Ayrton Oneill
Passing is a fundamental skill in basketball, but it is often under-taught and under-emphasized. There are two main types of passes: air passes and bounce passes. Air passes travel between players without touching the floor, while bounce passes are thrown to the floor to bounce to the intended receiver. There are also different types of passes that fall under these two categories, such as chest passes, overhead passes, wrap-around passes, and behind-the-back passes. One type of pass that is used in basketball is the shoulder pass, also known as the under-shoulder pass. This pass is executed by stepping forward with the left foot and leaning forward, while the power and direction of the pass come from the right arm. The left hand is used to steady the ball and add control.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Foot placement | Step forward with the left foot |
| Body posture | Lean forward |
| Shoulder | Pass under the left shoulder |
| Arm movement | Power and direction should come from the right arm |
| Hand movement | The left hand should steady the ball and add control |
| Wrist movement | Rotate your wrists so your thumbs point down |
| Passing height | Waist height |
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What You'll Learn
- Step forward with your left foot, lean forward, and pass under your left shoulder
- The right arm provides power and direction, while the left hand steadies the ball
- Avoid looking at your teammate when executing a behind-the-back pass
- The chest pass is ideal for quickly advancing the ball and swinging it around the perimeter
- The overhead pass is effective for launching the ball over long distances
Step forward with your left foot, lean forward, and pass under your left shoulder
To perform an under-shoulder pass in basketball, step forward with your left foot, lean forward, and pass the ball under your left shoulder. The power and direction of the pass should come from your right arm, while your left hand steadies the ball and adds control.
This technique is just one of many passing techniques in basketball, and it is important to master the basics of each type of pass and when to use them. Passing is a primary skill in basketball, yet it remains one of the most under-taught, under-emphasized, and under-drilled skills in the game.
To perform a chest pass, hold the sides of the ball with both hands, keeping your elbows tight next to your torso. Step out with one foot towards your target and press your arms out, rotating your fingers so that your palms face outwards and your thumbs point to the floor. The chest pass is best suited for quickly advancing the ball up the court.
The overhead pass is another fundamental technique. This pass starts with both hands holding the ball directly behind your head, with your elbows bent and next to your ears. Step forward towards your target, extend your elbows, and snap your wrists to create backspin on the ball. This pass is the most effective way to launch the ball over a long distance.
There are also more advanced passing techniques, such as the behind-the-back pass, which can be used to avoid a defender standing in front of you. Court awareness is crucial for this pass, as it is often most effective when you do not look in the direction you are passing.
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The right arm provides power and direction, while the left hand steadies the ball
To perform an under-shoulder pass in basketball, the right arm provides power and direction, while the left hand steadies the ball and adds control.
To execute this passing technique, start by stepping forward with your left foot, leaning your body in the direction you want to pass. The power and direction come from your right arm, so it's important to extend and snap your right arm to generate the force needed to throw the ball to your teammate. At the same time, your left hand should be used to steady the ball and provide additional control over the pass. Think of your left hand as a guide, helping to ensure the ball goes exactly where you want it to.
As you make the pass, focus on coordinating the movement of your right arm and left hand smoothly. The right arm provides the necessary force to send the ball to your teammate, while the left hand helps fine-tune the direction and speed of the pass. It's a delicate balance between power and precision, and practicing this passing technique will help you master it.
When performing the under-shoulder pass, it's crucial to maintain a steady and controlled motion. Avoid any abrupt or jerky movements, as this may affect the accuracy of your pass. Instead, strive for a fluid and graceful motion, using your right arm for power and your left hand to guide the ball gently but firmly in the intended direction. With practice, you'll be able to perfect the timing and coordination required for this passing technique.
Remember, the under-shoulder pass is an essential skill in basketball, allowing you to advance the ball up the court and create opportunities for your teammates. Mastering this pass will make you a more versatile and effective player, able to make precise and powerful passes that contribute to your team's success.
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Avoid looking at your teammate when executing a behind-the-back pass
Passing is one of the most under-taught, under-emphasized, and under-drilled skills in basketball, yet it is a vital part of the game. One of the most advanced types of passes is the behind-the-back pass, which is a great way to avoid a defender standing in front of you.
To execute a behind-the-back pass, you should start by getting used to handling the basketball, so that it feels like an extension of your hand. You can practice this by yourself, using a wall as a target, or with a partner. When practicing by yourself, start close to the wall and work on getting a rhythm going, then move further away and incorporate movement into the pass.
