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Volleyball Passing Cues Keep Eyes On The Ball When The Server Has It

One of the important volleyball passing cues to improve ball control is to keep your eyes on the ball when in the server's hands before it crosses the net.     

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Keeping your eyes on the ball and tracking the ball early

  • while it's still in the opposing server's hands
  • before it crosses the net

is how to improve your volleyball passing skills. 


How To Pass A Volleyball
Volleyball Passing Cues Before,
During and After the Serve



Volleyball Passing Cues Before The Serve

  • Keep feet shoulder width apart in a balanced position with knees bent so you're in a slight squat.
  • Keep feet slightly staggered so right foot is two-three inches in front of your left foot so you can move quickly in any direction.
  • Hands can rest on knees with shoulders over the knees. 

Volleyball Passing Cues During The Serve

  • As the server tosses the ball the passer's hands come off the knees and extend out in front of you
  • Arms and shoulders shouldn't be too high or too close to your body.
  • The perfect distance to hold your passing arms from your body ...you should be able to fit a ball underneath your armpits

Volleyball Passing Cues After The Serve

Once the server contacts the ball



Volleyball Passing Cues
Lock Your Eyes On The Ball
When Its In the Server's Hands


You should lock your eyes on the ball and visibly track it from the server's hands once she makes contact with it.

Keep visually tracking the ball, keeping your eyes on it as it crosses the net and as the ball travels closer and closer towards you.



When performing any forearm pass, you want to intensify your ability to focus on the ball as it comes from the server, into your court, all the way into the extended arms of your platform.





If its possible try not to take your eyes off the ball even when it makes contact with your forearms while you are passing it.



You want to watch the ball all the way into your court until it makes contact with your passing platform and then you want to keep watching the ball as it travels off of your platform and makes its way to the setter.

Act like your eyes have a tracking device in them that won't allow you to take them off of the ball.



Imagine that this tracking device is activated just before the server tosses the ball in the air for her serve, and continues tracking the ball all the way across the net into your platform and continued until the ball reaches the setter's hands from your pass.

Focusing on the ball like this should



Collegiate and professional volleyball players have protected themselves against the effects of a fast moving floater serve because

  • they watch the ball out of the opposing server's hands,
  • so when it gets to the net and then crosses to their side
  • it's easy for them to move their feet quickly

to get into position to pass the ball right to the target.

A quick review..

when you pass you want to keep your eyes on the ball and

  • stay very focused and concentrated on the ball starting from when it's in the opposing team's server's hands and 
  • as it crosses the net and 
  • ending when it's bounced off of your platform and is heading to your setter's hands.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Volleyball Forearm Pass

The forearm pass, also known as a bump or pass, is a fundamental skill in volleyball used to receive an opponent's serve or pass the ball to a teammate.
It involves using the forearms to control and direct the ball to the desired target.The forearm pass, also known as a bump or pass, is a fundamental skill in volleyball used to receive an opponent's serve or pass the ball to a teammate. It involves using the forearms to control and direct the ball to the desired target.

Q: What is a forearm pass in volleyball?

A: The forearm pass, also known as a bump or pass, is a fundamental skill in volleyball used to receive an opponent's serve or pass the ball to a teammate.

It involves using the forearms to control and direct the ball to the desired target.




I like to work on this 3 person "Dodgeball" drill where the person in the middle has to choose which side to get their midsection out of the way of the oncoming ball that's being tossed at their chest before they present their passing platform with an angled shoulder positioned towards the target. 


Q: How do I improve my forearm pass in volleyball?

A: Here are some tips to improve your forearm pass:

1. Keep your elbows straight to create a flat platform.

2. Track the ball from the server's hands to anticipate its path.

3. Keep your arms together when contacting the ball.

4. Keep both feet on the ground for better stability.

5. Quickly position yourself behind the ball with proper footwork.


passinginvolleyball tutorial

Q: How important is forearm pass in volleyball?

A: The forearm pass is an essential skill in volleyball as it is often the first contact when receiving the opponent's serve.

A good forearm pass sets up the team's offensive play, allowing for better control and accuracy in setting up attacks. It is crucial for maintaining ball control and initiating successful plays.


Q: What equipment can help improve forearm passing?

