Basketball: Body Position for Passing

Simply set up facing a wall with one ball. The player will bounce the ball before passing it towards the wall. On return of the ball, the player will bounce it with the other hand before passing with that hand, with the ball returning back to the previous hand, and this is repeated.

Overhead pass with minimal back movement. Power comes from the wrists pushing wide at the point or release. Used for a faster release of the ball and the potential to put more deception on the direction of the pass.

Pass to increase elevation

Start with the ball in both hands behind the head. Transfer the weight forwards onto one foot. As the weight moves forwards, being the arms forward over the head and release the ball in line with the top of the head.

Pick up a rolling ball, feet shoulder width apart. When you pick up the ball, lead forwards with the dominant foot and as your momentum goes forwards make a bounce pass. Forward momentum gives more power.

Collect a bouncing ball in 2 hands, stand and make a bounce pass using both hands back to the original passer.

This is the position a player needs to have when positing up to receive the basketball. The player needs a wide stance, knees bent and hips low. The hand they want to receive the basketball with should be extended out away from the defender. The other arm, should act as a barrier between the post player and defender. This bar also helps with balance and movement.

Stand 3 m away from a wall. Passing off the right hip against the wall so that you can catch the ball again without moving. See how many you can do.

Make a lateral step. Pass off the hip of the feet that lands against the wall so that the ball bounces back to make a catch without having to move. Repeat

Standing 10 feet away from the wall. Using a 1 handed pass, passing from 1 hand to the other, with one bounce between passes (younger players may bounce the ball more times to allow them to control the ball before passing again).

Lead to the left of right with one foot. When the weight is transferred over that foot, make a pass straight. Use this pass to move to the side of a defender.

When stepping left or right to make a pass, move the hands low to dummy the defender that you are dribbling. Lift high to make the pass over the defender.

Starting with the ball in triple threat position, the passer will step around the defensive player and make a bounce pass from their hip.

Step around pass is used when you are closely guarded and you need to step around the defender in the direction you want to pass the ball. As you step around you will need to protect the ball by getting the ball to the side of your body away from the defender and making the pass from your hip.

Pass and Follow relay

This pass is often confused with the football throw in where the ball is taken behind the head. The basketball pass is taken directly above the head, when the player goes to make the pass, they will step in the direction of the target, pull their arms down and slick their wrists.

Step forwards with the left foot, leaning forwards. Make the pass under the left shoulder. Power and direction should come from the right arm. The left hand should steady the ball and add control.

Lead forward with the left or right hand leg and make a pass under your shoulder off the hip planted on the ground. Bounce the ball about 1.5 m in front of the wall to have it rebound to you to catch.

Face wall with the ball in distance 1,5 metre. Bounce the ball before the wall and after catch it without moving your feet. How many times you can do it?

Stand about 10 feet away from the wall, the ball starts off in either hand. You will take a bounce then pass it with one hand off the wall and catch it with your other hand. This will be repeated back and forth.