When executing the pass, you should avoid looking at your teammate. This is because, when done correctly, the behind-the-back pass is often most effective when the passer does not look in the direction they are passing. This is a more advanced skill, so it is important to first learn and master the basic passes such as the chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.
To perform the pass, begin with the ball in both hands around waist level. Then, push the ball with your left hand towards your right side, wrapping it around your torso. As you cross your body, grasp the ball with your right hand and bring your elbow back, pushing the ball towards your target from behind your back. The power and direction of the pass should come from your right arm, with your left hand steadying the ball and adding control.
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The chest pass is ideal for quickly advancing the ball and swinging it around the perimeter
Passing is one of the most under-taught, under-emphasized, and under-drilled skills in basketball, yet it is a fundamental aspect of the game. One of the most important passes to master is the chest pass, which is ideal for quickly advancing the ball and swinging it around the perimeter.
To perform a chest pass, start with the ball at chest height, holding it with both hands on the sides, elbows tucked in. Your fingers should be spread apart, with thumbs behind the ball, and your knees slightly bent. As you initiate the pass, step out towards your target with one foot, extending your arms and rotating your wrists so that your thumbs point down. This will add rotation to the ball and ensure it arrives at chest height for your teammate.
The chest pass is a direct pass, making it less likely to be intercepted by a defender. It is also a quick pass, allowing you to advance the ball up the court rapidly. This pass is best used when you want to move the ball around the perimeter of the court, as it can be sent in a straight line to your teammate.
Once you have mastered the chest pass, you can practice variations such as the bounce pass, which is performed in the same way but with the ball bouncing on the ground once before reaching your teammate. Another variation is the overhead pass, which involves throwing the ball with one hand, starting from behind your head, and stepping forward with your non-dominant foot. This pass is useful for launching the ball a long distance.
With practice and a good understanding of the fundamentals, you can effectively use the chest pass to advance the ball and create opportunities for your team.
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The overhead pass is effective for launching the ball over long distances
The overhead pass is a fundamental basketball technique used to launch the ball over long distances. It is an effective way to quickly move the ball from one side of the court to the other, especially when countering off-ball help defense actions. This pass is executed by placing the ball over the head and throwing it towards a teammate using both hands. The arms should go through a short range of motion, with most of the power coming from the elbows snapping forward, rather than the shoulders.
The overhead pass is ideal for long-distance shots as it adds extra speed, velocity, and power to the throw. This increased momentum can help the ball reach its recipient faster, giving the offensive team an advantage if the defensive team cannot recover in time. It is also useful when a targeted receiver is more than one pass away, as it can be skipped across the court to reach them directly, without going through other players.
Additionally, the overhead pass is commonly used after a rebound or turnover when the team is looking to fast-break, or when making an inbounds pass after the opposing team scores. It is a preferred method to quickly get the ball up the court, as it has more arc and power, making it harder for the defense to deflect or steal.
To execute a successful overhead pass, players should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, holding the ball with both hands behind their head, elbows bent and close to the ears. They then step forward towards their target, extending their elbows and snapping their wrists to create backspin. The ball should be released forward, with the follow-through ending just above the head.
The overhead pass is an essential skill for basketball players, enabling them to make long passes with speed and accuracy, which can create valuable opportunities for their team during a game.
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Frequently asked questions
Passing is one of the most important skills in basketball, and it involves all players working together as a team. There are two main types of passes: Air Pass, where the ball travels between players without touching the floor, and Bounce Pass, where the ball is thrown to the floor to bounce to the intended receiver.
There are several types of passes in basketball, including the chest pass, overhead pass, wrap-around pass, baseball pass, dribble pass, behind-the-back pass, and pick-and-roll pass. Each type of pass has its own variations and is used in different situations.
To do a shoulder pass, also known as a chest pass, step out with one foot towards your target. Simultaneously, extend your arms and rotate your fingers so that your palms face outwards and your thumbs point downwards. The pass should go in a straight line and reach your teammate at chest level.
Here are some tips to improve your passing skills:
- Practice different passing drills, such as stationary drills or moving up and down to control the distance and speed of the pass.
- Work on your grip by placing your fingers on each side of the ball with thumbs behind it and elbows pointed towards the ground.
- Be aware of your court positioning and don't look at your teammate when passing to avoid giving away your intention.
- Develop your recognition skills by understanding how long it takes to pass the ball to different areas of the court.
