Basketball Passing Drills for Coaches

Being able to pass the ball well in basketball is something that every coach aims for with their team. Regardless of the style of offense, the pass opens up the floor and creates quality shots for players. Whether it is a kick ahead pass, drive and kick, or whatever else, the pass makes the offense go. Being able to pass the ball at a high level adds value, and these basketball passing drills are going to help both players and teams become better passers.

Passing at a high level is not always the most natural thing for players and teams. Without proper coaching and practice, players tend to over dribble or hold the ball too long. And then, by the time that they do make the pass, the defense has recovered.

These basketball passing drills will work on the technique of different types of passes and when to make the pass. They will teach basketball players and teams all there is to know about becoming quality passers. And, regardless of position, this is something that every player should be aiming for.

If you are looking for our full basketball drill library of over 800+ drills, make sure to check out the Basketball HQ Coaching App.

The Importance of Basketball Passing Drills

Ball movement is one of the lifelines of a well-oiled offense in basketball. The better the ball moves, the more the defense has to shift, which means more potential breakdowns. It all can add value to an offense from ball reversals, to drive and kicks, to passing out of a ball screen.

As a basketball coach, if you want the ball to move, you need first to teach your players all the aspects of passing. You will need first to teach them the correct way to throw on target and on time passes. Then, once they learn how they will need plenty of quality repetitions to work on the actual skill of making different types of passes.

These basketball passing drills will provide all of the passing tools that you will need for your team. The drills will teach the correct form and technique for different types of passes and then provide good team basketball drills for your players.

They will also help to explain when each type of pass should be used. For example, a pass off of the dribble with one hand rather than two will hit an open cutter quicker. This will help the cutter have more time to get a shot off, re-drive, or swing before the defense can recover. This is just one example, but each type of pass exists for a specific purpose, and these basketball drills will help explain each one.

Basketball Passing Drills Teaching Points

The better you can understand something before practicing it, the easier it will be to learn it. To help you better take advantage of all these basketball passing drills with your players, it is essential that you first lock in on the teaching points. They will help you better explain to your players what goes into being a good passer and passing team.

Straight Line Passes

The longer a pass is in the air, the more of a chance there is that the ball will get stolen. This means that passes need to be sharp and not floated to the receiver. The goal should be to throw every pass on a straight line to a teammate. Some of the passes will be over-the-top passes, but they need to be on a line and not floated through the air.

You need to communicate with your players that one of the quickest ways for them to get put on the bench is careless passing turnovers that lead to the other team getting open layups and dunks. So as you are leading your team through these basketball passing drills, make sure they focus on making sharp passes.

Fake a Pass Before you Make a Pass

A passer is accountable for both their defender and the defenders in the help. So, if a player is being pressured, it is important that they use pass fakes to move a defender’s hands and also keep the off-ball defenders honest. A good terminology to use with your basketball players is “fake a pass before you make a pass.” So, if a player has an aggressive defender or defense to account for, they need to make sure they are using plenty of pass fakes before making a pass.

Don’t Telegraph Your Passes

Another critical part of passing is not telegraphing passes. Players don’t need to throw no-look passes every time, but they also need to make sure that they aren’t staring down teammates. Good off-the-ball defenders are going to be trying to read a passer’s eyes to jump the pass. So, the more a player stares down their target, the easier they make it for them. Players need to keep their eyes up and scan the floor, and then right before they make the pass, they can look at their receiver.

On-Time and On-Target Passes

A big key to ball movement in basketball is timing. To keep the ball moving at a high rate, passers only have a short window to get the ball where it needs to go. This means that they need to be able to deliver an on-time and on-target pass. As mentioned earlier, passers need to make sure they aren’t staring down the receiver, but they still need to know when and where they need to get the ball.

Master Each Type of Pass Before Using It

There are a variety of different passes, and some are more difficult than others. The last thing you want your basketball players to start is to try to throw off-hand passes that they aren’t yet comfortable with. This will lead to turnovers and easy baskets for the other team. So before your players use a specific type of pass in a game, make sure they have spent plenty of time using these basketball passing drills and can execute it.

