7 Basketball Passing Drills for intermediate players

Passing drills in basketball are designed to help players improve their ball control and decision-making skills when passing. Just like dribbling, shooting, and ball handling, passing is a crucial part of the game. 

7 Basketball Passing Drills for intermediate players

These drills focus on different types of passes such as one-hand, two-hand, behind-the-back, and bounce passes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and awareness of teammates.

7 Basketball Passing Drills

Here are seven effective drills to help players refine their passing skills:

1. Wall Pass Drill

This drill is perfect for practicing chest passes when you're alone. Stand about twelve feet away from a wall. Throw a chest pass to the wall and catch the ball as it bounces back. Count how many passes you can make in thirty seconds, then try for sixty seconds. For a fun variation, set up two cones about five feet apart and slide between them as you pass and catch the ball.

2. Partner Pass Drill

This basic drill requires two players. Stand about five feet apart and practice different types of passes: chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes. To make it more challenging, take a step back after a set number of passes and see how well you can maintain your accuracy and speed as the distance increases.

3. Monkey in the Middle Drill

Ideal for groups of three, this drill helps improve passing under pressure. Two players stand twelve to fifteen feet apart with a defender in the middle, starting near the player with the ball. The two passers try to pass the ball back and forth using fakes, pivots, and speed to outsmart the defender. If the defender intercepts or deflects the ball, they switch positions with the passer who lost the ball. You can add variations like allowing one dribble or only using bounce passes.

4. Fast Break Pass Drill

Set up players in an oval shape covering the full court, with a player stationed under each basket. When the coach signals, the players under the baskets pass the ball to the next player. Once the ball reaches the last player before the basket, they make a fast break and layup. The player under the basket rebounds the ball and starts the drill again. Two basketballs are needed for this drill.

5. 32 Advance Drill

Form three lines behind the baseline, with the two outer players each holding a basketball. The middle player moves up the court while receiving and returning passes from one side and then the other. Once they reach the other end, they make a layup. The next row of players begins, and the drill continues in the opposite direction. Adding different types of passes—chest, bounce, or overhead—can increase the drill's complexity.

6. Bronze Passing Drill

In pairs, start at the baseline on either side of the key (the area under the hoop). Move down the court, passing the ball back and forth. When they reach the three-point line, the next pair starts. Once the first pair reaches the opposite baseline, they move to the sidelines and pass the ball over the top of the advancing players. This drill cycles through different types of passes to enhance versatility.

7. Netball Drill

A combination of a scrimmage and a drill, netball is played three-on-three, four-on-four, or five-on-five, either half-court or full-court. The key rule is no dribbling; players must rely solely on passing to move the ball and score. This drill emphasizes teamwork and utilizes various passing techniques, from fakes to behind-the-back passes.

These drills not only improve passing skills but also enhance overall teamwork and game strategy. Regular practice of these drills will make players more confident and effective on the court.