Amanda Knapp
Passing and receiving are fundamental skills in basketball, and a team's success depends on how well players can work together. Receiving a pass with confidence is a skill that requires players to keep their eyes on the ball, step towards it, and use their hands to indicate where they want to receive it. The receiver should use their palms to provide a target for the passer, and they should avoid standing flat-footed, keeping their body squared up to the basket to maintain awareness of the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body stance | Players should not stand flat-footed while waiting for the ball. Stepping towards the pass shortens the pass length and prevents a defender from intercepting. |
| Eyes | Players should not take their eyes off the ball, or they may fumble, travel, or lose it. |
| Hands | Arms should be held about shoulder-width apart, with fingers spread comfortably. Palms should face the ball, providing a target for the passer. This lets the passer know the receiver is ready. |
| Catching | When catching with two hands, extend both arms towards the ball. If providing a target with one hand, the receiver should indicate where they want to receive the ball. |
| Ball trajectory | When the ball is thrown above the receiver's head, the arms should be extended upward, with fingers pointing up and palms open towards the passer. When the ball is thrown low, the fingers should point down, with palms open towards the passer and thumbs pointing away from each other. |
| Ball impact | When the ball makes contact with the hands, pull the arms in slightly to soften the impact. Stiff hands or arms will not catch the ball effectively. |
| Ball security | After catching the ball, the receiver should secure it with both hands to maintain control. |
| Court awareness | Players should not turn their back to the ball or the basket when on the court. This helps them be aware of open passes, shots, or dribbling lanes. |
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![Basket Ball Technique; a Basket Ball Book of Detailed Instruction, by Wm. A. Chandler ... Geo. F. Miller 1922 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Never turn your back on the ball
One of the fundamental rules of basketball is to never turn your back to the ball when you're on the court. Firstly, losing sight of the ball will put you at a disadvantage against your defender. Secondly, and most importantly, it's dangerous. If you're not watching the ball, you risk getting hit in the head or face, or jamming a finger.
To avoid this, players should always square up to the basket with the ball in a triple-threat position. This allows them to see what's happening on the floor and be ready for any passes, shots, or dribbles coming their way. The only exceptions to this rule are when posting up in the lane, kicking it out from the key to the wing, or attempting a post move to score.
When receiving a pass, it's important to step towards the ball as it comes towards you. This shortens the length of the pass and prevents a defender from intercepting it. It's also crucial to keep your eyes on the ball at all times. Looking away can cause you to fumble, travel, or lose the ball completely.
As the receiver, you should also communicate with your teammate by providing a target with one or two hands open towards them. This lets them know you're ready to receive the pass and where you want the ball delivered. When using two hands, extend your arms towards the ball, and when using one hand, raise or lower it to indicate the desired height of the pass.
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Don't stand flat-footed
One of the most common mistakes players make when receiving a pass is standing flat-footed, waiting for the ball to come to them. This is a sure way to let the defence step in and intercept the pass. Instead, players should be stepping towards the ball as it is thrown. This shortens the pass and makes it easier to catch, and also prevents a defender from stepping in and picking it off.
Players should always be aware of their surroundings and the position of their teammates and opponents. It is important to never turn your back on the ball or the court. By keeping the ball in sight, you can avoid getting hit in the face or jammed fingers, and you will also be able to spot open passes, shots, and dribbling lanes.
To ensure you are ready to receive the ball, you should use your hands to indicate to the passer where you want the ball to be passed. If using two hands, extend your arms towards the ball, with palms open and facing the passer. If using one hand, the receiver should raise or lower their hand to indicate the desired height of the pass. For example, if the ball is thrown above your head, extend your arms upwards with fingers pointing up and palms facing the passer. This provides a good target for the passer and lets them know you are ready to receive the ball.
It is important to keep your eyes on the ball at all times. Looking away before you have caught the ball can cause you to fumble, travel, or lose the ball completely. Once the ball makes contact with your hands, pull your arms in slightly to soften the impact and ensure you keep control of the ball.