Work on Passing in Other Drills

A great way to work on passing is during other types of basketball drills. For example, if players are doing a basketball shooting drill, they can work on throwing quality passes every time. They can also work on different types of passes. If players lock in on their passing during these drills, it will allow for a ton of quality repetitions. This only happens, though, if it is emphasized and valued.

Must-Use Basketball Passing Drills

These basketball passing drills will allow your team to learn how to pass the ball better, and also better take care of the ball. This will lead to more ball movement, assists, and fewer turnovers.

Drill # 1: Pressure Partner Passing Basketball Drill

Many basketball players struggle with feeding the post, and the reason is that they are not used to doing it, and also, most likely, no one has ever taught them the right way to do it. Once they have learned the correct way to feed the post and have practiced it a few times, it becomes much more natural.

When you post feed, you need to make sure that you throw the ball in from a good angle. This is usually below the free-throw line extended. Along with a good angle, you need to make sure that you use pass fakes to get the defender’s hands out of the passing lane. This basketball passing drill video will teach you how to feed the post using pass fakes and the correct passing fundamentals.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Pressure Partner Passing Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 Basketball and a partner or a wall.

Goals of the Drill

• Learn how to post feed and handle the pressure.

Coaching Points

• Mix in all kinds of passes.
• Really visualize the defender and getting the ball around them.
• Practice stepping with both feet and work on being comfortable pivoting around a defender.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Stand facing a partner or a wall about 10-12 feet away.
• You want to mix in all of the different types of passes in this drill; wraparound pass, bounce pass, chest pass, overhead pass, etc.
• The goal of this basketball drill is to imagine there is a defender in front of you pressuring you, and you need to give a couple of fake passes before you deliver a pass right on target.
• Use your pivot foot and step around the imaginary defender as you deliver the pass each time.
• Practice passing with right and left hand.
• Alternate legs that you step forward with.

Drill #2: Steve Nash Off of the Dribble Partner Passing Basketball Drill

This is a beginner basketball drill to help younger players learn how to make a pass off of the dribble. The basketball drill will allow for a lot of repetitions in a short period of time, which will, hopefully, help the player develop good passing habits. Passing off of the dribble with only one hand can be a risky pass if not mastered. It is because it tends to be floated or off target, so it is crucial that the player masters this type of pass before attempting it in a game.

Passing off of the dribble is really important for point guards and players that handle the basketball a lot. You will not always have the time to pick the basketball up with both hands before making a pass. There may only be a small window to get the basketball into, and if you pick the ball up with both hands to make a pass, it may close. This is also a great drill to use when you have a large group for basketball training or in a basketball camp situation because it gets a lot of players involved at the same time and doesn’t take up very much space.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Steve Nash Off of the Dribble Partner Passing Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 2 basketballs and a partner.

Goals of the Drill

• Work on being able to pass off of the dribble with either hand.

Coaching Points

• Don’t be afraid to mess up, and try to push yourself to go as fast as you can (while still practicing the correct technique).
• Really make sure that you are snapping your passes, and try to be as accurate as you can.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Each player is going to start with a basketball and facing each other.
• The basketballs are going to be opposite each other in the player’s hands.
• When the drill starts, the players will take one pound dribble and then pass to their partner.
• As soon as each partner catches the basketball, they are going to repeat the movement.
• They will alternate which hand they pass with each time, and the drill should go for 20-30 seconds.

Drill #3: Off of the Dribble Bounce Pass Basketball Drill

The bounce pass off of the dribble basketball passing drill is a great drill for point guards to work on their passing skills off of the dribble. You will use this type of pass if a teammate pops open or back cuts. You may not be able to pick the ball up and take your time on the pass. This only leaves the option of making a one-hand push pass off of the dribble.

This pass can be turnover prone if you do not use it the right way or have not mastered it. Learn the correct way to do an off the dribble bounce pass basketball drill by watching this video. This basketball training video will show you some expert teaching points on making this type of pass along with teaching a great basketball passing drill. Also, along with this drill working on passing, it has a ball-handling component as well, so it doubles as a basketball dribbling drill.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Off of the Dribble Bounce Pass Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 Basketball and a partner or a wall.

Goals of the Drill

• Improve passing, technique, and court vision.

