Kristian Ferrell
Passing is an essential skill in basketball, and the chest pass is one of the first techniques young players learn. It is a fast way of getting the ball to a teammate, but it has drawbacks, such as being easier to intercept. To chest pass, you should stand with your feet parallel, about shoulder-width apart, and hold the ball with both hands at chest height. You then take a step towards your teammate with your dominant foot and throw the ball, keeping your elbows tucked in. You can also perform a one-handed chest pass, which is useful when a defender is close by, and you need to shield the ball with your body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pass | Two-handed, one-handed |
| Use case | When players are not tightly guarded by a defender |
| Starting position | Ball at chest |
| Movement | Step toward your teammate |
| Throwing motion | Extend arms away from the chest, flick the wrist so that thumbs point down and palms face out |
| Target area | Chest level |
| Eyes | On the target (increases accuracy but also helps the defense predict the pass) |
| Distance | Not ideal for long distances |
| Feet | Parallel to one another, shoulder-width apart |
| Elbow position | Tucked in |
| Follow-through | Crucial for accuracy and power |
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What You'll Learn
When to use a chest pass
The chest pass is the most basic pass in basketball and is usually the first thing a young basketball player learns. It is also one of the most common passes, along with the overhead pass. It is simple to execute and forms the foundation for more advanced passing techniques.
The chest pass is best used when you want to get the ball to your teammate quickly, as it travels in a straight line. It is not ideal for close-range passes, as it will be difficult for your teammate to handle and easier for defenders to intercept. It is also not ideal for long-distance passes, as it will be difficult to keep the pass hard and flat.
Chest passes are best used when players are not tightly guarded by a defender. In such cases, you can start with the ball at your chest and step toward your teammate. As you step, fling the ball by extending your arms away from your chest and flicking your wrist so your thumbs point down and your palms face out. You want the ball to fly through the air so that your teammate can catch it at chest level.
If a defender is closely guarding you, it is more difficult to throw a two-handed chest pass. In such cases, it is better to use your body to shield the ball from the defender and use your opposite hand to throw a one-handed chest pass.
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How to grip the basketball
To perform a chest pass, you need to grip the basketball firmly, but not too tightly. Hold the ball at chest level, with your fingers spread wide on either side and your thumbs behind the ball. Your fingertips should be pointing towards your chin, and your elbows should be bent and tucked in close to your body. Avoid palming the ball, as this can lead to inaccuracies and turnovers.
When gripping the basketball, place your hands on the sides of the ball, with a firm grip, but not too tight. You should grip the ball with the finger pads and have your fingers slightly bent. There should be a small pocket of space between your palm and the ball. This is important because if you grip the ball too tightly, or rest it on your palms, the speed, velocity, and power of your pass will be affected.
The chest pass is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it is important to master the correct form and grip before practising with moving targets. It is a versatile pass, used for short to mid-range passes, and can be used to feed the post, swing the ball around the perimeter, or throw a backdoor pass.
If you are throwing a one-handed chest pass, you can grip the ball on the side with one hand and bring it behind your head. With a forward motion, release the ball towards your target.
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Footwork and body positioning
As you step forward, bring the ball up to your chest with both hands, keeping your elbows tucked in. You can then use your wrists to fling the ball towards your target, ensuring your thumbs point down and your palms face out. This will give your pass speed and accuracy.
If you're passing to a shooter, aim for their torso, which is the "shot pocket" for most basketball players. If your teammate is moving, try to predict where they will be and pass to that spot. This will keep them in rhythm as they make their next move.
It's also important to be aware of your opponents. Most defenders will watch your eyes to predict where you're going to throw the ball. To avoid this, you can look in one direction and then pass in another. This will throw off your opponent and decrease the chance of your pass being intercepted.
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Throwing the pass
To throw a two-handed chest pass, start with the ball at your chest, with your elbows tucked in and your feet parallel, about shoulder-width apart. Take a step towards your teammate with your dominant foot and throw the ball, following through with your arms and wrists. You want the ball to fly through the air so that your teammate can catch it at chest level.
For a one-handed chest pass, the same rules apply, but you will use one hand to throw the ball, and you may need to use your body to shield the ball from defenders. You can also add a dribble to your chest pass, pushing the ball towards your teammate as it comes up from the ground, without setting up the pass.
To throw a chest pass to a shooter, aim for the torso, or "shot pocket". If your teammate is moving, you will need to predict where they will be and aim for that spot. A pass outside the target can be caught, but it will slow your teammate down, giving the defence time to adjust.
To throw a "no-look" pass, look in one direction and pass in another. This will throw off your opponent and decrease the chance of the ball being intercepted.
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Faking out the defence
Firstly, understand the basics of defence. Defenders will typically try to stay between you and the basket, limiting your options. They will also try to predict your movements by watching your eyes and the ball. To fake them out, you can try looking in one direction while intending to pass in another. This "no-look" pass can confuse defenders and increase the chances of a successful play.
Additionally, vary your pace and use fakes to disrupt their mirroring. Quick changes in speed or direction can throw off a defender's timing and positioning. Use pump fakes, jab stabs, or crossovers to make them react, and then exploit the openings that arise. It is important not to overcommit to these fakes, as it may cause you to lose your advantageous position.
Another strategy is to use different types of passes to avoid defenders. For example, the behind-the-back pass can be effective when trying to avoid a defender standing in front of you. This pass requires court awareness and practice to execute successfully.
Finally, work on your footwork and communication with teammates. Good defensive footwork can help you stay in front of your opponent and block their path. Communicating with your teammates will also help to prevent defensive breakdowns and improve your overall defensive strategy.
By combining these techniques, you can improve your ability to fake out the defence and create more opportunities for your team to score.
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Frequently asked questions
To perform a chest pass, start with the ball at your chest and take a step toward your teammate. As you step, fling the ball by extending your arms away from your chest and flicking your wrist so your thumbs point down and your palms face out. The chest pass is the quickest way to get the ball to your teammate as it travels in a straight line, but it is also easier to intercept.
When passing to a shooter, aim for the torso, which is the "shot pocket". If your teammate is moving, predict where they will be and aim for that spot. You should also try to avoid staring at your target, as this gives away your pass to the defence. Instead, look in one direction and pass in another.
The chest pass is best used when players are not tightly guarded by a defender. It is not ideal for close range or long distances.