A: Volleyball forearm passing sleeves are popular accessories used by players to protect their wrists, forearms, and elbows during passing and digging.

Brands like Mizuno and Nike offer volleyball passing sleeves (ad) that can enhance comfort and support while practicing or playing.


Q: Can I practice forearm passing on my own?

A: Yes, you can practice forearm passing on your own. You can perform passing drills against a wall, focusing on technique and accuracy.

Another option is to recruit a partner to practice passing back and forth, simulating game-like situations. Consistent practice and repetition will help improve your forearm passing skills.


Here are some volleyball drills for youth that you can do at home or in practice with a friend or teammate you are working out with at home or on their own or even during an open gym at your school.

Watch as Kenny and Jaylen work on controlling the ball to a consistent spot on the wall and then control the ball to themselves, then finally they control the ball to each other...repeatedly. 


Q: Are there any specific drills I can do to improve my forearm passing?

A: Yes, here are a few drills you can try:

1. Wall Passing Drill:

Stand facing a wall and practice passing the ball against it. This helps improve technique and control.

2. Triangle Drill:

Set up three cones in a triangle shape and practice moving quickly between them while passing a ball. This improves footwork and positioning.

3. Pass and Move:

Set up a designated area and practice passing the ball with a partner while moving around. This simulates game-like movement and improves passing accuracy under different conditions.

My tips on How to do wall passing drills...

Volleyball wall passing and wall setting drills can be done daily at home with a goal of at least 250 - 500 reps of various drills to keep your

  • passing or setting technique, 
  • angled platform work, 
  • ball contacting skills and 
  • control of the ball.....extremely sharp!

Pick a brick, a specific spot on the wall or mark a big X in chalk on a wall or use a basketball net or backboard ...no matter what you decide to use as your target... anybody walking by.... should be able to see exactly where the spot is that you are aiming for EVERY...single....time .⁠

Do 3 to 5 sets of 100... five feet from the wall ....then side step two feet and repeat. Then step back and repeat.⁠

Complete 300 to 500 passing repetitions



Q: What should I do if I struggle with forearm passing accuracy?

A: To improve your forearm passing accuracy, focus on the following:

1. Proper hand contact:

Make sure to contact the ball with the forearms, slightly above the wrists, creating a solid platform.


2. Eye on the ball:

Keep your eyes on the ball as you pass it, maintaining visual contact throughout the entire process.


3. Controlled body position:

Maintain a balanced and athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight forward.


Q: How can I generate more power in my forearm pass?

A: To generate more power in your forearm pass, consider the following techniques:


1. Use your legs:

Engage the muscles in your legs and core to generate power from the ground up. Bend your knees and use a slight upward thrust to add strength to your pass.

2. Follow-through:

After making contact with the ball, continue your arm extension forward and slightly upward. This follow-through motion adds power and accuracy to your pass.

3. Timing and anticipation:

Anticipate the ball's trajectory and aim to meet it at the highest point of its arc for maximum power.


Q: What should I do if the ball is coming at me too fast for a forearm pass?

A: If the ball is coming at you too fast for a forearm pass, you can use an alternative technique called the overhead pass or "volley." In this method, you use your fingertips to guide the ball, creating a controlled trajectory. However, mastering forearm passing should still be a priority, as it is the most effective and commonly used pass in volleyball.



Q: How can I develop good forearm pass footwork?

A: To develop good footwork for forearm passing, try the following:

1. Quick first step:

React quickly as soon as you see the server make contact with the ball. Take a small, explosive step towards the anticipated ball trajectory.

2. Shuffle and adjust:

Maintain proper balance and shuffle your feet to adjust your position as needed. This allows you to align yourself behind the ball and maintain stability.

3. Practice positioning drills:

Set up cones or markers on the court to simulate different serve placements. Practice moving quickly and efficiently to each marker, assuming the correct forearm pass position behind it.



Volleyball Techniques: 
Where Do You Go From Here?


Where do you need to go now? 

Your three options are: 

  1. You can learn more about Passing in volleyball by visiting the Related Links below.  
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page   Learning How To Play (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. 


Meet Resee the Kangaroo and Passing Specialist on VolleyBragSwag's All Beast Team

Explore More Volleyball Passing Cues and Techniques in the Pages Below


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