Bump (Pass) – Set – Hit (Spike)
Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in the world, making it to the Olympic scene in
1964. Volleyball was developed in 1895 as a less strenuous alternative to basketball. It is often
played with six players to a team, in an indoor or outdoor court, on grass or on the beach.
Bumping, setting and spiking are fundamental techniques for playing volleyball.
Bumping
A bump is performed when a player wants to pass the ball to his teammate or over the net to
the opposing team. A bump pass occurs when a player hits the ball using his forearms. To bump
a ball, keep your feet a little farther than shoulders' width a part, bend your knees so that you
are sitting low and as the ball approaches make sure that it is far enough away to hit at your
forearms. Push up with the legs to let the ball bounce off your forearms. Avoid swinging your
arms.
Setting
A set is the act of positioning the ball so that a teammate can spike it over the net. This move is
often performed by a designated setter, whose job is to set her teammates up for an attack. To
set, your hands should be positioned above your head with your index fingers and thumbs
together. When the ball comes in contact with your hands it should touch your fingers and
never your palm. Keep your wrists flexible, and catch the ball with you fingers then use them to
force the ball back high into the air.
Spike
A spike is the act of striking the ball with great force into the opponents court. A kill occurs
when the opponent is unable to rally the ball over the net after the opposing team has spiked.
To spike a volleyball, attack the net by stepping with your left foot, then right foot, and then
step again with your left foot to get low. Swing your arms back and lift your body into the air
while raising your elbow to your ear to allow hit the face of the volleyball downward over the
net.
Peppering
One of the best ways to practice bumping, setting and spiking without a net is by peppering
with another player or against the wall. With another player have one person toss the ball for
the other to pass. After the person passes the ball, the other person sets it into the air so that
the opposing person can spike to be passed. Repeat this exercise for as long as possible without
letting the ball touch the ground.