4 Basketball Passing Tips for Beginner
4 Essential Passing Tips for New Basketball Players
Passing is a crucial but often overlooked skill in basketball. Many players and coaches focus heavily on shooting and scoring, but mastering the art of passing can elevate your game and help you become a better team player. Understanding and practicing the basics of passing can enhance your overall understanding of basketball, helping you to effectively use your teammates and move the ball efficiently. As a coach, emphasizing passing can help develop players into strategic playmakers, not just scorers.
 |
| 4 Basketball Passing Tips for Beginner |
Different types of passes are useful in various situations, so it's important to know the fundamentals of each type and when to use them. Here are four beginner-friendly passing tips taught at Nike Basketball Camps.
1. Chest Pass
The chest pass is a fundamental basketball skill that starts with the ball held at chest level, gripping the sides with both hands and keeping your elbows close to your body. To execute the pass, step forward with one foot toward your target while extending your arms, rotating your wrists so your palms face outward and your thumbs point down. The ball should travel in a straight line and reach your teammate at chest height. This pass is ideal for quickly moving the ball up the court and passing around the perimeter.
2. Bounce Pass
Similar to the chest pass, the bounce pass also starts from the chest. However, you aim the ball toward the floor. The key is to bounce the ball so it reaches your teammate at waist level, typically by hitting the ground about three-quarters of the way between you and your teammate. This pass is perfect for situations where you need to get the ball to a closely guarded teammate and isn't ideal for covering long distances on the court.
3. Overhead Pass
The overhead pass involves holding the ball with both hands behind your head, elbows bent near your ears. As you step forward, extend your elbows and snap your wrists to give the ball backspin. This pass should have a short motion ending just above your head, with most movement coming from your elbows rather than your shoulders. The overhead pass is useful for covering long distances quickly, such as during fast breaks or when inbounding the ball. Aim for your teammate's chin or chest to ensure accuracy, as this type of pass can be harder to control.
4. Behind the Back Pass
For the behind the back pass, start with the ball at waist level. Push the ball with your left hand toward your right side, wrapping it around your torso. As it crosses your body, grab it with your right hand, bring your elbow back, and push the ball toward your target from behind your back. This advanced pass is useful for avoiding defenders in front of you and requires good court awareness, as it's most effective when you can pass without looking directly at your target.
Conclusion
Basketball is a team sport, and effective passing can lead to easy baskets and more victories. Focus on building a solid foundation by mastering these passes. By integrating these skills into your practice, you'll become a more versatile and valuable player. For more tips and drills to improve your game, explore our additional basketball resources.
By following these tips, you'll improve your passing skills and enhance your overall game, making you a better teammate and a more effective player on the court.
