Passing FUNDAMENTALS - How to PASS Volleyball Tutorial (part 1/6)

Summary

In this video, Coach Donnie from Elevate Yourself Warm teaches viewers how to effectively pass a volleyball using the platform technique, also known as bumping. The video covers essential aspects like body positioning, forming a solid platform, and passing to a target with precision. Key tips include maintaining a medium posture, using a one-motion platform, and emphasizing arm control over leg movement. Coach Donnie also provides practical drills to practice passing accuracy and stresses the importance of simplicity and control in every pass. Perfect for players looking to improve their passing game.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper stance starts with feet shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered for better stability and mobility.
• 😀 Bend your knees and lean your shoulders slightly forward to stay in a ready position, ensuring forward movement when passing.
• 😀 A relaxed posture is key—keep elbows bent and your body flexible to respond quickly to the ball.
• 😀 To form a solid platform, lock your fingers together, make sure your thumbs are parallel, and turn your elbows inward to flatten the platform.
• 😀 Always form your platform in one motion to ensure speed and consistency when passing the ball.
• 😀 The ideal contact point for the ball is just above your wrist, where your watch would be, to improve control.
• 😀 Use your arms predominantly for passing, relying on your legs only for positioning to avoid overpowered or uncontrolled passes.
• 😀 The passing motion should flow from your knees to your waist to your chest in a smooth 'wave' motion for maximum control.
• 😀 Minimize body movement when passing to maintain stability and control—aim for quiet, simple motions.
• 😀 Practice drills with a partner to refine your passing technique and improve platform stability and control.
• 😀 Consistent practice with focus on the details of your passing technique will greatly improve your overall volleyball game.

Q & A

What is the correct stance for passing a volleyball?

The correct stance involves having your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly staggered for better balance and movement. Your knees should be bent, and your body should be in a medium posture, with your shoulders positioned slightly ahead of your knees for forward motion.

Why is it important to have a staggered foot position when passing a volleyball?

A staggered foot position provides better lateral stability and mobility, allowing you to move forward, backward, and side-to-side more easily. It prevents you from getting flat-footed, which can limit your ability to adjust and pass effectively.

What does the term 'medium posture' mean in volleyball?

Medium posture refers to a balanced body position, where you are neither too straight nor too low. It's a comfortable and athletic stance that allows for optimal movement and flexibility when passing.

Why should your shoulders lean forward when passing?

Leaning your shoulders forward ensures that you are always moving toward the ball. Without this forward lean, you risk passing the ball upward rather than directing it toward the net, and you may also become flat-footed, limiting your mobility.

What are the key components of a solid platform when passing?

A solid platform requires locking your fingers together, ensuring your thumbs are parallel, and locking your elbows out. This creates a flat, stable surface for the ball to contact, improving control and accuracy.

How do you form a solid platform for passing the ball?

To form a solid platform, place one hand over the other with fingers crossed, touch your thumbs together, and turn your elbows inside out to create a flat surface. This will help avoid an uneven platform, which can cause the ball to go in unpredictable directions.

What is the importance of the one-motion platform formation?

The one-motion platform formation is crucial because it allows you to quickly position your hands and elbows in one fluid motion. This is essential in fast-paced volleyball, where there is little time to adjust or set up a two- or three-motion platform.

What is the ideal contact point on your body for passing the volleyball?

The ideal contact point is just above where you wear a watch, often referred to as the 'sweet spot.' This area provides the best control because it's neither too close (which affects depth perception) nor too low (which involves bones in your hands).

How should you pass the volleyball to the target?

To pass the ball to the target, your motion should start with your knees, make contact with the ball at your waist, and finish at your chest. This 'knee, waist, sternum' motion allows you to control the ball while minimizing unnecessary power.

Why is using your arms more effective than using your legs when passing a volleyball?

Using your arms allows for finer motor control and more precision when passing. Legs can add too much power, making the ball difficult to control. At high levels of play, players rely on their arms for accurate passing, using legs only for positioning or fluidity.

What drill can help you practice proper passing technique?

A good drill involves having a partner chest-pass the ball to your waist while you focus on executing the correct passing motion. The key is to minimize lower body movement and concentrate on the one-motion platform and fluid passing technique.

Why should you avoid excessive movement when passing a volleyball?

Excessive or loud movements can make it difficult to control the ball. A simpler, quieter passing motion allows for better precision and accuracy. The goal is to focus on the ball's direction and passing to the target with minimal unnecessary movement.