Passing is the method of getting the ball from one player to another in basketball. Proper passing helps teams move the ball around the floor effectively and avoid the defense. Passing drills are a useful part of basketball practice as they help teams learn how to pass the ball in different situations, such as during fast breaks, half-court sets and against a full-court press.
Transition Passing Drill
Getting the ball up the floor quickly in transition from defense to offense is a key to scoring quickly and getting easy baskets. To do this drill, line up three players on one side of the court. The first player stands in the lane with the basketball. The two other players stand on either side of the line at the baseline. The middle player bounces the ball off the backboard and turns around to start dribbling to the far side of the court. The other two players begin to sprint to the far side of the court. After the middle player turns, he passes the ball to the player on his right, who, while in motion, then passes it back to the middle without dribbling or traveling. The middle player then passes it to the player on his left, who then passes it back to the middle. This pattern repeats until the players reach the 3-point line on the far end of the floor. Whichever player has the ball when they reach the 3-point line takes the ball in for a lay-up or stops and takes a jump shot. The player who shoots gets his own rebound, and the drill repeats as many times as the coach desires.
Monkey in the Middle
This drill is an effective one for teaching players proper passing skills under pressure. Divide the team into groups of three. In each group, two players are passers and one player is the "monkey," trying to steal the ball. Have the two passers stand about 15 feet apart. One passer has the ball, and the monkey closes out on that player and tries to deflect the pass. When the pass reaches the other passer, the monkey runs and closes out on that player, who attempts a pass around the monkey. You can set a certain number of clean passes that must be completed before the drill is over, or make the monkey steal or deflect a certain number of passes before ending the drill.
Feed the Post
Getting the ball into the post player is a skill needed to run an effective offense. Divide your post players into two groups and have them stand on either side of the lane behind the baseline. Divide your guards into two groups and line them up on either side of the lane behind the 3-point line. The first guard in line passes the ball to the post player, who sets up on the block nearest to the basket. The post player then takes several dribbles as the guard slides down to the corner of the court, outside the 3-point line. The post player then makes a bounce pass to the guard, who shoots the ball. Have both sides repeat the drill and rotate to the other side until all players have completed the drill from each side.
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