Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Catching the ball in volleyball, also known as a pass or bump, is the most basic and essential volleyball skill. The catch is used to pass a ball through to torso height, on your platform as most volleyball players would call it, and is usually used as the first touch to receive a serve or to receive a hard offensive hit. If you want to master volleyball, you will also need to learn to pass, as this is the most fundamental technique in this sport.

To step

1. Keep your eye on the ball after you hit it. Follow the ball with your eyes, not your whole body, and try to keep your chin down as that gives you more control over the ball. Some coaches will even have you put the collar of your shirt in your mouth to keep your chin down.
   • When you release the ball, move your hands apart, but still keep them spaced a half foot or so apart in advance of the ball's next movement and be ready to hit the volleyball.

Tips

• Stay calm and focus.
• Don't be afraid to run or dive for the ball. However, if you have the ball runs, do not run with your hands together. Otherwise you will not be able to run fast enough and you will miss the ball.
• If the ball is coming towards you quickly, you may not need to put as much force into the catch (just let the ball touch your arms and direct it by pointing your feet towards your goal).
• Stay low. This is important in most aspects of volleyball. Staying low will improve your control and strength.
• Practice and persistence are certainly necessary when learning how to catch the ball. A good way to practice is to hit a volleyball against a wall as many times as possible in a row.
• Never swing your arms. Otherwise, you have no control over where the ball goes. If you tilt your arms and use your leg power instead, you will get a great pass!
• Do not cup your hands as this action gives the pass too much power and causes the ball to go out of the field.
• You can put more power into your pass by shifting your weight forward as you hit the ball.
• When moving to punch or pass the ball, make sure your feet are firmly on the ground before hitting the ball.
• If you are playing with more than three people, you can ask for the ball by shouting "MY!" To avoid running into each other.

Warnings

• Never cross your thumbs as you may end up with broken bones that way.
• If you have delicate skin or bony arms, your forearms are likely to hurt after hitting the ball a few times. Don't worry - if you've practiced this a few times, you will get used to it and it won't hurt anymore.
• Do not hit the ball with your hands. Many people think that playing volleyball is a painful thing, but it is usually because they catch the ball on their hands. Plus, hands don't make a good flat platform, and your pass will likely go in all directions.
• Avoid crossing your fingers. This can lead to injury if the ball accidentally hits your hands.
• You may not lift and "carry" the ball. Catching the ball should be a short tap. If the ball stays in contact with your body for too long, you can make a mistake and lose a point.