How to Pass a Volleyball: Perfecting the Forearm Bump

In volleyball, there is an old saying: “Without a pass, there is no play.” You can have the highest jumpers and the hardest hitters on your team, but if you cannot pass the ball to the setter, you cannot score. At Volley Vibes Club in Markham, we spend a massive amount of time perfecting the forearm pass (also known as the "bump") because it is the foundation of the entire game.

Whether you are receiving a serve or digging a hard spike, here is how to build a rock-solid forearm passing technique.

1. The Ready Position (Before the Ball is Hit)

Great passing starts before the opposing team even touches the ball. If you are standing up straight, you are already too late.

• Feet: Slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. If you are right-handed, keep your right foot slightly in front of your left.

• Knees: Bent. Your hips should be dropped low so you look like you are sitting in an invisible chair.

• Weight: Shifted forward onto the balls of your feet. You should never be caught flat-footed or leaning on your heels.

• Arms: Relaxed, hands unclasped, elbows slightly bent, and out in front of your body. Do not lock your hands together until you know exactly where the ball is going.

2. Creating the Perfect "Platform"

Your "platform" is the flat surface created by your forearms. This is where the ball must make contact.

• The Grip: Place the fingers of one hand across the palm of the other hand. Fold your thumbs together so they are parallel and touching. (Never interlock your fingers or cross your thumbs, as this can lead to broken bones!)

• The Lock: Point your thumbs down toward the floor and lock your elbows completely straight.

• The Surface: Expose the flat, fleshy part of your inner forearms. The ball should hit both arms simultaneously, about two inches above your wrists.

3. The Golden Rule: Use Your Legs, Not Your Arms

The biggest mistake beginners make is wildly swinging their arms up to hit the ball. This causes the ball to fly backward over their head or straight up into the ceiling.

• Angle Your Platform: Angle your forearms toward your target (the setter).

• Push with the Legs: Keep your arms completely still. To get the ball into the air, simply push up using your legs by extending your knees.

• Freeze: After the ball leaves your arms, your platform should "freeze" in place pointing at the target.

Common Passing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

The Mistake	The Result	The Fix
Swinging the arms	The ball flies backward or wildly out of control.	Lock your elbows, freeze your arms, and push up only with your legs.
Bending the elbows on contact	The ball spins and doesn't go high enough.	Point thumbs down to lock elbows completely straight.
Reaching outside the body	The ball shanks off one arm.	Move your feet first! Get your body directly behind the ball before passing.
Standing up too early	You react too slowly to short or fast serves.	Stay low in the ready position until the exact moment you pass.

Why Footwork is the Secret to Passing

A perfect platform means nothing if you can't get to the ball in time. You must learn to shuffle your feet quickly without crossing them. Crossing your feet makes you trip and lose balance. Always shuffle, stop, set your feet, and then pass.

Master the Fundamentals at Volley Vibes

Passing takes patience, thousands of repetitions, and expert feedback. At Volley Vibes Club in Markham, our beginner and developmental programs use structured drills and instant video analysis to help youth athletes build flawless passing mechanics.

Stop shanking the ball and start controlling the game. Call +1 416 543 5661 to register for our next skills clinic!