Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a team sport, and passing is an important skill to master. There are many different types of passes in basketball, such as the chest pass, push pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass. The overhead pass is a technique where the player holds the ball over their head with both hands and then tosses it to a teammate. This pass is often used to make a strong and long pass to a teammate, to avoid a defender, or to throw the ball to a player trailing on the fast break. It can be practised with drills, which can be done alone or with a team, and is perfect for warming up before a practice session.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to perform an overhead pass | Hold the ball over the head with both hands, then toss it to a teammate. |
| When to use an overhead pass | When a player needs to make a strong and far pass. |
| When passing to a teammate trailing on a fast break. | |
| When passing across the front would be risky. | |
| When the player is inbounding the ball from under the opponent's basket with little time remaining. |
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What You'll Learn
To pass to a teammate who is far away
The overhead pass is a fundamental skill in basketball, and players should know when and how to execute it. One of the main reasons to use an overhead pass is to pass to a teammate who is far away. The overhead pass is a type of long-distance pass, and it is often used when the potential receiver is more than one pass away from the passer.
In this situation, a basic chest pass or bounce pass may not be effective due to the distance between the passer and the receiver. The chest pass or bounce pass may be too slow, giving defenders an opportunity to deflect or intercept the pass or execute a defensive closeout, limiting scoring opportunities. Therefore, an overhead pass is a better option as it can quickly cover long distances. It is also used as a skip pass, which is when the ball is passed directly to a teammate further away on the court, skipping over teammates positioned in between.
To execute an overhead pass, players should first get into a proper stance, with both hands on the ball slightly over their head. They should then step towards the receiver, preferably using their dominant foot or the foot adjacent to the pass direction. After planting the first foot, they should push off the back foot to generate power for a long pass. Finally, they should step forward with the back foot, release the ball, and follow through.
It is important to note that the overhead pass is not as common as the chest pass or bounce pass and should be used in specific situations. It is also crucial to be aware that the overhead pass travels high and at a distance, giving defenders time to track and deflect it or position themselves to defend the receiver. Therefore, players should consider the defensive strategy and the distance between teammates when deciding whether to use an overhead pass to pass to a teammate who is far away.
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To avoid a defender
The overhead pass is a fundamental basketball skill that beginners should learn and incorporate into their gameplay. It is a ball transfer technique where the player throws the ball to a teammate using a two-handed, over-the-head motion. It is commonly used to pass over defenders and deliver the ball quickly and accurately across short to medium distances on the court.
The overhead pass is also beneficial when you need to distribute the ball quickly and accurately over defenders, taking advantage of height differences. It is faster than passing the ball from teammate to teammate and is often used as a skip pass, which is effective against a zone defence.
However, it is important to note that the overhead pass should be avoided when the passing lane is crowded or when defenders are tightly guarding your intended target. In these situations, alternative passing techniques or a change in strategy may be more appropriate to minimise the risk of turnovers.
To execute a flawless overhead pass, it is crucial to avoid telegraphing your pass. This means not looking directly at the intended receiver, as it can give defenders valuable information and increase the chance of interception. Instead, keep your eyes up and scan the court, practising non-verbal communication with teammates to further diminish predictability.
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To pass to a teammate trailing on a fast break
The overhead pass is particularly useful in fast-break scenarios, where quick thinking and accurate passing are required. By anticipating your teammate's movement and delivering the ball ahead of them, you can create scoring opportunities without losing momentum. This technique demands good hand placement and body movement to ensure control and precision during release.
To execute a successful overhead pass, start with a proper stance, placing both hands on the ball slightly above your head. Step towards your teammate, using your dominant foot to generate more power and accuracy. Then, push off your back foot to create the power needed for a long pass. Finally, step forward with your back foot, release the ball, and follow through.
It is important to note that the overhead pass is not as common as other passes, and it requires practice to perfect. However, when used effectively, it can be a powerful tool to break through tight defences, cover more ground, and deliver the ball with speed and precision.
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To pass to a teammate after an inbound
Passing is a fundamental skill in basketball, promoting good teamwork and improving team chemistry. It is an offensive action that occurs when a player in possession of the ball throws it to a teammate, typically with the objective of creating scoring opportunities.
The overhead pass is a type of pass that can be used to pass to a teammate after an inbound. It is a basic pass that players should learn before executing additional, more advanced types of passes. The overhead pass is often used as an outlet pass, which is when a player throws the basketball to a teammate to initiate and execute transition offense, usually after gaining possession via a defensive rebound. The overhead pass is also a common way to inbound the ball from out of bounds.
To execute an overhead pass, the player should first grip the ball properly, holding it slightly over their head, near the back of the neck area, with both hands on the side of the ball. The elbows should be bent and pointing towards the receiver. The player should then step towards the receiver before throwing the pass. The ball should be aimed at the teammate's chin.
The overhead pass is particularly useful for skip passing, which is when the ball is thrown from one side of the court directly to a player on the other side, without touching any other teammates in between. Overhead passes are effective for skip passes as they allow players to make quick, powerful throws that cover the necessary distance without being easily intercepted by defenders. They can also be used to pass to a teammate after an inbound to help get the ball over defenders' heads and into a teammate's hands, and to throw a high-arcing pass that avoids defenders' reach while still being accurate.
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To pass to a teammate after picking up a rolling ball
To execute the overhead pass, the player should start by standing with their feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, eyes looking forward, and back straightened. The ball should be held with both hands slightly over the head, with the finger pads gripping the sides of the ball and a small pocket of space between the palms and the ball itself. The player then steps towards the receiver of the pass and releases the ball, throwing it with a strong wrist action to impart speed and accuracy.
The overhead pass is particularly useful when a teammate is far away from the passer, as it allows the ball to travel a long distance quickly. It is also effective when used as an outlet pass after a rebound, as it can quickly transition the ball from defence to offence. For example, if a defensive player gains possession of the ball in the backcourt, they can use an overhead pass to throw it ahead to a teammate in the frontcourt, creating a quick scoring opportunity.
Additionally, the overhead pass can be used to move the defence out of position. By faking a low bounce pass, the defence can be drawn in, and then the ball can be lofted over their heads with an overhead pass, giving the attacking team an advantage. This type of pass can also be used in an "around the world" style of passing, where the ball is quickly caught and passed around the court, further disrupting the defence.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a type of pass where the player holds the ball over their head with both hands and then tosses it to a teammate.
An overhead pass is used to avoid a defender when making a pass across the front that would be risky. It is also used to throw the ball to a player trailing on a fast break.
Start with the ball in both hands behind the head. Transfer your weight onto one foot and as the weight moves forward, bring your arms forward and over your head, releasing the ball in line with the top of your head.
You can practice with a group of players or by yourself. For a group drill, you will need one basketball per player, four chairs, and a full court. For a solo drill, all you need is a wall, a fence, or anything else that can capture the ball and send it back to you.
Great passers understand when to use different types of passes. Passing should be viewed as an unselfish act that is designed to include other players, rather than something to do when you don't have a shot.
