To become an effective passer, volleyball players must learn how to read serves, how to get into proper passing position to receive the ball and how to feed their setters with both forearm and overhead techniques. Volleyball becomes a power game at the higher levels, forcing players to pass the ball from all sorts of body angles.
The Ready Position
Step one is being prepared to receive the ball. Players should start in an athletic position with knees flexed, weight on the balls of their feet and body relaxed. Feet should be slightly wider than shoulders. You must be ready to move quickly to get into passing position.
Read, React, Move and Adjust
Players must read the ball off the server's hand to see if it is spinning or floating. They must get into position to receive and pass the ball. You should step first with the foot closest to the ball. To pass a floating serve, you must bend your knees only slightly since the ball is arriving on a straight line. To pass a topspin serve, drop into a crouching position or put one knee on the ground. To make a forearm pass to the right, take the ball outside your body's frame while dropping the right shoulder. To make a forearm pass to the left, take the ball outside your body's frame while dropping the left shoulder. To pass the ball straight, take the ball at the midline of the body while facing the target.
Forearm Passing Technique
While preparing to make a forearm pass, you should have your knees flexed, with your weight on the balls of your feet and one foot slightly ahead of the other. Florida volleyball coach Mary Wise notes in her instructional video that proper arm position includes "hands together, fat part of the thumbs together, wrists down." The ball should be hit with the forearm, not the wrist or hands. This passing "platform" is adjusted to the angle of the serve. On topspin serves, for instance, the arms should be parallel to the ground to get under the ball. You shouldn't swing your arms at the ball -- let your hips, legs and shoulder direct the ball. And your head should remain still.
Overhead Passing
This skill is becoming more important in the game. As Strength-and-Power-for-Volleyball.com notes, "Since it is legal to have multiple contacts in a single attempt to play the ball on a team's first contact, coaches are utilizing volleyball skills for overhand passing more than ever." You should have your hands firm and close together. Have your feet spread with shoulders, hips and knees facing the target. Your fingers and hands should push straight through the ball while passing. You should contact the ball in front of your face or above your forehead. The contact is more firm than with a set, with less touch.
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