In the FIBA Asian Cup 2017, you might notice one of the players, Iran’s Hamed Haddadi, giving great assists and passes that were just accurate and also fast enough to get his team more points.
Passing might be the most underrated skill in basketball, which definitely shouldn’t be the case. During a game of basketball, the technique and part of the game that keeps the individual players as a unit is passing. However, to become not just good at dunking the ball but also making excellent assists and passes, you need to put more effort into practicing your passes.
In this guide, you will learn the various types of passes, when, and how to use them. Read on to find out how to become the Most Valued Player (MVP) in your team.
The Importance of Passing in Basketball
Once you focus on practicing the basics and drills of passing, you improve your value and ability as a player, helping you understand the intricacies of the game. Apart from this, here are other importance of learning and understanding how to pass in basketball:
- Passing is a great communication form for top-notch teamwork. Since the goal is to keep the ball away from the opponent team, understanding how to safely deliver it to your teammate is really important. Though it is not the only skill needed to win a game, it is still a great way for a team to thrive during offensive play.
- Passing also covers deficiencies in other areas. Basketballers like Mark Jackson and Andre Miller had an extended career in basketball due to their exceptional passing skills. They were not necessarily the best in the game but they had value and skills to offer their team.
In essence, passing is a large part of the game as it connects you to your team members while giving you a good idea of how and when to pass the ball. Without passing, basketball becomes an individual sport.
Types of Passes
Here are the various types of passes you need to practice as a basketballer:
Chest Pass
In basketball, a chest pass is a passing technique where you throw the ball directly from your chest level to another player in your team, at the same chest level. This type of pass is ideal for short or medium throw distances.
To perform this pass, hold the sides of the ball with both of your hands, at chest level and keep your elbows close to your torso. Then put one foot towards your teammate and at the same time, push your arms out. Ensure the pass goes in a straight line and arrives at your teammate’s chest level.
Bounce Pass
The bounce pass involves throwing the ball so it hits the floor before getting to your teammate especially when a player from the opponent’s team is closely guarding your passing lane or have their hands up to intercept your pass.
This pass is similar to the chest pass, however, you must aim to hit the floor. To initiate this pass, throw the ball far enough, so it reaches the other player at a waist level. However, you should not use this pass for long-distance passes or if you are trying to move the ball quickly down the basketball court.
Overhead Pass
The overhead pass involves passing the ball over the opponent blocking your pass lane. The pass starts with holding the ball behind your head with both hands. Then step forward and throw the ball towards your teammate. While executing the pass, your arms should not go through a long range of motion.
Throwing the ball should be a quick and short action, ending above your head. This pass is perfect for very long-distance shots. However, it’s important that you aim true and straight, as accuracy is also important for this pass.
With constant practice and also a great team and coach, you can master the art of passing in basketball. At Scholar Basketball Academy, our coaches make it a top priority that you learn all the basics you need to become a great basketballer and team player. Check out our SBA programs and sign up to get started.