I’ll never forget my first attempt at bumping a volleyball in our backyard. My siblings and I had set up a makeshift net, and I was determined to master this fundamental skill. My first tries were disastrous – the ball flew in every direction except where I intended.
But with each mishit, I learned something new about arm position, timing, and control. By the time I made the high school team, those backyard sessions had laid the foundation for a skill that would become second nature.
Throughout my journey from high school tournaments to college championships, I’ve come to appreciate the bump as the unsung hero of volleyball. It’s not as flashy as a spike or as intricate as a set, but a well-executed bump can be the difference between a point won or lost.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, mastering the bump is crucial to your success on the court. In this guide, I’ll share the 10 steps that helped me – and countless players I’ve coached – perfect this essential skill.
What is a Bump in Volleyball – Definition & technique
Have you ever seen a volleyball match, been confused, and have no idea what is happening? Seeing a player bump the ball and wonder, “What was that?”
For a newbie who loves watching the game or a player who wishes to take their game to the next level, knowing the skill to bump a volleyball is crucial. The strategic usage of passing command must be one of those elementary competencies that can build or destroy the game.
In this blog, you will find tips on how to enter the correct position and how to make the perfect connection with the ball. But first, what is a bump?
What is a Bump?
In volleyball, a bump is a way of passing when the ball is served or attacked by the opposing team. Professionally referred to as the ‘forearm’ pass, a bump is often the first phase of the play. As a seasoned player, I can attest to its critical role in the game.
Bumping is a way of laying the ball to your teammate. It is a form of passing, which is an integral part of volleyball. Passing creates the opportunity to execute a well-coordinated offensive assault against the opponent.
When Do You Bump in Volleyball?
Since volleyball is a team sport, passing is integral to the game. This is unlike a one-person sport where a single player wins all the points. In a volleyball game, in those tight moments when you can’t score the decisive point or get the ball over the net, you can bump and give the ball to a teammate.
You can also bump the ball in any of the following scenarios:
Receiving a Serve
The players use a bump to direct the ball when the opposite team serves them. This makes it easier to attack because the ball can easily be positioned for an attack to be launched.
Control and deliver the ball to a Setter
As a reply to an opponent’s attack, the players employ a bump to send the ball to the setter. Here, the ball is passed high toward the setter so that they can facilitate offensive plays for your team.
Defensive Play
When you receive a spike, which is a combination of jumping and a powerful arm swing to smash the ball into your court, you can use the bump to maintain the ball’s height and prevent it from touching the ground.
Handling Free Balls
A non-attacking ball over the net delivered by the opposition team is received by a bump, which passes it to the setter. This may set the ground for a well-coordinated offense, especially if the opposition does not seem to possess effective strategies for countering this nightmare.
Therefore, understanding when to apply a bump and how to do it is information every volleyball player should possess to improve his play.
Objectives of a Bump
While a mere bump is sometimes carried out, a good bump should also achieve a given goal. But how do you recognize the good bump? What attributes must a bump possess to be rightfully referred to as good?
- A bump’s main objective is to regain control of an incoming ball
- A bump is also used to send the ball toward a teammate
- Bumping is helpful with any ball that is sent over the net.
- A good bump guarantees the team’s organization, the creation of effective attacks, and a reliable defense.
A 10-Step Guide to Execute a Good Bump
To make a good bump in a volleyball game, you must be mindful of factors such as your positioning, movement, hand placement, etc.
We have explained in 10 easy steps about bumping a volleyball, from when the ball crosses the net to when your team successfully launches an attack assault.
Step 1: Positioning and Ready Stance
Before you attempt a bump, ensure you are well-positioned and can move if anything goes wrong.
The starting position involves standing with your foot on its rounded part. Ensure your feet are shoulder-width apart, and the knees are slightly bent.
Also, make sure the body’s weight falls exactly in between. For that, place your body so that you can quickly run to any corner of the court to get to the ball.
Step 2: Hand Placement and Forearm Technique
Now, let the hands and forearms do the right angle to create the perfect bump. Stretch your hands out in front of you. They must be straight and shouldn’t tense up.
Ensure that the fingers of the hand that’s holding the product are not interlocked. Fold one of your hands into a fist and encircle it with the other hand with the thumbs connected.
Tuck your wrists in to create a flat surface on which your forearms are placed. This is where the ball will touch during the bump.
Step 3: Anticipating Ball Trajectory
An excellent passer reacts to the ball and predicts its trajectory. For instance, when I take to the court to play, I spend the early seconds of the game observing the body language, arm swing, and contact point of every opposition player. This way, I can predict their moves, anticipate their plays, and react accordingly.
Anticipation helps you to position yourself well and act proactively. It gives you an edge when making successful passes and controlling the game tempo.