Coaching Points

• Don’t scoop the ball when you pass it.
• Stay in an athletic stance while you are doing the drill, don’t raise up.
• If you don’t have a partner, you can use a wall to make the pass against.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Stand with a basketball facing your partner about 10-12 feet away.
• Get down in an athletic stance and take 3 dribbles with your right hand.
• Without bringing your left hand to the ball, make a bounce pass to your partner and try to hit them right in their shooting pocket.
• The other player will receive the ball and then repeat the same 3 dribble pass motion.
• Continue this back and forth for 30 seconds and then switch to the left hand.

Why Basketball Passing Drills

Basketball passing drills are an essential part of any basketball team’s practice routine, especially for coaches. These drills not only enhance a player’s passing skills but also improve their overall ball-handling and decision-making abilities.

One of the main reasons why basketball coaches should include passing drills in their practice sessions is because it promotes teamwork and communication among players. By constantly practicing passing drills, players learn to trust their teammates and work together to achieve a common goal.

Moreover, basketball passing drills also help players develop their court vision and awareness. By constantly moving the ball around in different passing patterns, players learn to spot open teammates and make quick decisions on where to pass the ball. This is crucial for a team’s success as it creates more scoring opportunities and helps keep the defense on their toes.

Another benefit of basketball passing drills is that they improve a player’s ball-handling skills. Passing requires players to have good control over the ball, and by practicing different types of passes, players can develop better hand-eye coordination and strengthen their grip on the ball.

Lastly, including passing drills in practice sessions allows coaches to monitor and evaluate their players’ passing abilities. This helps them identify weaknesses and work on improving them, ultimately leading to a more well-rounded team.

Basketball Passing Drill Tips

There are many basketball passing drills that coaches can use to improve their team’s passing skills. These drills not only help players develop better techniques but also enhance their overall understanding of the game.

Here are some tips for coaches when implementing basketball passing drills:

1. Start with the basics: Before jumping into advanced passing techniques, make sure your players have mastered the fundamental skills such as chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes. Spend time on these basic skills as they form the foundation for more complex techniques.
2. Emphasize communication: Passing is not just about technique but also about effective communication between teammates. Encourage your players to call for the ball, communicate their intentions with each pass, and make eye contact before passing. This will improve overall team chemistry and passing accuracy.
3. Vary the drills: To keep your players engaged and continuously improving, it’s important to vary the passing drills you use in practice. Mix up individual, partner, and team passing drills to work on different aspects of passing, such as accuracy, speed, and decision making.
4. Incorporate game-like situations: It’s important for players to practice passing in realistic game situations. Incorporate passing drills that require players to make quick decisions and anticipate the movements of their teammates, just like they would in a real game.
5. Encourage creativity: While it’s important for players to master basic passing techniques, don’t stifle their creativity. Allow them to experiment with different types of passes and encourage them to find unique ways to get the ball to their teammates.
6. Provide feedback and correction: As a coach, it’s your responsibility to observe and provide feedback to your players during passing drills. Correct any technical mistakes, but also praise them for good passes and encourage them to keep improving.

By implementing these tips into your basketball passing drills, you can help your team become more skilled passers and ultimately improve their overall performance on the court. Remember, practice makes perfect, so make sure to incorporate passing drills into your regular practice routine!

Types of Basketball Passing Drills

There are various types of basketball passing drills that coaches can incorporate into their practice routines. Some popular ones include:

• One-handed passing: This drill focuses on improving a player’s one-handed passing ability, which is crucial for making quick and accurate passes on the court.
• Partner passing: This drill involves two players passing the ball back and forth to each other, working on their timing, accuracy, and communication.
• Overhead passing: In this drill, players practice throwing overhead passes to simulate game situations where they need to pass over tall defenders.
• Circle passing: This drill involves players standing in a circle and passing the ball to each other, working on their positioning, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Full-court passing: As the name suggests, this drill takes place on the full length of the court and focuses on long-distance passes to simulate fast breaks or cross-court passes during games.

Basketball Passing Drills Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers when it comes to basketball passing drills.

How do you train to pass in basketball?

Training to pass in basketball involves practicing different passing drills, working on hand-eye coordination and communication with teammates, and constantly improving your technique and decision-making skills.

