proficient and reliable passer on the court.

The bump, often considered the beginning, or the first contact of any volleyball play, is a technique that requires precision, focus, and coordination.

It involves using the forearms to redirect the ball using your angled forearms as a platform that guides the ball to the desired target.

The primary purpose of the bump is to accurately pass the ball to a teammate, setting up the next stage of the play.

By developing a strong bumping technique, you can ensure efficient offensive plays and transitions while maintaining control of the ball, effectively contributing to your team's success.

When your team is on the receiving end of the opposing team's serve, the bump becomes the first line of offense.

It allows you to control the ball's trajectory and prevent it from landing on your side of the court.

By honing your bumping skills, you will be able to efficiently receive serves, setting the stage for your team's offense.

In this guide, I

• break down the mechanics of the bump
• explore common mistakes to avoid and
• provide practical exercises

to help you master this critical component of the game.

Bump in Volleyball Tip #1

Before you bump in volleyball you should keep your eyes on the ball while its in the opposing server's hands

While in serve receive some advanced and even collegiate players make the mistake of

• not watching the ball 
• not tracking it early enough as it travels from the server's hands into their court,

So they get caught by surprise which makes them move late to the ball once it crosses the net to their side. 

If you are an indoor middle school or high school player having a problem with your ability to bump a volleyball consistently to the target one thing you can do is 

• check to see if you get distracted by taking your eyes off the ball between the time the server serves it and the time the ball crosses the net.

Bump in volleyball: Keep your eyes on the ball early so you anticipate adjustments you need to make with your platform or feet to control a late breaking floater serve. (Keith Allison photo)

Bump in Volleyball Tip #2

Focus on the ball in the opposing server’s hand, not on the server’s face. 

Many passers watch the opposing server, but they take alot of time watching the server's face instead of watching their body language particularly their serving arm ..and then the ball. 

• It's the ball you need to pass
• Focus on it as soon as the server gets it in their hands to serve

  Coach April Chapple's Volleyball Passing Tips For Youth Volleyball Players

MY PASSING EBOOK QUICKLY HELPS YOU IMPROVE YOUR PASSING SKILLS. Learn how to perform one of the most important skills you need to know to gain more playing time on the court!

Learn Passing Secrets!

 

 

 

 

Bump in Volleyball Tip #3

After watching the server's arms for clues from the body language they show you, then keep your eyes on the served ball after the server ..serves it. 

•  Keep your eyes on the ball. 

Focusing on the ball early lets you anticipate necessary minor adjustments you may need to make with your platform or with your feet to be able to control a late breaking float serve in volleyball

If a server has a great float serve, that ball will

• float back and forth and
• dip and move all over the place

before it reaches you and then...it will drop right to the floor in front of you.

If you aren't tracking the ball closely, watching every move it makes...that ball will just drop right to the floor before you have a chance to make a move for it. 

The Bump in Volleyball: As a passer you should get in the habit of visually tracking the ball keeping your eyes on the ball all the way into your arms before you bump a volleyball.

You should get in the habit of keeping your eyes on the ball...visually tracking the ball all the way into your arms whenever possible.

Bump in Volleyball Tip #4

To bump in volleyball more consistently what should you be focusing on before the referee blows the whistle to start the rally?

How to bump in volleyball better: Track the ball early, if you keep your eyes on the ball once the ball gets to your side of the net then that's too late to react to it. (Matt Duboff photo)

Once the referee has blown the whistle to initiate the play and the server bounces the ball, before they serve it,... its at that moment  that players should focus on the ball ...keeping their eyes on the ball while it's still in the server’s hands.

Focusing on the ball while it’s in the server’s hands, then

• while it crosses the net and
• keying in on it all the way into your platform

will help you anticipate where you need to be in order to position yourself behind the ball in order to pass it.

You might be taking too long to begin visually tracking the ball, and if you start tracking it once the ball gets to your side of the net then, against a tough server... that's too late to react to it.

That's when you increase your chances of getting aced or shanking the ball because you've moved too late to it. 

When it comes to enhancing the effectiveness of the bump in volleyball, here are some practical tips and strategies to consider:

1. Generate power and accuracy with leg and core engagement:

To maximize the power and accuracy of your bump, focus on utilizing your leg and core muscles.

Bend your knees as you prepare to make contact with the ball, then use a strong upward push from your legs and engage your core muscles to create a controlled and powerful bump.

2. Maintain a firm platform:

A crucial aspect of the bump is maintaining a firm platform with your forearms.

Avoid letting your wrists break or your platform angle collapse when making contact with the ball.

Keep your wrists straight and firm, creating a solid and stable surface to direct the ball accurately.

3. Anticipate the movement of the ball:

Anticipation is key when executing a bump. Watch the server's body language, paying attention to their position and shoulder angle.

This can provide clues about the trajectory and direction of their serve.

Anticipating the movement of the ball allows you to position yourself optimally to make a successful bump.

The bump in volleyball, also known as the pass in volleyball, is an essential basic skill that allows you to effectively transfer the ball from one teammate to another

4. Read patterns in the server's serves:

Observing patterns in the server's serves can give you an advantage in anticipating the trajectory of the ball. Pay attention to the server's tendencies, such as their preferred placement, spin, or speed. By recognizing these patterns, you can adjust your positioning and reaction time, improving your chances of making a successful bump.

5. Communicate with your teammates:

Effective communication is vital in volleyball, especially when it comes to bumping. Keep your teammates informed about the server's tendencies or any patterns you've noticed.

This can help your entire team anticipate and react to serves more effectively, improving overall bumping performance.

6. Practice footwork and court positioning:

Positioning yourself correctly on the court before the serve is crucial to making a successful bump.

Practice proper footwork, ensuring you are in the ideal position to receive the ball.

Anticipate where the ball is likely to go based on the server's tendencies, and adjust your court positioning accordingly.

7. Stay focused and keep your eyes on the ball:

Maintaining focus and keeping your eyes on the ball throughout the entire serve and bump is essential.

Avoid distractions and stay locked in on the ball's movement from the server's hands until it contacts your forearms. This level of focus will enhance your ability to make precise and controlled bumps.

By incorporating these practical tips and strategies into your bumping technique, you can improve the power, accuracy, and overall effectiveness of your bumps in volleyball.

Regular practice, attention to detail, and effective communication with your teammates will help you become a more reliable and skilled player when it comes to passing the ball with a bump.

Thanks for visiting. Be sure to check out more of my volleyball passing articles by clicking one of the links below! (April Chapple)

Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!

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I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 

Your three options are: 

1. You can learn more about the Bump in Volleyball by visiting the Related Links below.  
2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page   Learn Volleyball (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the How to Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 
4. Before leaving this page Say "Hi" to  Ms. Resee the Kangaroo, wearing the #11 jersey below. She's a left side hitter with precision passing and a member of the VolleyBragSwag All Beast Third team. 

Say "Hi" to Ms. Resee the Kangaroo, wearing the #11 jersey below. She's a left side hitter with precision passing and a member of the VolleyBragSwag All Beast Third team.

1. Improve Your Volleyball Performance with Private Volleyball Coach April Chapple
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2. Six High School Varsity Volleyball Skills That Top Prep Players Crush
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3. Mastering The Bump in Volleyball: A Technical Skill Step-by-Step Guide

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