How to pass in volleyball: forearm passing for beginners

What passing is and why it matters

A pass, also called a bump or forearm pass, is the first contact a team makes after the opponent sends the ball over. Its job is to send the ball under control to a teammate, usually the setter, so the team can run an attack. If the first pass is poor, the rest of the rally becomes harder. That is why coaches spend so much practice time on it.

Building the platform

The platform is the flat surface formed by the forearms. It is the part of the body that actually contacts the ball. To build it:

1. Put one hand in the other so the thumbs lie side by side and point toward the floor.
2. Straighten the elbows and press the forearms together so the surface is smooth and flat.
3. Keep the platform low, in front of the body, away from the face.
4. Contact the ball on the fleshy part of the forearms, between the wrist and the elbow, not on the hands or the elbows.

Some coaches teach slightly different hand grips (for example, interlocked fingers or one fist wrapped in the other hand). Follow your coach's version, because the goal is the same: a stable, flat surface.

Body position: the ready stance

• Feet about shoulder-width apart with one foot a little ahead of the other.
• Knees bent so you can move quickly in any direction.
• Weight on the balls of the feet, chest leaning slightly forward.
• Arms ready in front, not hanging at the sides.
• Eyes on the server or hitter, then on the ball.

The pass in four simple steps

1. Read. Watch the ball leave the server's hand and judge where it is heading.
2. Move. Shuffle your feet so you are behind and in line with the ball. Moving to the ball is better than reaching for it.
3. Angle. Face your platform toward the target, usually the setter. The ball goes where the platform points.
4. Absorb or push. On a hard-hit ball, let the platform give a little to soften it. On a slow ball, extend the legs and lift to add some pace. Do not swing the arms like a bat.

Where should the pass go?

In most teams the target is near the net, slightly to one side of the court center where the setter operates. The pass should be high enough to give the setter time, but not so high that it drifts out of range. Your coach will name the exact target for your team's system, and our guide to volleyball positions shows how the setter and passers fit together.

Common passing mistakes

• Swinging the arms. Big arm swings send the ball back over the net or into the ceiling. The platform should stay quiet; legs do the work.
• Standing up too tall. Players who do not bend their knees cannot reach low balls.
• Reaching with the hands apart. A broken platform gives uneven contact and unpredictable bounces.
• Watching the ball but not moving. Most bad passes come from poor footwork, not poor arms.
• Facing the wrong direction. If the platform points at the sideline, the ball goes toward the sideline.
• Passing with fear. Beginners flinch. Using soft training balls helps them stay relaxed and build confidence.

Safe at-home practice ideas

Passing can be practiced almost anywhere with a ball and a bit of space. Ask for a gentle toss from a partner and pass it back to them. Practice the stance without a ball while watching your reflection. Try passing the ball up to yourself in a low, controlled way and count how many contacts you can keep going. These are fun, low-pressure games, and they do not need a net. Stop when hands or forearms feel tender, since passing leaves temporary redness on the forearms that usually fades. If pain or swelling lingers, let a doctor take a look.

A good habit is to practice in sneakers with grippy soles and to clear the space of furniture, pets and slippery floors first. For gear ideas, see the youth volleyball equipment checklist.

Partner passing games

Once the basics feel natural, simple games add fun without pressure. Try passing back and forth with a partner and see how long you can keep the ball going. Add a target by passing over a line, a rope or a low net. Switch to moving: the partner tosses to the left or right and the passer shuffles to get behind the ball. Because the game is about control, not power, a slow ball is a better teacher than a fast one. Rotate partners so a player meets different speeds and angles.

Patience matters here too. Passing improves with hundreds of calm contacts, and most players need several weeks before the platform feels natural. Celebrate steady progress, such as a smoother stance or a better angle, instead of only counting perfect passes.

Why soft and slow balls help beginners

Many programs use lighter training balls for new players. A softer ball is gentler on the forearms and makes it easier to keep a calm, quiet platform. It also lets a child concentrate on footwork rather than flinching. There is no shame in using one: strong players use them for warm-ups and drills too. Ask your coach if your child's program recommends a particular ball for home practice.

Passing is a team skill

Passing depends on communication. Players call "mine" or "I got it" so two teammates do not collide, and they spread out so every area of the court has an owner. Even a perfect platform cannot help if two players reach for the same ball. Practice calling out loud from the first drill so it becomes a habit.

What to ask your coach

• Which grip does the team use for the platform?
• Where should passes be targeted in our system?
• Which skill should my child practice at home this week?

Passing is also tied closely to what comes next: the serve starts each rally, so serving for beginners pairs well with this guide.

Sources and further reading

1. Rules of Volleyball USA Volleyball
2. Volleyball: Court, Rules, Scoring Encyclopaedia Britannica
3. Basketball & Volleyball: How to Prevent Common Injuries HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.

Frequently asked questions

What is a bump in volleyball?

A bump is another name for the forearm pass. The player joins the forearms to make a flat platform and sends the ball up and toward a target.

Why does my child's pass go sideways?

The ball goes where the platform points, so check the angle of the arms and shoulders. Footwork is often the cause.

Should you swing your arms to pass?

No. Arm swings reduce control. Let the legs lift and keep the platform steady.

Does passing hurt the forearms?

Beginners often get temporary redness on the forearms, which usually fades. If pain or swelling lingers, ask a doctor.

Who do you pass to in volleyball?

Usually the setter, who is near the net. Your coach will tell you the target for your team's system.