Bump hitting is the most basic and essential skill in volleyball. Bumps are used to hit the ball under the head and are usually used as the first touch when receiving a serve or a counter stroke. If you want to be good at playing volleyball, you have to master the bumps so you can receive and pass the ball at the same time.
Step
Step 1. Take a position
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly leaning forward. Knees should be slightly bent, ready to move both legs. The hands are brought together in the final moments before the ball comes to you; when you approach the ball, one hand with the other is about 15 cm apart. Put the two together when the ball is pointing at you. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to maneuver into the right position to hit.
Step 2. Create a foundation with both arms
The platform becomes the area between the wrists and elbows as a "fitting place" in hitting the ball. To create a foundation, the most important thing to do is to grip each other's hands properly, while lifting both arms in front, slightly below the waist, with both shoulders arched. Clasp both hands in front of you, with your thumbs next to each other. Don't cross your fingers, as this will make it difficult to control the ball.
- You can make a fist with one hand and wrap it in the other (the clenching method). Or bend one thumb into the palm of the hand and place it on the palm of the other hand (the facing method), so that it is like looking up with the other hand.
- If using the holding method, both thumbs should be parallel to each other. In addition, the four fingers on each hand must also be parallel to each other.
- Remember to always lock your elbows and bend your knees.
Step 3. Use both legs
Using your knees, as well as both arms, push the ball. If you're 12 years old and under, you can feel the benefits of bending your knees. Both feet become stronger and gain momentum to guide the ball.
Step 4. Hit the ball with both arms
Position yourself to hit the ball with both arms. Otherwise you will not be able to direct the ball properly and may make mistakes. This can be a bit tricky when the ball comes at you from an unexpected angle. But don't forget to always position yourself so that the ball hits both arms with equal force. That way, you can aim and hit it properly.
Step 5. Go in the direction of the ball so that it drops right in front of you
Of course you can bump while backtracking. But you should also make sure to make contact with the ball in front of you (you may have to move away from the net). Turn your shoulders and front of your body towards the ball for the best results.
If you don't want the ball to come right back, swing your arms or lift them above your shoulders. If you must return the ball, slowly swing your arms back and forth, just enough
Step 6. Pass the ball
Keep an eye on the ball. Follow the ball's trajectory as it drops down and even when hitting it. Make contact with the ball around the waist. When the ball is directly above your arms, straighten your legs so that your arms make contact with the ball. Try to make contact with both forearms (above the hands but below the elbows). At the same time, move your arms slightly forward and into the air, but don't swing your arms. Unlike most people think, most of the power should come from both legs.
Step 7. Aim at the ball
Twist your shoulders to aim for the ball. You won't be able to actually aim with both forearms. The reason is, you have to keep both of them flat in order to provide a good foundation in receiving the ball. So, it's better to move from both shoulders, so that the arms stay together and move as a unit. Ideally, you'll be able to stand parallel to the ball (pointing both feet toward the target), so you just need to hit it straight ahead. Remember to aim the ball slightly to the right from the center of the net, because that's where the setters stand.
You should lower your shoulders and put weight on the ball moving towards the target. Use the ground on both arms to help aim the ball
Step 8. Keep an eye on the ball after bumping it
Look at the ball with both eyes, not the whole body. Also try to keep your chin down, as this will give you more control over the ball. Some trainers even tell you to bite down on your collar to keep your chin down.
As soon as you release the ball, separate your hands. But keep a distance of about 15 cm to anticipate the next movement of the ball and be ready to hit the ball
Tips
- Try not to "swing" both arms when passing the ball. This can lead to "wild" bait. The arms should not cross the shoulder height limit. So try to stand parallel to the ball, so you can hit it straight ahead. If that's not possible, lower your shoulders to aim.
- Make sure to STAND LOW. This is the most important aspect of volleyball. Keeping the body low will increase control and power.
- It takes practice to learn bumps. A good way to practice this is to hit as many volleyballs against the wall as you can in a row.
- Don't be afraid to chase the ball and dive. However, if you have to chase the ball, don't run with your hands together. This will make the run sluggish and fail to hit the ball in time.
- If the ball is coming at you quickly, you may not need to exert as much force when you bump. (Let the ball hit both arms and guide the direction by pointing both feet at the target).
- If you're playing with more than three people, call out yourself who will hit the ball by shouting "ME!", so they don't bump into each other.
- Remember, always keep your arms straight and parallel. If you tilt your arms slightly, the ball will bounce straight at the angles of your arms. This method can be done intentionally to hit the ball towards your partner. Make sure you're able to hit the bump in a straight line, so you can have more control over the direction of the ball when you hit it in a match.
- Always calm and focused.
- Do not lean forward or backward when receiving the ball; the ball will be out of control. Bend both knees and do a jump-step forward or backward. Lean only in critical situations, such as when running fast to catch a ball that is hit wide.
- You can get extra power when you bump by channeling your weight forward as you hit the ball.
- You can use a bump to get the ball through the net. But in more advanced levels, the bumb is usually used to control and position the ball for sets and spikes.
Warning
- If you have flabby skin or thin arms, you're more likely to feel sore forearms when you hit the ball a few times. Do not worry. If you can hold it in, you will get used to it and the pain will go away.
- Make sure not to cross your fingers. This can result in injury if the ball accidentally hits your hand.
- Do not lift or "carry" the ball. Bump should mean hitting fast. If the ball is in contact with the body for too long, you can be considered a foul and lose points.
- Don't hit the ball with your hands. Many people say how painful it is to play volleyball. But this is usually because they hit the ball with their hands. After all, hands can't be a good, flat foundation. Bumping with your hands will make the ball bounce wildly.
- Don't cross your thumbs under any circumstances, because you could break your bones if you bump like this.
