In the Asian tradition, the heart-shaped grip for passing is the first skill that any volleyball athlete learns.
The action of underhand passing, “bumping,” or simply digging a hard-driven volleyball requires the player to learn the classical hand grip of superimposing fingers, matching wrists, and pairing up both thumbs. This hand concept has been the hallmark of volleyball expertise across the world.
VOLLEYBALL PASSING 101
To better understand the importance of having a good hand grip, volleyball coaches need to teach their players that passing (underhand passing) is a solution with a huge array of variability that neutralizes the serves and allows the team to successfully set and attack the ball. Therefore, placing the hands together, getting behind the ball, or even passing in the "midline" represent steps to learn the reality of fast-paced serves and attacks that happen in the match.
The technical development of top volleyball players has been identified with this highly advanced and yet simple volleyball fundament. But it has not always been that way.
