Scoring points is the name of the game in basketball. Without proper passing, putting the ball in the hoop is an imposing challenge. You can utilize a variety of passes to move the basketball around and set up the best shot. The bounce pass, chest pass, lob and baseball pass are easy to execute and effective in different situations.
Bouncing Ball
The bounce pass, or skip pass, is very common in basketball. The dribbler simply bounces the basketball off the floor to a teammate. Players use the pass most often when spacing on the floor is tight because of defensive pressure. The ball handler can stop the dribble and reach around the defender to bounce a pass to an open teammate. Executing the pass with the proper touch is critical. You don't want to bounce the pass too high or too low.
Chest to Chest
The chest pass is also popular in basketball. With a hand on each side of the ball and the thumbs positioned in the back, the player releases the pass at the chest, and the ball does not hit the floor. The pass is most effective when a player throws it at the recipient's chest. The chest pass gets the basketball from one player to another quicker than the bounce pass. When the defense eases off the pressure, the chest pass is the best way to move the ball around the floor for an open shot.
Lob It In
The lob pass -- also known as the alley-oop -- exploits height advantage. When an offensive player is several inches taller than the defender, the lob is difficult to stop. From an area around the free-throw line, the guard lofts the pass up in the air to the taller teammate near the basket. Taking advantage of the size differential, the taller player catches the pass and can then make an easy inside shot.
Let it Fly
A player will use the baseball pass to break defensive pressure when a team is bringing the ball into play. Instead of making a short bounce or chest pass when dealing with a pressing defense, players find that the baseball pass is a better choice. One player on the offensive team runs toward the other end of the floor, and the ball handler throws the pass in the air like a baseball. If the pass is accurate, the recipient usually has a clear path to the basket for a lay-up.
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