How can I improve my passing accuracy in basketball?

Improving passing accuracy in basketball requires consistent practice, focusing on proper form and technique, and being aware of the court and open teammates. Additionally, incorporating specific passing drills into practice sessions can greatly improve accuracy.

What are some good passing drills for beginners?

Some good passing drills for beginners include one-handed passing, partner passing, and circle passing. These drills focus on the fundamental skills of passing and help players develop a strong foundation for more advanced drills in the future.

How often should I incorporate passing drills into practice?

Passing drills should be a regular part of every practice session, at least 2-3 times a week. However, coaches may choose to increase or decrease the frequency depending on their team’s needs and skill level.

Can passing drills be done individually?

Yes, passing drills can be modified for individual practice as well. This is especially useful for players who want to improve their passing skills on their own time or for those who may not have access to a full team practice. However, it is important for players to still incorporate partner or group passing drills into their routine to simulate game situations and communication with teammates.

How can coaches make passing drills more fun?

Coaches can make passing drills more enjoyable by incorporating games or competitions into the drills, setting time limits or challenges for players to complete, and even allowing players to come up with their own creative passing patterns. Additionally, coaches can provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to keep players motivated during the drills. By making passing drills more fun and engaging, players are more likely to stay focused and improve their skills.

How can I improve my passing in basketball?

Some ways to improve passing in basketball include practicing different types of passes, constantly working on hand-eye coordination and communication with teammates, and focusing on proper form and technique. Additionally, watching game footage to analyze passing patterns and learning from experienced players can also help improve passing skills. Overall, consistent practice and dedication are key to improving passing ability in basketball.

By incorporating basketball passing drills into practice sessions, players can continue to improve and develop strong passing skills that will benefit them on the court.  So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, don’t underestimate the importance of passing drills in your training routine. Keep working hard and perfecting your passes, and you’ll see the difference it makes in your overall performance on the court. Let’s keep passing and winning!  Keep practicing, keep improving, and keep playing with passion!

What is the pass drill for basketball tryouts?

The “Move and Pass” drill is designed to assess players’ ability to execute accurate chest passes while on the move, a fundamental skill in basketball that combines coordination, timing, and spatial awareness. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to conduct this drill during basketball tryouts:

• Position Players: Start by positioning two players at one end of the basketball court, with each player standing on opposite sides of the court. They should be approximately 12 feet apart to begin with.
• Begin Movement: On your command, both players will start moving towards the opposite end of the court. It’s important that they maintain their initial distance apart as best as they can throughout the drill.
• Execute Chest Passes: As they move down the court, players will continuously exchange chest passes. Emphasize the importance of maintaining eye contact and using proper passing form—players should step into the pass, use both hands to push the ball from chest level, and aim directly at their partner’s chest.
• Focus on Accuracy and Timing: The key to this drill is not just the movement but the precision and timing of the passes. Encourage players to make sharp, accurate passes that hit their partner in stride, allowing them to catch the ball without breaking their movement pattern.
• Repeat in Reverse: Once the players reach the opposite end of the court, have them pause briefly to reset if necessary, then perform the same drill in reverse, moving back to the starting end of the court.
• Evaluate Performance: Coaches should look for consistent accuracy in passes, the ability to maintain the proper distance apart while moving, and overall coordination between the players. Good communication, strong passing technique, and fluid movement are indicators of proficient skill in this area.

This drill not only helps in evaluating players’ basic passing and moving abilities but also gives insight into their spatial awareness and ability to maintain control and precision under physical exertion. It’s an effective way to gauge potential team members’ foundational skills during tryouts.

How do you teach a child to pass in basketball?

Teaching a child to pass in basketball involves breaking down the process into simple, understandable steps and emphasizing fundamentals. While the description you provided seems to mix elements of an overhead pass with general passing advice, I’ll clarify and provide a structured way to teach a child the basics of passing, including chest and bounce passes which are foundational skills for beginners.