Step 4: Body Alignment and Movement
Maintaining good body alignment is essential for a successful bump. Stand perpendicular to the net and the ball’s path. Align your torso and shoulders with it. Move your body toward the ball as it approaches. Use your legs to make power and control the bump.
Step 5: Timing and Contact
Timing is everything when it comes to bumping. Anticipate the ball’s direction and speed and make contact at the appropriate time. As the ball approaches you, bend your knees and make a tiny upward motion to meet its descent.
Aim to contact the ball on your forearms, right above the wrist. Make clean and controlled contact to direct the ball accurately.
Step 6: Absorbing the Force
When responding to an offensive play, you must learn to receive, absorb, and react to the force applied to the ball. Absorbing the force helps you reduce the impact and speed of the ball, and allows you to re-direct the ball any way you want.
Make contact with an open stance on the toy while bending your elbow and wrist slightly to receive the contact force. This helps lessen the rebound and maintain control of the pass.
Step 7: Follow-Through
To ensure accuracy and control your follow-through must be even. Follow-throughs are some of the actions and motions you do after contacting the ball.
After you strike the ball, let your body move, and your hands and forearms follow to target the ball at your opponent’s court. To make the shot accurate, maintain a tight follow-through, such as arm and hand motion.
Step 8: Practice and Communication
Regular practice is vital for improving your bumping skills. Create drills that imitate game conditions, focusing on the angles and speeds of incoming balls.
Additionally, excellent communication with your teammates is essential. State your goals before calling for the ball to avoid confusion and unite the team.
Step 9: Incorporating Strength and Conditioning Training
Physical fitness is vital for making precise passes consistently. Add strength and conditioning to your workouts. It will improve your agility, stability, and upper-body strength.
From my experience playing volleyball recreationally and professionally in organized teams, a strong core muscle improves your strength. Your muscle workouts will strengthen your legs and shoulders to form a stable base and improve balance and passing.
Step 10: Mental Focus and Resilience
Bumping requires focus and resilience. Since the game of volleyball is fast-paced, you have to be mentally aware to decide in split seconds where or to whom to bump the ball.
Developing mental focus and resilience is vital for retaining composure in critical situations. Train your mind to remain calm and confident. Do this by doing visualization, meditation, and positive self-talk. These practices will allow you to make perfect passes even under pressure.
Wrapping Up
Bumping enables excellent ball control and sets up successful moves. Several factors thus come into play before you can achieve a good bump
Working on positioning and hand placement can improve your bumping technique. Likewise, forearm technique, body alignment, timing, contact, and follow-through transform your bumps.
Regular practice and great communication will help you master the art of bumping a volleyball. This way, you can become a great contributor to your team. So, come onto the court confidently, learn the art of the bump, and help your team win every game.
FAQs
No, bumping and setting in volleyball are different techniques:
Bumping is primarily used to receive serves, handle hard-driven balls, or pass the ball. In bumping, players use their forearms to make contact with the ball.
Conversely, setting positions the ball for an attacker to spike (hit) over the net. It involves a more controlled and precise touch. While making a set, players contact the ball with their fingers.
No, I generally do not advise bumping with one hand. To properly bump the ball, clap your hands, hold your hands, and have the forearm parallel to the ground. Hold your elbows locked and your arms vertical, but with a slight bend. They act as a base to bring the ball into contact.
What common bumping mistakes do I have to avoid?
Common mistakes include:
- Swinging your arms.
- Not keeping your platform steady.
- Not getting into the proper position.
Avoid using your wrists to control the ball and ensure you’re moving your feet to get under the ball.
What is the difference between lift and bump in Volleyball?
In simple words – A legal bump should look like the ball is bouncing off your arms, while a lift will look more like you’re guiding or carrying the ball.
A bump is a legal hit where the ball rebounds cleanly off your forearms in one quick motion. You’ll often see this as the first contact after a serve or during defensive plays. The ball should come in contact with both forearms simultaneously and bounce off immediately.
A lift, however, is an illegal move where you hold or carry the ball instead of hitting it cleanly. This happens when:
- The ball visibly rests on your arms or hands
- You scoop the ball upward instead of rebounding it
- The contact is too long (even for a split second)
How many times can you bump the ball on your side in volleyball?
As a team, you get three total contacts to get the ball over the net. When it comes to bumping specifically:
Individual Player Rule:
- One player cannot hit the ball twice in a row
- A player can bump the ball multiple times in a rally, but only if another teammate touches the ball between their contacts
Team Rule:
- Your team gets a maximum of three hits to return the ball
- These hits can all be bumps if needed, but it’s not typically the most effective strategy
Exception:
- On a hard-driven ball (like a spike), a player can make multiple contacts during their first touch as long as it happens in one action
- This is common in defensive plays where the ball might roll up your arms