Passing
Two young players practice a fast chest pass during a passing drill in the gym.
Basketball Passing: Fundamentals and Drills
Passing is one of the most important skills in basketball. A good pass can create easy scoring opportunities, keep the offense flowing, and build team chemistry. While dribbling and shooting often get more attention, great passing is what makes teams truly dangerous.
This guide covers the basics of passing, types of passes, common mistakes, and drills you can use to improve your game.
Why Passing Matters
Basketball is a team sport, and no one player can win alone. Passing spreads the defense, helps find open teammates, and creates higher percentage shots. Strong passers make their teammates better and keep defenders guessing.
📖 See Breakthrough Basketball – Passing Fundamentals for a detailed overview of passing skills.
Fundamentals of Passing
Stance and Balance
- Stay low with knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart.
- Step into the pass to generate power and accuracy.
Vision
- Always keep your eyes up.
- Look off defenders to disguise where the ball is going.
Timing
- Pass the ball early, before the defense has time to react.
- Deliver passes to where your teammate is going, not where they are standing.
Types of Passes
Chest Pass
- Quick, accurate pass from chest to chest.
- Best for short to medium distances.
Bounce Pass
- Ball bounces once before reaching the teammate.
- Useful in traffic or when defenders have their arms up.
Overhead Pass
- Delivered with two hands from above the head.
- Effective for long distances or to reverse the ball quickly.
One-Handed Passes
- Includes baseball-style passes, push passes, and hook passes.
- Great for fast breaks or creative playmaking.
➡️ Explore more at Breakthrough Basketball – Passing Drills.
Passing Drills
Wall Passing
- Stand a few feet from a wall and practice chest, bounce, and overhead passes.
- Focus on accuracy and quick release.
Partner Passing
- Pair up and practice different types of passes at game speed.
- Add defensive pressure as you improve.
Passing on the Move
- Dribble up the court and deliver passes while running.
- Builds game-like timing and control.
10 in a Row Drill
- Partners try to complete 10 consecutive passes without a turnover. ➡️ See 10 in a Row Passing Drill.
Find the Open Man Drill
- Players must quickly locate and pass to the teammate in the best scoring position. ➡️ Try Find the Open Man Drill.
Passing Under Pressure
- Practice passing against defenders who apply pressure. ➡️ Learn more at USA Basketball – Passing Under Pressure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Telegraphing passes by staring at the target.
- Passing too soft, making it easy to steal.
- Throwing off-target passes that slow down the offense.
- Over-passing instead of taking open shots.
Final Takeaway
Passing is about trust, timing, and teamwork. The best passers read the defense, anticipate movement, and deliver the ball with accuracy. By mastering fundamentals and practicing drills, players can become reliable playmakers who elevate their entire team.