General Passing Tips:

• Hand Placement: Teach the child to place their hands on either side of the basketball, fingers spread for better control.
• Eye Contact: Encourage making eye contact with the teammate they intend to pass to. This helps ensure the receiver is ready for the pass and improves accuracy.
• Targeting: Instead of aiming for a general area, instruct the child to aim for a specific target on their teammate, such as the chest or hands, to improve precision.
• Step Into the Pass: Teach them to step towards the target when passing. This generates more power and accuracy in the pass.

Teaching a Chest Pass:

• Positioning: Have the child stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent for balance.
• Ball Position: The ball should start at chest level, held with both hands.
• Execution: Instruct the child to push the ball forward from their chest, stepping into the pass simultaneously with one foot for added momentum.
• Follow Through: Emphasize the importance of extending their arms fully towards the target and finishing with their thumbs pointing down, which encourages a straighter pass.

Teaching a Bounce Pass:

• Starting Position: Similar to the chest pass, but with the child understanding the ball will hit the ground first.
• Aiming Point: Explain that the bounce should occur roughly two-thirds of the way to the receiver, allowing the ball to come up to the receiver’s waist level.
• Execution and Follow Through: Like the chest pass, they should step into it, pushing the ball downwards towards the aiming point on the floor, finishing with their arms extended and thumbs down.

Overhead Pass Note:

• While overhead passes can be useful, they’re generally introduced after mastering the basics due to their complexity and higher risk of turnovers. For young children, focusing on chest and bounce passes initially is advisable. When moving to more advanced passes like the overhead, emphasize not bringing the ball too far behind the head to avoid steals and delays.

Practice Drills:

• Partner Passing: Pair the child with a partner (or the coach) to practice passing back and forth, focusing on form and accuracy.
• Moving Passes: Have them practice passing while slowly moving towards each other to simulate game conditions.
• Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course where they have to pass the ball around objects to a partner, teaching them how to adjust angles and power.

Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key. Celebrate their successes and provide constructive feedback on areas to improve. With practice, their passing skills will develop over time.

What are the 3 steps to passing a basketball?

Passing a basketball effectively is a fundamental skill that requires precision, timing, and coordination. The description you provided outlines a basic yet highly effective chest pass technique, which is often considered the most accurate and reliable way to pass the ball in basketball. Here’s a breakdown of the three key steps involved in executing a proper chest pass:

Step 1: Position and Grip

• Hold the Ball: Start with holding the ball with both hands at chest level. Your fingers should be spread wide for better control, with your thumbs positioned behind the ball pointing towards you. This grip provides stability and control, allowing for a more accurate pass.
• Body Position: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance. Your knees should be slightly bent to maintain a stable and ready stance.

Step 2: Step Forward and Pass

• Step Forward: As you prepare to pass, step forward with one foot (preferably your non-dominant foot if you have a strong side). This step provides momentum and power behind your pass, making it quicker and more difficult for defenders to intercept.
• Extend Arms and Snap Wrists: With a fluid motion, extend your arms towards your target while pushing the ball forward from your chest. The key here is to snap your wrists as you release the ball, which adds speed and accuracy to the pass. Aim directly at your teammate’s chest area, as it’s an easy spot for them to catch from and quickly transition into a shooting or dribbling motion.

Step 3: Follow Through

• Arm and Hand Position: After releasing the ball, your arms should be fully extended towards the target, with your hands finishing in a palms-down position. This follow-through ensures the ball travels in a straight line to your teammate.
• Visual Focus: Keep your eyes on the target throughout the pass, from the moment you start the motion until the ball has been successfully received. This not only helps with accuracy but also allows you to be aware of defenders’ positions and adjust your pass accordingly.

The chest pass, when executed correctly following these three steps, is a powerful tool in basketball for maintaining possession, advancing the ball, and creating scoring opportunities. It’s essential for players of all levels to practice and master this skill, as effective passing can significantly enhance a team’s offensive play.

How do you effectively execute passing skills?

Effectively executing passing skills in basketball involves precision, timing, and the right technique. Unlike sports such as soccer where the foot’s positioning significantly influences the pass’s accuracy and power, basketball passing relies on hand positioning, movement, and vision.

