What Is A Bump In Volleyball?

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The term “bump pass” may be unfamiliar to those who are new to the sport of volleyball. However, for seasoned players and coaches, the bump pass is a crucial element of the game. So, what does a bump pass mean in volleyball?

A bump pass, also known as a forearm pass or dig, is a type of receiving and passing technique used in volleyball. It involves using the forearms to receive and control the ball when it is hit by the player. Bump passes are used to keep the ball in play and set up a potential attack or serve.

The bump pass is a fundamental skill that all volleyball players should master. It requires quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and proper technique. In addition to being an essential part of the game, the bump pass also serves as a good workout for the upper body and helps improve overall coordination and agility.

Despite its importance, the bump pass is often overlooked and undervalued in the sport. Many players and coaches focus more on spiking and serving, ignoring the crucial role that the bump pass plays in a team’s success. In this article, we will delve deeper into the bump pass and its significance in the sport of volleyball.

 

What Is The Purpose Of A Bump Pass In Volleyball?

A bump pass, also known as a forearm pass or dig, is a basic skill in volleyball used to pass the ball to a teammate or to oneself in order to set up a play or keep the ball in play. The purpose of a bump pass is to control the ball and move it to the desired location on the court in order to set up a successful attack or defensive play. It is an essential skill for all players on the court, as it allows for more control and precision in ball movement and allows for better team coordination.

 

How To Bump In Volleyball

  • Get to the Spot

If you’re out of position, you can’t accurately bump the volleyball.

Get to a position where you can be behind the ball before it arrives once it is headed your way. Keep the ball in front and your hips should be facing the target.

Also, keep your hands free while moving. Moving while bumping or with your hands clasped together greatly slows you down and makes you appear out of place.

Instead, make every effort to move in a prepared stance (knees bent, shuffling rather than turning and running, weight forward).

 

  • Position Yourself

The ideal foundation lays the groundwork for the ideal bump.

Your legs and hips are also the base for your bump.

Your weight should be slightly forward, your hips should be facing your target, and your knees should be athletically bent and shoulder-width apart.

On this platform, you can maintain a solid lower-body support system while aiming the ball at your target—hopefully, the setter’s hands.

 

  • Create Your Platform

By using your arms to make a solid, even base, you can create a platform from which to “bump” the ball.

Bring your wrists and forearms together to provide a flat surface for this base.

You have a choice between two sorts of platforms since each person likes one over the other depending on how comfortable they are:

  • Stacking your hands together with your palms facing upward
  • Make a fist with one hand and round it with the other.

No matter which hand position you select, try to keep your platform as level as you can.

It will help keep everything nice and flat if you draw your elbows in toward your body while maintaining the hand and arm positions.

 

  • Prepare for Contact

At this time, everything ought to be in place and prepared to bump the volleyball.

Your knees should be slightly bent, your platform should be flat, your shoulders and hips should be facing your objective, and your lower body should feel strong.

 

  • Get Low

The ball should make contact with the player’s waist at this point.

To get to the ball, though, you shouldn’t be stooping to waist level.

Your platform will now be perpendicular to the floor rather than roughly parallel to it as a result of your leaning forward.

By bending your knees and hips, you should be lowering your body so that it looks nearly like you are seated.

 

  • Pass-Through the Ball

When the ball is coming at you with such force that it bounces off your platform rather forcefully, sometimes a bump will “drive” itself.

If this isn’t the case, you’ll need to give your bump pass some of your own force. You don’t achieve this by rapidly swinging your platform upward toward the ball.

Instead, you should slightly move your arms forward and up through the ball while using your legs to propel your chest toward your objective.

 

  • Get Reset

After finishing your bump pass, you must reset in a position suitable for your subsequent play.

Back-row players should swiftly get back into their athletic stance to get ready to cover their teammates.

In the front row, you ought to be switching to your hitting stance in order to get ready for a potential incoming set.

 

What Are Some Bumping Techniques?

  1. One-handed bump: This technique involves using one hand to make contact with the ball while bumping it to a teammate. The player should extend their arm fully and make contact with the ball as close to their wrist as possible.
  2. Two-handed bump: This technique involves using both hands to make contact with the ball while bumping it to a teammate. The player should extend both arms fully and make contact with the ball as close to their wrists as possible.
  3. Forearm bump: This technique involves using the forearms to make contact with the ball while bumping it to a teammate. The player should extend their arms fully and make contact with the ball as close to their elbow as possible.
  4. Overhead bump: This technique involves bumping the ball over the head with both hands. The player should extend their arms fully and make contact with the ball as close to their wrists as possible.
  5. Chest bump: This technique involves bumping the ball with the chest while facing the net. The player should extend their arms fully and make contact with the ball as close to their chest as possible.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a bump pass in volleyball refers to a type of pass made by a player using their forearms to receive the ball and pass it to a teammate. It is a fundamental skill in the game of volleyball and is typically used to receive serves or to set up an attack. A bump pass is an important part of a team’s strategy, as it allows players to keep the ball in play and create scoring opportunities. Overall, mastering the bump pass is essential for any volleyball player looking to improve their game and contribute to their team’s success.

David Campbell

David Campbell

"I live and breath volleyball"

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