One thing you will see when you watch successful teams is the importance that those teams put on good passing. Passing is the single most important part of any offense-oriented style of volleyball. Good passing allows the setter the opportunity to deliver a good set, which gives the hitter the best chance of going one-on-one against a blocker at the net. Quite simply, passing starts the play and dictates the team's success. Without good passing, the setter becomes a sprinter, sprinting all over the court to get the poor passes. Without good passing, the hitters will probably end up facing two blockers instead of one blocker. Want to help your team, your setter, your hitters? Make a good pass.

What exactly is a good pass? It is easier to describe a good pass than it is to accomplish. Your goal should be to place the ball one to three feet off the net, nine to twelve feet above the floor, and seven to twelve feet from the right sideline (attack zone 4). Use these dimensions to visualize a precise target.  This mental image of a bull's eye near the net can help you focus on where the ball should go and guide your arms, legs, and upper body as you make the pass. Pass the ball to this spot every time and your team will develop into a precise offensive machine.

Any deviation from this target causes big problems. If the ball is passed too low, the hitters won't be able to react, especially the middle or quick hitter. One of the goals in your offensive strategy should be to run an effective middle attack, and that can only be accomplished with precise passing. If the pass is too high, then the offensive tempo slows down. If the pass is too far off the net, the setter must run the ball down and this leaves only one offensive attack option, high and outside. Remember, "that to pass to the target is the best feeling you can have."

One thing you can do to become a more consistent passer is to develop a passing mentality.  Great passers have a mental attitude that allows them to focus and come through with the perfect pass time after time.

First, you must strive for absolute perfection. Don't settle for anything less than a perfect pass. Every single pass has to be perfect. Volleyball is a precise game, and if you start with a perfect pass you will give your teammates the best opportunity to complete the remaining two contacts with a set and a kill.

Secondly, OVER-COMMUNICATE and WORK TOGETHER. Talk on every serve, whether it's your ball or your teammate's.

Third, study the other team's servers and learn their tendencies.  And lastly, don't think about hitting until after the pass is made! For best results, concentrate on one phase of the game at a time.

Regarding technique, by now you have learned to properly pass a volleyball. You know how to form a good platform with your arms (eyes on the ball, hands together with the arms straight in front of your stomach, thumbs pointing down to the floor, and shrug shoulders!!) You have learned not to swing your arms, but rather to use your lower body to pass and your upper body to direct the ball. Footwork is a special focus. It is everything since volleyball requires you to be able to play the ball at all levels and all directions. Start with your arms out in front and then move to the ball. Don't take anything for granted. React as soon as possible, and don't wait for the ball to cross the net.

Passing with the proper footwork is very important. Move to the ball, and see your passing improve. Passing is an art in itself. Whenever possible, study the great passers. Notice that they operate in a zone of complete intensity and concentration. Watch how early they react, how quickly they move, how well they communicate with their teammates. Developing this skill takes time-lots of time, lots of practice and a tightly focused attitude. Work on your passing. Concentrate on the passing mentality. Watch your game and your team's effectiveness improve