Basketball Passing Techniques

Aim: To improve your passing

Passing is the most overlooked part of the game. However a good passing side can threaten any defense because of the ability to find any teammate at any time. There are 6 basic shots which we cover in more detail below.

The main reasons for passing the ball are: To get out of trouble - if stuck in a corner, or crowded area. To start a fast break - passing is much quicker than dribbling To create a scoring opportunity To keep possession

Points to Remember: Understanding why we pass the ball will improve a players ability as a playmaker, through better anticipation, faking, accuracy, touch, force, deceptiveness, timing, and judgment.

Keep the basket in sight -this enables players to see the court infront of them, along with defenders and teammates positions.

Be sure about the pass - Make sure that there is a high percentage chance of the pass reaching its destination, otherwise hold on to the ball until a clear opportunity to pass presents itself.

Make all passes good - accurate passes keep the team moving forward quickly. Fake it sometimes - but try not to make it obvious. Pass to teammates outside hand - this will be furthest away from the defender, and

give a teammate the best chance to cut in, and pivot after catching the ball. Make passing the first thought - a pass is faster than dribbling, so this should be the

first choice. Bring the defender in - so they dont have time to read or intercept the pass. Weight of passes - long passes need more force, than short passes. Timing of passes - if a teammate is on a run judge when and where to pass so they

run onto the pass and dont need to stop or go back after it. Anticipate a teammates movement - pass to a teammate when and where they can

hurt the opposition.

1. Chest Pass

Aim: To improve the chest pass technique

Technique: This is the simplest, and most used pass in basketball, probably because it is often the most accurate, and quick pass, but also it can be used from just about anywhere on the court.

The first thing players need to do when they receive the ball is place their hands each side and slightly behind the ball, with their fingers comfortably spread. The ball should be held

in front of the chest with the elbows tucked in. Maintaining a balanced stance with feet shoulder width apart is also important when trying to control the pass.

The next stage is to locate the target, but try not to look directly at it, as this would make it easier for opponents to read and intercept the pass. Maybe introduce a fake pass or look in another direction before passing to try and deceive a defender.

The next phase is executing the chest pass, here players need to step in the direction of the pass, through extending their legs, back, and arms, this will create the majority of the power needed. The wrist and fingers should then be forced through the ball to create more power, and help guide the ball to the target. Make sure the ball is released off the first and second fingers of both hands, and follow through to finish up with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and palms facing the floor.

Common Faults:

Pass misses the target: This often occurs when a players dominant hand overpowers the weak hand, as the ball travels in the direction the fingers send it. It can also occur if players do not square up to the target correctly. Concentrate on forcing the weak hand through the ball and lining up correctly with the target.

Pass falls short: This usually occurs when players don't create maximum force by stepping into the shot and extending the legs, back, and arms. Push the wrists and fingers through the ball. Concentrate on over exaggerating all these actions even on short passes.

2. Baseball Pass

Technique: This is most often used when passing over a long distance, or to start a fast break.

Start in a balanced stance with feet shoulder width apart. Players should use the back foot to pivot on, and turn the body to the side which they are going to pass from. Place the passing hand behind the ball and the non-passing hand in front of it, with fingers comfortably spread. The ball should be held up to the ear, elbows should be tucked in and the weight should be kept on the back foot.

The next stage is to locate the target, but try not to look directly at it, as this would make it easier for opponents to read and intercept the pass. Maybe introduce a fake pass or look in another direction before passing to try and deceive a defender.

The next phase is executing the baseball pass, here a player needs to step in the direction of the pass, through extending the legs, back, and arms, this will create the majority of the power needed. The wrist and fingers should then be flexed to release the ball off the first and second fingers of both hands. Keep both hands on the ball until the release. Then follow through to finish up with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and palms facing down.

Common Faults:Pass lacks accuracy: This often occurs if the passing hand is placed to the side of the ball instead of behind it, or players do not point their fingers at the target on release. Concentrate on hand placement, and point at the target.

3. Bounce Pass

Aim: To improve the bounce pass technique.

Technique: This is most often used when the player in possession has a defender trying to block their pass, and is standing between them and their target. The reason a bounce pass is used in this situation is because players can bounce the ball under a defender's arm. However it does have one drawback, it is slower than a chest pass because the ball has to travel further and loses some speed when hitting the floor.

The technique is much the same as the chest pass. So the first thing players need to do when they receive the ball is place their hands each side and slightly behind the ball, with the fingers comfortably spread. The ball should be held at waist height, with the elbows tucked in. Maintaining a balanced stance with feet shoulder width apart is also important when trying to control the pass.

The next stage is to locate the target, but try not to look directly at it, as this would make it easier for opponents to read and intercept the pass. Maybe introduce a fake pass or look in another direction before passing to try and deceive a defender.

