Amanda Knapp
The bounce pass is a fundamental skill in basketball, used to find a teammate in a crowded area. It is executed by throwing the ball at the floor so that it bounces to the intended receiver. This can be done with one or two hands, depending on the defender's positioning. A one-handed bounce pass is generally preferred as it allows for more freedom of movement and creativity when passing around defenders. To perform a one-handed bounce pass, players should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, bend their knees, and hold the ball at waist level with their elbows tucked in. They then step forward with their dominant foot, extend their arms, and snap their wrists to throw the ball forward and down into the floor, aiming for it to bounce three-quarters of the way to their teammate so that it rises to chest level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hands | One or two hands, depending on the defender |
| Distance | Short distances, with one opponent between you and your teammate |
| Stance | Step forward with either foot (preferably the dominant foot) |
| Body position | Push off with the back foot, keep the back straight, and slightly tilt the upper body forward |
| Ball position | Start with the ball at chest level |
| Wrists | Extend and snap the wrists to throw the ball forward and down |
| Ball bounce | Aim for the ball to bounce once, three-quarters of the way to your target |
| Target | Aim for the chest or waist area of the teammate |
| Variations | Between-the-legs pass, behind-the-back pass, backdoor cutting action |
| Use | When defender's hands are high, to avoid interception of an air pass |
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What You'll Learn
One-handed vs two-handed bounce passes
The basketball bounce pass is a fundamental skill for players to master. It can be performed with one or two hands, depending on the defensive situation. While a one-handed bounce pass is more common, it is important to learn the proper passing technique before deciding which type of pass to use in a game.
When performing a one-handed bounce pass, one side of the passer's body is free, allowing for greater movement and creativity when passing around defenders. This type of pass is useful for feeding the post, swinging the ball, or hitting a backdoor cutter. With a defender nearby, it can be challenging to execute a two-handed pass, as players typically use their opposite hand to pass while shielding the ball from defenders with their body.
To perform a one-handed bounce pass, players should step toward their intended target, ensuring that the ball follows the direction of their foot. This technique is especially crucial when a defender is between the passer and their teammate. A crisp pass is essential to avoid turnovers. Players can also use their eyes to fake out the defence, making them think the pass is intended for another teammate.
On the other hand, a two-handed bounce pass is executed by first holding the ball at chest level. The passer then steps toward their teammate and pushes the ball forward by flicking their wrists. This type of pass is most effective when there are no defenders nearby, as it can be challenging to execute with defensive pressure.
While the bounce pass is a valuable skill, it is important to recognise when to use it effectively. A bounce pass is typically slower than a direct chest pass, so players should assess whether a bounce pass is the best option before executing it. Bounce passes are most effective over short distances with a single opponent between the passer and their teammate. Additionally, the passer must consider the bounce's position, ensuring it reaches the optimal spot for their teammate to catch it.
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Using your eyes to move the defence
Using your eyes is a key way to move the defence when executing a bounce pass. This technique is especially useful when passing to a closely guarded player. By using your eyes, you can fake out the defence, making them think you're passing to another player. This is a great way to avoid committing unnecessary turnovers.
To master this skill, it's important to practice deception. Fake one way with your eyes, head movement, and arm positioning, and then throw the pass in another direction. This will keep the defence guessing and help you get the pass to its intended target.
In addition to using your eyes, the bounce pass itself is a powerful tool to move the defence. It is a fundamental passing technique that allows you to quickly move the ball past defenders. By bouncing the ball off the floor, you can bypass defenders who are blocking chest-high passes. This makes the bounce pass a versatile and effective option when facing zone defences.
When executing the bounce pass, aim for a point on the floor that is about two-thirds or three-quarters of the way between you and your teammate. This will cause the ball to rise to chest level, making it easier for your teammate to receive the pass. Practicing this technique through drills will help you build muscle memory and refine your passing skills.
By combining deceptive eye movements with the strategic use of the bounce pass, you can effectively move the defence and create new scoring opportunities. It is a powerful skill that can outsmart defenders and take your game to the next level.
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When to use a bounce pass
A bounce pass is particularly useful when an opponent is standing between you and your teammate, and you want to avoid their arm or body blocking a chest pass. In this situation, you can use your feet to step around the defender and throw a bounce pass so that the ball touches the floor right next to the defender. This makes it difficult for them to intercept, and it also puts the ball in an optimal position for your teammate to catch.
Bounce passes are best used over short distances with a single opponent between you and your teammate. This is because they are slower than a direct chest pass, so you should always use a chest pass when possible and save the bounce pass for when it is needed.
When throwing a bounce pass to a teammate who is on the move, you need to predict their future position and aim your pass to where they will be, rather than where they are at that moment.
The bounce pass is also useful when defenders have their hands high, making it challenging to throw an air pass through their defence. In this case, the bounce pass can go below the hands of the defenders, penetrating gaps in their defence and creating a high-percentage scoring opportunity.
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How to hold and throw the ball
To perform a bounce pass, you can use one or two hands, depending on the situation. A one-handed pass is more common, as it allows for more freedom of movement and creativity when passing around defenders. With one side of your body free, you can shield the ball from defenders with your body and use your opposite hand to throw the pass.
To execute a two-handed bounce pass, start with the ball at your chest, take a step forward with your dominant foot, and push off with your back foot while releasing the ball with both hands. Keep your back straight and slightly lean your upper body forward for maximum power. As you step forward, extend your arms and snap your wrists to throw the ball forward and down into the floor, bouncing it to your teammate. Finish with your arms in front, at thigh height.
When releasing the ball, both thumbs should point towards the floor to ensure maximum power behind your pass. The ball should bounce once before your teammate catches it, ideally at chest or waist level. The bounce pass is generally thrown over short distances, and you should be mindful of whether it is the best option before throwing it.
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Where the ball should bounce
The placement of the bounce pass is crucial and will depend on the position of the defender and your teammate. If there is a defender between you and your teammate, you want the ball to touch the floor right next to the defender. This makes it difficult for them to intercept and minimizes the chance of a turnover. The ball should ideally bounce at chest height for your teammate to easily catch it.
If there is no defender and you are passing over a longer distance, the ball should bounce approximately two-thirds of the way to your target. This ensures the pass reaches its target as quickly as possible.
If your teammate is on the move, you will need to predict their future position and adjust the lead of the pass accordingly. The amount of lead will increase with distance.
Remember, the bounce pass is best used over short distances with a single opponent between you and your teammate. It is slower than a direct chest pass, so always use chest passes when possible and save the bounce pass for situations where it is needed.
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Frequently asked questions
A bounce pass is a very common skill used in basketball where the ball is thrown forward and down to bounce off the floor to a teammate.
There are different ways to do a bounce pass, but here are the basics:
- Start with the ball in both hands at chest level.
- Step forward with one foot, pushing off with your back foot.
- As you step forward, release the ball with both hands, flicking your wrists so your thumbs point towards the floor.
- Keep your elbows in at your sides and your back straight, tilting your upper body forward for maximum power.
A bounce pass is best used in tight spaces when there is a defender between you and your teammate. It is slower than a direct chest pass, so you should use a chest pass when possible and save the bounce pass for situations where a defender might block a chest pass.
Practice makes perfect! You'll get better at judging how much lead you need through practice and experience. Remember to always take a quick moment to consider whether a bounce pass is your best option before throwing it.
