In today's era of rally score volleyball, forearm and overhand passes are key to running a successful offensive. These two types of passing are used to receive serve and free balls. Having a consistent pass to the setter is imperative in order to allow the setter to run all the attack options.
Successful Passers
Successful passers must have good vision and eye-hand coordination. The passer must quickly determine the trajectory, speed and placement of the ball in order to properly position herself in relation to the ball. Successful passers are aggressive and do not wait for the ball to come to them. Mental strength is also a quality that good passers must possess. They must be able and willing to play with confidence and accept the responsibility of passing the ball consistently every time. In order to obtain these skills, the passer must participate in drills that focus on each of these elements.
Body Position in Passing Drills
In order to properly execute a passing drill, a passer must have an understanding of how to position her body correctly. She should always start in a balanced and low position. The feet should be a little wider then shoulder width apart and parallel. According to "Coaching Volleyball," knees should be "slightly ahead of the toes, bent at 100 to 120 degrees," putting the weight on the balls and insides of the feet. The passer's waist should be bent so shoulders are relaxed and in front of the toes. Keep arms away from the body ready to quickly come together to pass a ball. The passer's center of gravity must be low and forward, allowing her to move in any direction. "This low stance may be awkward initially, but make sure they crouch low and keep their heads up," says "Coaching Volleyball." Practice and repetition of the correct body position will lead to more consistent and accurate passes.
Platform for Passing Drills
A solid platform is important when executing a good pass during drills. It is created by first putting the dominant hand into a loose fist, then wrapping the other hand around the fist. The thumbs should be parallel and pressed downwards. This motion should help in straightening the arms and hyper-extending the elbows to create a flat and solid platform for passing. By dropping or raising the hips and shoulders, the passer is then able to angle the platform towards the target for the perfect pass. "The release angle of the ball coming off the forearms should be between 45 and 90 degree," says Bob Miller in "The Volleyball Handbook." In order for the correct platform to become second nature, it must be practiced and drilled.
Basic Passing Drill
The focus of this drill is to make sure the passer is centered behind the ball and has good forearm contact and follow through.
One person (tosser) stands at the net and the other person (passer) stands 10 feet apart. The passer should begin by getting in a low and balanced position ready to pass the ball. As the ball is released with an underhand toss from the tossing partner, the passer moves to be centered behind the ball and creates a solid platform. The passer should contact the ball in front of the hips and pass the ball back to the tosser. After 10 to 20 repetitions the passer and tosser should switch. This drill should be repeated till the passer becomes confident and consistent. Once successful with passing 10 feet apart, the players can move 15 and then 20 feet apart and repeat.
Advanced Passing Drill
The focus of this drill is to help the passer improve on accuracy, reflexes and quickness.
In this drill a coach will be hitting and throwing balls to the passer positioned on the court. The passer will be expected to cover as much court as possible and touch every ball put into play. The goal of the passer is to accurately pass as many balls as possible in one minute to the target. The coach can make this as easy or difficult as he wants by changing the tempo and position of the ball fed into the passer.
References
- "Coaching Volleyball"; Kinda S. Asher, Editor; 1997
- "The Volleyball Handbook"; Bob Miller; 2005
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