The bump, more properly called the forearm pass, allows you to return volleyball serves and attacking shots by the opponent. Along with the serve, the bump is one of the most important skills in volleyball, writes University of Delaware head coach Bonnie Kenny in "Volleyball: Steps to Success." You can learn to bump naturally as a means to square away your defense, create a foundation for your offense and rack up points.
Basics
Step 1
Stand with your nondominant leg forward and your dominant leg back. Elevate your heels slightly so you are on the balls of your feet, able to move left or right to reach the volleyball.
Step 2
Extend your arms straight out in front of you so your elbows are straight to create a flat area on which the ball can land. Align your forearms as close to each other as possible to create a firm and strong surface to handle the ball.
Step 3
Hold your dominant hand on top and cradle your subordinate hand underneath. Stick your nondominant thumb between your dominant hand's thumb and index finger and grasp the nondominant thumb firmly.
Step 4
Point your arms in the direction of the target. Point your fingers toward floor.
Step 5
Bend your knees to keep your buttocks down. Avoid standing up tall, as all of your momentum comes from the legs, notes Jennifer Dugas, a physical educator at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Drills
Step 1
Stand 15 feet from a partner to practice bumps and develop a natural ease with them. Have the partner toss the volleyball in an arc 10 feet above the ground and dropping toward you.
Step 2
Bump the ball at a spot on your forearms 3 to 4 inches above your wrist. Pass the ball in a gentle arc back to your partner. Keep your arms from rising above your chest, which sends the ball behind you. Lean forward to shift your weight as you receive the volleyball ball to send it forward. Try to repeat 100 bumps per person.
Step 3
Repeat the hitting drill but pass the ball to yourself -- bumping it straight up in the air -- before passing it to your partner.
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