Good passing is an essential element of an effective basketball team. Moving the ball quickly from player to player makes it difficult for opponents to stop forward motion, and getting the ball to the right player at the right moment increases a team's chances of scoring. But if there are some players a team won't pass to, the entire mechanism shuts down. When strategic plays are limited to just a few players, the whole team's effectiveness is jeopardized.
Identification
The first step to getting other players to pass the basketball to you is to identify the problem. The most effective approach is to ask in a non-confrontational way, preferably off-court. If that strategy doesn't get you anywhere, talk to the coach to determine if there are any changes you need to make to your playing style to get your teammates to pass to you.
Ball Hog
One possibility is that your teammates feel that you are a ball hog. For example, if you take a shot every time you get the ball without determining whether another player has a better shot, you're decreasing your team's chances of winning. You can remedy the situation by paying more attention to your teammates and their positions. When you do get the occasional pass, pass it strategically rather than taking a wild shot. Over time, your teammates will recognize that your focus is on cooperation rather than personal glory.
Visibility
Another possibility is that you have a problem getting open for passes. When your team is making an offensive play, don't stand around. Instead, run to strategic locations and signal for a pass. If you're not open or if you don't receive a pass, don't get frustrated; run to the next location and signal for a pass again. You can ensure that your teammates see you by waving your hand or calling for the ball.
Considerations
It's also possible that your teammates worry that you will lose the ball or miss the shot if they pass it to you. That may be a harsh reality to face, but you shouldn't despair. Instead, resolve to practice harder to improve your basketball skills. Many of the best professional players encountered hardships at the beginning of their careers. What separated them from everyone else was not just their natural talent, but their willingness to work hard to improve.
References
- "Basketball: Steps to Success"; Hal Wissel; 2004
- "Youth Basketball Drills"; Burrall Paye, et al.; 2001
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