Passing is a crucial element to the success of any basketball team. Teams that can pass the ball, patiently probing for an opening in the defense, are difficult to defend. Defending basketball teams find it more difficult to focus on specific players or double-team a player when the ball is moving quickly among their opponents. Basketball passing drills should be included into the training regime of a basketball team.
History
Passing in pairs or groups against a defender are established ways to practice basketball passing technique. As the game has developed, more advanced forms of offense are incorporated into basketball passing drills. Basketball teams have run the Princeton offense and the triangle offense, which was used to great effect by the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s. These offensive schemes have led to a stronger emphasis on off-the-ball movement during basketball passing drills.
Types
Basketball passing drills can be performed in pairs or larger groups. Basic drills involve basketball players passing to a teammate and then move to another spot. Group practices can simulate offensive plays the basketball team intends to run during a game. Weave drills, where a player passes then runs to the other side of his partner, are effective to develop passing and movement.
Technique
The chest pass is the most common pass used by a basketball player. A player should step into a chest pass to ensure power, and use both hands to propel the ball to a teammate. On the follow-through, snap your wrists and point them to the intended target to ensure accuracy.
Group Play
Game simulation is important for basketball passing drills. Basketball players must develop decision-making skills against defensive pressure and practice team strategy about where and when to move off the ball to receive a pass.
Considerations
Basketball passing drills should prepare players for how to react during a game against intense defensive pressure. If a defender is on the left shoulder of your teammate it is best to pass to the right shoulder, allowing your teammate to receive the pass and reduce the chances of the pass being intercepted. If you are passing to a teammate who is running full speed, you must lead him. Failure to properly lead a pass will result in your teammate losing momentum or a turnover.
Member Comments