How to Pass a Volleyball

Sergio and Murilo getting ready for the pass.

Passing the Serve

Which skill excites you the most in a game of volleyball? For most people, it’s the hard swings. But the success of the attack is dependent on a good pass. Passing is a skill I focus the most on during practices because a team’s success is limited without good passes at least 80% of the time, regardless of how good your attackers are. Ball control wins matches, and this article will go over improving your passing consistency.

Preparing for the Pass

First, you need to be in what I call the athletic position before the serve. Spread your feet a bit wider than the shoulders while maintaining balance. Be on the balls of your feet to help you move faster to the ball. Serves are getting faster year by year and a fraction of a second is crucial when you’re getting ready to pass.

Once the ball is served, adjust your feet and be ready to pass the serve coming towards you. Most likely the serve won’t come right at you so be ready to move your feet. Most athletes – especially less experienced players – will move towards the ball after it crosses the net. But by that time, it’s too late to make any adjustments so be ready to move to the ball.

Have your flat platform out early.

Seeing the Server

Key thing to remember is to really see the server. Some players are delayed when preparing to pass and I usually find that the problem comes from players not being able to see the server. Thus, the best way to prepare for the serve is to analyze the serve quickly and to start moving as soon as the ball leaves the server’s hands.

The Platform

After positioning yourself with your feet, you need to have a “flat” platform with elbows locked when you contact the ball, and have it out early. Many players have their platforms so close to their bodies that they have no other way to deflect the ball but to swing their arms. You need to avoid swinging your arms if you want to have more ball control. Any necessary movements for passing should come from your lower body instead of from your platform.

Tom drops her right shoulder passing from the left.

Contacting the Ball

Now that you’re in the athletic position with your platform “out”, contact the ball and direct it to the setter. The way I like to teach my players is to have them use their shoulders to finalize the movement and guide the ball.

For example, if you are passing from the left (position 5), drop your right shoulder to guide the ball towards your setter. If you’re passing from the middle (position 6), drop your right shoulder but less than you would on the left side. And if you’re passing from the right (position 1), the setter is pretty much directly in front of you, so slightly bring your left shoulder down.

Using your shoulders, you can guide the pass straight to the setter’s hands and you should be very happy you delivered a good pass to your setter. If you’re a libero, your job is complete. And If you are an outside hitter, get up there and score off your pass!

To recap, here are key points to remember when passing: