Equipment Needed
- Volleyballs
Keep balls in play
A multi-pack of training volleyballs keeps the forearm-pass progression moving without pausing to chase balls.
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- Partners stand 10–12 feet apart, one ball per pair.
- Begin with each player working individually on a self-toss.
Instructions
- Stage 1: self-toss and bump the ball straight up to yourself, focusing on a flat platform.
- Stage 2: partner tosses a soft, accurate feed for a controlled bump back to their hands.
- Stage 3: partner tosses slightly off-target, requiring a step to get the platform in line.
- Stage 4: continuous partner rally, bumping back and forth without catching.
Coaching Points
- The platform (forearms) should be flat and locked, not bent at the elbows, on every contact.
- Angle of the platform controls direction — teach players to aim with their shoulders, not just swing their arms.
- Move the feet to the ball at every stage; this progression fails fastest when players reach instead of stepping.
- Don't rush through the stages — a shaky stage 1 platform will only get worse once movement is added.
Variation
Add a target zone the passer must bump toward, or introduce a serve as the starting feed once stage 4 is consistent.