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Use hand signals to indicate where you want the ball
Hand signals are an important form of non-verbal communication in basketball, enabling players to indicate where they want the ball without giving away their intentions to the opposing team.
One common hand signal is pointing to the inside of the elbow, which means the player wants the ball in the high post or around the free-throw line with room to work. This signal is often used by smaller players who want space to manoeuvre without the immediate pressure of a defender.
Another example is when a point guard wants a screen from a teammate. The point guard will call the teammate's name and then point at the floor to indicate they want a screen on their player.
Hand signals can also be used to indicate specific plays. For instance, in the NBDL Reno league, hand signals are used for different play series, such as the 50, 40, 30, and 20 series. So, a signal of 53 would indicate a play from the 50 series, aiming to get the 3-man a scoring opportunity.
Creating unique hand signals that are understood by your teammates but not easily decipherable by the opposition can give your team an advantage. These signals should be practised and perfected to ensure smooth execution during a game.
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Catch with your palms facing towards the ball
Catching a basketball with confidence is a skill that requires practice. It is important to never turn your back on the ball when you are on the court. Losing sight of the ball can cause you to lose possession, and from a safety perspective, it can be dangerous.
To prepare to receive a pass, hold your arms about shoulder-width apart with your hands open and palms facing towards the ball. This provides a clear target for the passer and lets them know you are ready to receive the ball. You can indicate where you want the ball to be passed by raising or lowering your hand. For example, if the ball is passed from chest to chest, hold your hands out towards the passer with your palms facing them. This will ensure you are in control of the ball.
If the ball is thrown above your head, extend your arms upwards, pointing your fingers to the sky and facing your thumbs towards each other. This will help you to soften the impact of the ball and ensure you don't drop it. If the ball is thrown low, point your fingers downwards, with your pinkies touching and your thumbs pointing away from each other. This will help you to secure the ball and prevent it from bouncing away.
Always keep your eyes on the ball and avoid standing flat-footed. Step towards the pass to shorten its length and prevent a defender from intercepting it.
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Use a chest pass when you're not heavily guarded
The chest pass is the most basic pass in basketball and is a great option when you're not heavily guarded by a defender. It's simple to execute and is the quickest way to get the ball to your teammate as it travels in a straight line.
To perform a chest pass, start with the ball at your chest and take a step toward your teammate. As you step, extend your arms away from your chest and flick your wrist so your thumbs point down and your palms face out. This will give the pass velocity and accuracy. Aim for your teammate's torso, which is the "shot pocket", and try to time it so they can catch the ball at chest level.
If your teammate is on the move, predicting where they will be is crucial. Aim for where they are going to be, rather than their current location. This will allow them to keep their rhythm as they make their next move, whether that's driving to the basket, passing again, or taking a shot.
While it's important to keep your eyes on your target to improve accuracy, be aware that defenders will also watch your eyes to predict your pass. To throw them off, you can use a "no-look" pass by looking in one direction and passing in another. This will decrease the chance of your pass being intercepted.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to never turn your back to the ball when on the court. Squaring up to the basket with the ball in a triple-threat position allows players to see what is happening on the floor. Avoid standing flat-footed and waiting for the ball to come to you. Instead, step toward the pass to shorten its length and prevent a defender from intercepting.
Your hands should be open with your fingers spread comfortably and your arms held about shoulder-width apart. This prevents your fingers from getting jammed. Your palms should be facing toward the ball, providing a good target for the passer.
Use one or two hands to indicate where you want the ball to be passed. If using one hand, raise or lower your hand to indicate the desired height. If the ball is thrown above your head, extend your arms upward with your fingers pointing up and thumbs facing each other. If the ball is thrown low, point your fingers downward with your pinkies facing each other and thumbs pointing away from each other.
Once you have caught the ball, pull your arms in slightly to soften the impact. Secure the ball with both hands to maintain control. Avoid taking your eyes off the ball, as this can cause you to fumble or lose it.
