Basketball Tip

4 Passing Tips for Beginners

Passing is one of the most under taught and overlooked skills in the game of basketball, but it shouldn't be! By focusing on the fundamentals of passing and improving your ability as a player, you will better understand the ins and outs of the game. Learn to utilize your teammates and make these skills a central part of your early training- avoiding the “shoot first” mentality. From a coaching standpoint, it is important to teach passing as not only a skill, but also as an opportunity to create influential playmakers.

Different types of passes are used in certain situations, which is why you should understand the basics of each one and when it is best to incorporate them. Here are four beginner passing tips that are taught at Nike Basketball Camps.

1. Chest Pass

Starting from the chest, hold the sides of the ball with both hands and keep your elbows tight next to your torso. To initiate the pass, step out with one foot towards your target and simultaneously press your arms out, your fingers will rotate so that your palms are facing outwards with your thumbs pointing to the floor. This pass should go in a straight line and arrive at your teammates chest level. The chest pass is best suited for quickly advancing the ball up court and swinging the ball around the perimeter.

2. Bounce Pass

The bounce pass originates from the same area on the torso as the chest pass does, however you should aim towards the ground. The ball must be thrown far out enough so that it will be received at waist height, it is typically recommended that the ball hits the ground ¾ of the way between you and your teammate. The bounce pass is best used in tight spaces when you are feeding a player that is being guarded and should not be used if you are trying to progress the ball further down the court.

3. Overhead Pass

The overhead pass starts with both hands holding the ball directly behind your head with your elbows bent right next to each ear. Whilst stepping forward towards your target, extend your elbows and snap your wrists to create backspin on the ball. Your arms should go through a very short range of motion, ending just above your head, and the majority of the movement comes from the elbows, not the shoulders. This pass is the most effective way of launching the ball a very long distance, it is great for a quick break down the court, and most commonly used when in-bounding the ball. Accuracy will become much harder during the overhead pass, so it is important to aim for your teammates chin or chest area, depending on the play.

4. Behind the Back Pass

Begin with the ball in both hands around waist level, push the ball with your left hand towards your right side, and wrap it around your torso. As you cross your body, grasp the ball with your right hand, bring your elbow back and push it towards your target from behind your back. As you become more advanced, the behind the back pass can be used in games when you are trying to avoid a defender that is standing in front of you. Having court awareness is a necessity for this pass as often times it is most effective when you do not look in the direction you are passing.

Basketball is a team sport and passing amongst your teammates will lead to easy baskets and potentially many victories. By focus on building a solid basketball foundation and master these passes. Check out more ways to improve your game with our basketball drills and tips.