The next phase is executing the bounce pass, here players need to step in the direction of the pass, through extending their legs, back, and arms, this will create the majority of the power needed. The wrist and fingers should then be forced through the ball to create more power, and help guide the ball to the target. Make sure the ball is released off the first and second fingers of both hands. It is usually advised that when performing the bounce pass players aim to bounce the ball about two/thirds of the way to the target. Then follow through to finish up with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and palms facing the floor.

Common Faults:

Pass is too high and slow: This error usually occurs if the ball is held too high or the bounce is too far from the receiver. Concentrate on holding the ball at waist height, and aiming the ball closer to the target.

4. Overhead Pass

Aim: To improve the overhead pass technique.

Technique: This is most often used when players have a defender closely guarding them, or as a long distance pass to start a fast break. The reason an overhead pass is used in these situations is because it enables players to pass the ball over the top of defenders.

The first thing a player needs to do when they receive the ball is to place their hands each side and slightly behind the ball, with the fingers comfortably spread. The ball should be held above the forehead, with the elbows flexed at about a right angle and tucked in. Maintaining a balanced stance with feet shoulder width apart is also important when trying to control the pass.

The next stage is to locate the target, but try not to look directly at it, as this would make it easier for opponents to read and intercept the pass. Maybe introduce a fake pass or look in another direction before passing to try and deceive a defender.

The next phase is executing the overhead pass, here players need to step in the direction of the pass, through extending the legs, back, and arms, this will create the majority of the power needed. The wrist and fingers should then be flexed to release the ball off the first and second fingers of both hands. Then follow through to finish up with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and palms facing the floor.

Common Faults:

Pass lacks power: This error usually occurs if the ball is held behind the head, and players do not extend their legs, back, and arms enough. Concentrate on these phases of the pass to eliminate the error.

Pass lacks accuracy: This often occurs if the strong hand is too dominant, or players do not point their fingers at the target on release. Concentrate on emphasizing the weak hand.

Ball gets stolen: This usually occurs when the ball is held behind the head, an opposing player can steal the ball from the hands. Concentrate on holding the ball above the forehead, as to not break the plane of the body.

5. Behind the Back Pass

Aim: To improve the behind the back pass technique

Technique: This is most often used by advanced players when a defender runs head on at them, because it allows them a bit more time to pass the ball to a teammate.

Start in a balanced stance with feet shoulder width apart. Players should use their back foot to pivot on, and turn their body to the side which they are going to pass from. Place the passing hand behind the ball and the non-passing hand in front of it, with fingers comfortably spread. The ball should be moved behind the hip, and the weight should be kept on the back foot.

The next stage is to locate the target, but try not to look directly at it, as this would make it

easier for opponents to read and intercept the pass. Maybe introduce a fake pass or look in another direction before passing to try and deceive a defender.

The next phase is executing the baseball pass, here the player needs to step in the direction of the pass, switch their weight to their front foot, and extend their legs, back, and passing arm, this will create the majority of the power needed. The wrist and fingers should then be flexed to release the ball off the first and second finger of the passing hand. Keep both hands on the ball until it is released. Pass the ball behind the back, then follow through to finish up with the arm fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and palms facing up.

Common Faults:

Taking the non-passing hand off too soon: When this occurs players lose some control of the pass, and may miss the target. Concentrate on keeping both hands on the ball whilst placing it behind the hip and until the release.

6. Sidearm Pass

Aim: To improve the sidearm pass technique

Technique: This is most often used when a player has a defender closely guarding them, and have to pass around them. The execution of the sidearm pass is very similar to that of the overhead pass, with the exception of the positioning of the ball.

When attempting a sidearm pass players need to place their hands each side, and slightly behind the ball when they receive it. Their fingers should be comfortably spread. The ball should be held between the shoulder and hip, and to one side of the body. The players elbows should be tucked in and they should maintain a balanced stance with feet shoulder width apart. Keep the ball in front of the body.

The next stage is to locate the target, but try not to look directly at it, as this would make it easier for opponents to read and intercept the pass. Maybe introduce a fake pass or look in another direction before passing to try and deceive a defender.

The next phase is executing the sidearm pass, here players need to step in the direction of the pass, through extending the legs, back, and arms, this will create the majority of the power needed. The wrist and fingers should then be flexed to release the ball off the first and second fingers of both hands. Then follow through to finish up with the arms fully extended, fingers pointing at the target and palms facing out to the side.This pass can also be executed with just one hand.

Common Faults:Pass lacks power: This error usually occurs if the ball is held behind the body, and players do not extend their legs, back, and arms enough. Concentrate on these phases of the pass to eliminate the error.

Pass lacks accuracy: This often occurs if the strong hand is too dominant, or players do not point the fingers at the target on release. Concentrate on emphasizing the weak hand, and point at the target. Ball gets stolen: This usually occurs when the ball is held behind the body, as an opposing player can steal the ball from a players hands. Concentrate on holding the ball out to the side, but as to not break the plane of the body.