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.

Chest pass

This is the simplest, and most used pass in basketball, probably because it is often the most accurate.

Bounce pass

This is most often used when the player in possession has a defender trying to block their pass.

Overhead pass

This is most often used when players have a defender closely guarding them.

Sidearm pass

This is most often used when a player has a defender closely guarding them, and have to pass around them.

Baseball pass

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

Behind the Back pass

This is most often used by advanced players when a defender runs head on at them.

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 posession

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.