Helena Frye
The bounce pass is a fundamental basketball skill and one of the most basic moves a player needs to master. It is a pass that works best in tight spaces with a single opponent between the passer and their teammate. When executing a bounce pass, the ball typically hits the ground 3/4 of the way between the passer and their teammate, and the bounce pass is often used to get the ball around a defender instead of over them. This pass can be thrown with one or two hands, depending on the defender. A one-handed pass is more common, as it allows for more creative passes around defenders. However, a two-handed pass is more suitable for crisp, quick passes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hands | One or two hands, depending on the defender. One-handed bounce passes are more common as they allow for more creative passes around defenders. |
| Distance | Best used over short distances with one opponent between the passer and their teammate. |
| Stance | Take a step forward with either foot, preferably the dominant foot. |
| Body position | Keep your back straight and slightly tilt your upper body forward for maximum power. |
| Ball release | Extend your arms and snap your wrists to throw the ball forward and down into the floor. |
| Ball bounce | The ball should hit the floor three-quarters of the way between the passer and their teammate so that it rises to the teammate's chest level. |
| Speed | Slower than a direct chest pass. |
| Use cases | Use when an opponent might deflect a direct chest pass or when you want to get the pass around a defender instead of over them. |
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What You'll Learn
When to use a bounce pass
Secondly, consider the presence and position of any defenders. Bounce passes are ideal when you need to get the ball around a defender, rather than over them. They can be used to feed a player who is being guarded, particularly in tight spaces, or when you want to hit a backdoor cutter. If a defender is blocking a chest pass, a bounce pass can be a good alternative. However, if there are multiple defenders, a bounce pass may bring too many hands into play, so a lob or chest pass may be preferable.
Thirdly, consider the speed of the game at that moment. In transition, when the pace is fast, a bounce pass can slow the game down, so it may not be the best option.
Finally, consider your own skill level and comfort with different types of passes. While bounce passes can be very effective, they are more complex than some other types of passes, so if you're a beginner, you may want to stick to simpler passes until you've mastered the fundamentals.
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How to throw a one-handed bounce pass
To throw a one-handed bounce pass, you first need to master the fundamentals of passing. Passing is an under-taught skill in basketball, but it is an essential one.
The bounce pass is one of the most basic moves a player needs to learn. It is best used in tight spaces, with one opponent between you and your teammate. The bounce pass is slower than a direct chest pass, so you should use chest passes whenever possible. Save the bounce pass for situations where an opponent might deflect a direct chest pass.
To throw a one-handed bounce pass, you can start with the ball in your dominant hand, at waist level. Step towards your intended target, so the ball follows where your foot steps. Keep your back straight, and slightly tilt your upper body forward for maximum power. As you step forward, push off with your back foot and release the ball with your dominant hand, snapping your wrist to throw the ball forward and down into the floor. You want the ball to hit the floor about three-quarters of the way between you and your target, so the ball rises to your teammate's chest level. Finish with your arms in front, at thigh height.
When you release the ball, your thumb should point towards the floor, with your arm fully extended. This ensures you put the maximum power behind your pass. But don't stay in the follow-through position, as the game is still going on. Move on to your next play immediately.
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How to throw a two-handed bounce pass
To throw a two-handed bounce pass, start with the ball held with both hands at chest level. Take a step forward with either foot, although it is preferable to use your dominant foot. As you step forward, push off with your back foot and release the ball with both hands, flicking your wrists so that your thumbs point towards the floor. You want to throw the ball forward and down so that it bounces to your teammate at chest or waist height.
The bounce pass is best used in tight spaces with a single opponent between you and your teammate. It is slower than a direct chest pass, so you should only use it when an opponent might block a chest pass. It is also not ideal for long distances. When there is no defender, the ball should bounce approximately two-thirds of the way to your target. However, when there is a defender, the ball should hit the floor three-quarters of the way to your teammate so that it rises to their chest level.
Great passers move the defence with their eyes to avoid committing needless turnovers. If you are throwing to a closely guarded player, use your eyes to make the defence think you are passing to another player.
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Avoiding turnovers
A successful bounce pass can be the difference between keeping possession and losing it. While it is a fundamental skill in basketball, it is important to know when to use it to avoid turnovers.
Firstly, if your teammate is close enough to receive the ball by hand, do a handoff instead of throwing a pass. This is a basic rule to follow to avoid needless turnovers. Secondly, if there is ample open space without a defensive threat, a chest or overhead pass is likely to be a better option than a bounce pass. This is because bounce passes are slower and give the defence time to recover.
When using a bounce pass, ensure the ball reaches your target as quickly as possible. To do this, use a crisp, firm pass with full arm extension and thumbs pointing downwards. This will guide the ball along a predictable trajectory towards its target. If you throw a soft, lofted pass, you give the defender more time to intercept it. If the defender is halfway between you and your target, aim for the ball to touch the floor right next to them. This will be difficult for the opposing player to reach, minimising the chance of a turnover.
Finally, use your eyes to move the defence. If you are passing to a closely guarded player, use your eyes to fake the defender out and make them think you are passing to another player.
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Adjusting for distance
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 will ensure the ball reaches your teammate at waist height. However, when a defender is guarding your teammate, you want the ball to hit the floor three-quarters of the way between you and your target, so the bounce reaches your teammate at chest height.
The amount of lead will increase with distance, so you need to adjust the lead more to account for the reduced speed of the pass. This will ensure the pass reaches your target as quickly as possible. With practice and experience, you will quickly improve your ability to determine the right amount of lead.
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Frequently asked questions
You can throw a basketball bounce pass with one or two hands. A one-handed pass is more common as you have more freedom of movement, but a two-handed pass is more stable. To execute a two-handed pass, start with the ball at your chest, step towards your teammate, and push the ball with your wrists to your teammate.
Bounce passes are best used in tight spaces, with one opponent between you and your teammate. They are slower than a direct chest pass, so you should use a chest pass when possible.
Stance generates power. Keep your back straight and tilt your upper body forward. As you step forward, push off with your back foot and release the ball with both hands.