Here are key components to ensure sharp, accurate, and effective passing in basketball:

• Hand Positioning: For a chest pass, which is one of the fundamental passes in basketball, position your hands on the sides of the ball with your thumbs behind it. This grip provides control over the pass.
• Body Positioning: Stand with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart for stability. Your body should face the direction of the pass to ensure accuracy.
• Eye Contact: Making eye contact with your teammate before passing can improve timing and let them know the pass is coming their way. It also helps in deceiving defenders.
• Push from the Chest: For a chest pass, extend your arms fully towards your target, pushing the ball from your chest. Snap your wrists upon release to add speed and accuracy to the pass.
• Follow Through: After releasing the ball, your fingers should be pointed towards the target, with your thumbs pointing down. This follow-through ensures the ball travels straight to your teammate.
• Stepping into the Pass: Similar to using a planted foot in soccer for direction and power, stepping towards your target in basketball can add momentum to your pass, making it harder for defenders to intercept.
• Protect the Ball: Before passing, use your body to shield the ball from defenders. This can involve pivoting or using a fake to create space for a clean pass.
• Anticipate Movement: Aim for where your teammate will be, rather than where they currently are, especially if they’re moving. This requires good court vision and understanding of your teammates’ tendencies.
• Vary Your Passes: Basketball offers a variety of passes (chest, bounce, overhead, behind-the-back, etc.) to adapt to different situations. Practicing all types of passes makes you a more versatile player.
• Practice Under Pressure: Effective passing isn’t just about technique; it’s also about decision-making under pressure. Practice passing drills with defenders to simulate game conditions.

By focusing on these aspects, players can enhance their passing skills, making their team’s offense more dynamic and difficult to defend against. Remember, good passing is not just about the passer but also involves the receiver being ready and in a good position to catch the ball. Communication, practice, and understanding between teammates are crucial for effective execution.

What is a push pass basketball?

A push pass is a type of one-handed pass in basketball where the player pushes the ball with their fingertips and wrist to make a quick, short-distance pass to a teammate. It can be used in situations where there isn’t enough time or space for a traditional two-handed pass. This type of pass is commonly used by point guards to quickly distribute the ball to open players. It requires good hand-eye coordination and control over the ball. Coaches can incorporate push passing drills into practice sessions to help players improve this crucial passing skill.

Overall, basketball passing drills are a fundamental aspect of improving a team’s performance on the court. By promoting teamwork, developing court vision and ball-handling skills, and allowing coaches to monitor their players’ progress, these drills play a crucial role in the success of any basketball team. Coaches should continuously incorporate passing drills into their practice routines and use them as an opportunity to provide feedback and improve their players’ skills.

More Basketball Passing Drills

Here are a few more basketball passing drills that you can use with your team.

Give-and-Go Drill

This drill focuses on the fundamental “give-and-go” technique, where a player passes the ball and immediately moves to receive a return pass. It teaches players to communicate non-verbally and understand the timing of cuts and passes.

Two-Ball Passing

In this drill, pairs of players simultaneously pass two basketballs to each other. This enhances their ability to focus and process multiple tasks, improving their reaction times and hand-eye coordination.

No-Look Passing Drill

Players are instructed to make passes without directly looking at their target. This drill develops players’ spatial awareness and their ability to anticipate teammates’ movements, a crucial skill for making unexpected plays.

Pressure Passing

Set up a drill where players must complete passes while being closely guarded by defenders. This simulates game-pressure situations, forcing players to use precise timing and strong, accurate passes.

3-Man Weave

The 3-man weave drill involves three players running down the court, weaving between each other while exchanging passes. It’s excellent for practicing fast breaks and encourages players to maintain control and precision at high speeds.

By incorporating these drills into regular practice sessions, coaches can significantly advance their team’s passing game, preparing them for the dynamic and fast-paced nature of competitive basketball.

Basketball Passing Drills for Coaches Conclusion

Basketball passing drills are an essential element of any practice routine for basketball coaches and players alike. These drills not only enhance a player’s passing abilities but also improve teamwork, communication, court vision, and ball-handling skills.

By incorporating different types of passing drills and regularly challenging players to improve their technique, coaches can help their team become more well-rounded and successful on the court.

So, practice those passes and watch your team’s passing game improve with every game!  So, don’t forget to incorporate these drills into your practice sessions and witness the benefits on the court.