Helena Frye
Passing is a fundamental skill in basketball, a team game that requires all players to function as one. 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 and bounce to the intended receiver. Each type of pass has its own variations, such as the chest pass, overhead pass, and baseball pass, which players can use to outmaneuver defenders and create scoring opportunities. Coaches play a crucial role in teaching not just the skill of passing but also the mentality behind it, fostering a sense of teamwork and unselfishness in their players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of types of passes | 2 |
| Type 1 | Air Pass |
| Description | The pass travels between players without hitting the floor |
| Type 2 | Bounce Pass |
| Description | The pass is thrown to the floor so that it bounces to the intended receiver |
| Variations of Air Pass | Chest Pass, Quick Pass, Lob Pass, Wrap-Around Pass, Baseball Pass, Dribble Pass, Behind-the-Back Pass, Pick and Roll Pass |
| Variations of Bounce Pass | Chest Pass, Baseball Pass, Overhead Pass, Wrap-Around Pass |
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What You'll Learn
Air pass
An air pass is a basketball passing technique where the ball is thrown through the air to a teammate without touching the floor. This is in contrast to a bounce pass, where the ball is thrown to the floor to bounce up to the receiver.
There are several types of air passes, including the chest pass, overhead pass, and baseball pass. The chest pass is the most common pass in basketball and can be used in most situations and from anywhere on the court. To perform a chest pass, the player grips the ball with both hands on the sides, thumbs behind, and extends their passing arm to push the ball out from their chest. Ideally, the pass should arrive at the receiver's chest height.
The overhead pass is a two-handed pass where the ball is brought above the passer's head before being released with a quick snap of the wrists. This pass is often used for out-of-bounds plays or to the point guard to start fast breaks. The overhead pass is also useful for skip passes, where a player passes over a nearby teammate to a teammate further away, as it allows the ball to travel quickly over defenders.
The baseball pass is a one-handed pass that uses a similar throwing motion to a pitcher's throw in baseball. This pass is used for long-distance passes, such as from the backcourt to the frontcourt, and can be effective for generating quick scoring opportunities. It is a flashy pass that requires strength and precision to execute successfully.
Other types of air passes include the lob pass, which is thrown with a high arc to go over defenders' heads, and the hook pass, which is used during dribble penetration to move the ball swiftly to open players near the perimeter.
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Bounce pass
The bounce pass is a fundamental pass in basketball that can unlock different angles that might not have been possible otherwise. It is a situational pass and is often used for post-entry, back-door cuts, and fast breaks.
To execute a bounce pass, take the ball with both hands and hold it up to your chest. Take a step forward with either foot, preferably your dominant foot, and as you step forward, push off with your back foot and release the ball with both hands. Keep your back straight and slightly tilt your upper body forward for maximum power. The bounce pass is thrown with the same motion as a chest pass, but it is aimed at the floor. It should bounce waist-high to the receiver, ideally between their knees and waist. The ball should hit the floor about two-thirds of the way to the receiver, although some players experiment with the distance to find the optimal bounce.
When throwing a bounce pass, it is important to adjust the lead to account for the reduced speed of the pass. If a defender is positioned between you and your teammate, you want the ball to touch the floor right next to the defender, minimizing the chance of a turnover and putting the ball in the optimal position for your teammate to catch. Bounce passes are best used over short distances with a single opponent between you and your teammate.
While the bounce pass is a valuable tool, it is important to remember that it is slower than a direct chest pass, so players should always consider whether a bounce pass is their best option before throwing it.
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Chest pass
A chest pass is one of the fundamental basketball passes, and it is also the most common and efficient pass used in the game. It can be used in most situations and from anywhere on the court. To perform a chest pass, players need to place each hand on either side of the ball, with thumbs directly behind it and fingers spread evenly. The ball should be held in front of the chest, with elbows tucked in. When passing, the player steps towards the intended target and fully extends their passing arm as they push the ball out from their chest. The wrist should snap during the pass, similar to a jump shot, which gives the ball rotation and makes it easier for the receiver to handle. Ideally, the pass should arrive at chest height, although a little variation is acceptable as long as the pass is catchable.
The chest pass is a fast and flat pass, allowing the team to move quickly and accurately up the court. It is more precise than a bounce pass, which is slower and gives defenders more time to react. The chest pass is also more accurate than an overhead pass, which puts the player in a weak position.
A variation of the chest pass is the lob pass, which is thrown with a softer touch and more arc. This pass is meant to go over a defender's head and is often used for post feeds, off pick-and-rolls, and for alley-oops. Another variation is the quick pass, which is used when speed is essential, giving the defence little to no time to react.
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Overhead pass
The overhead pass is a type of basketball pass that is used in specific situations. It is generally used to pass the ball further than a typical chest or bounce pass, or when the passer is closely guarded by a defender.
To execute an overhead pass, the player with the basketball places it over their head and throws it with two hands towards a teammate. The player should take a step towards the intended recipient, preferably with their dominant foot, and then plant that foot to create enough power to throw a long pass. The ball should be aimed at the teammate's chin.
The overhead pass is a more difficult skill for younger players to master, but this can be improved by practicing and using overhead passes in full-speed situations.
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Baseball pass
The baseball pass is a type of basketball pass that is rarely used, but can be very effective in certain situations. It is an advanced variation of the air pass, where the ball travels between players without hitting the floor.
The pass gets its name from the fact that the throwing motion is similar to a pitcher's throw in baseball. To execute the pass, the player should first grip the ball with their finger pads, keeping their fingers slightly bent and ensuring there is a small pocket of space between the palm and the ball. This is important because gripping the ball too tightly can negatively affect the speed and power of the pass. The player should then position the ball near their ear on the same side as the throwing arm, with the throwing palm facing up, and step towards the receiver. The ball should then be released towards the receiver, in a similar motion to a screwball pitch in baseball.
The baseball pass is a good option when players need to pass the ball deep down the floor, as it generates more force than passes like the chest pass or overhead pass. It can be used to quickly advance the ball down the court and create a fast-break layup opportunity, particularly when the defence is not yet set. However, it is important to note that this pass can be intercepted by a savvy defender, so the player should assess the situation before executing the pass.
Overall, while the baseball pass is not frequently used, it can be a valuable addition to a player's skillset and can give a team an advantage in certain situations.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of passes in basketball: Air Pass and Bounce Pass.
An Air Pass travels between players without touching the floor. It includes variations like the chest pass, overhead pass, and wrap-around pass.
A Bounce Pass is thrown to the floor and bounces to the intended receiver. It is often used for post-entry, backdoor cuts, and fast breaks.
The Chest Pass is the most common type of pass in basketball. It is thrown from the passer's chest area, aiming for the receiver's chest. It can be used in most situations and from anywhere on the court.
Some advanced variations of passes include the baseball pass, dribble pass, behind-the-back pass, and pick-and-roll pass.
