How to Pass a Basketball

How to Pass a Basketball • The Chest Pass • The Bounce Pass • When to use a Chest Pass • When to use a Bounce Pass The Chest Pass • Have body square to your target • Thumbs by chest; elbows bent and sticking out from body • Step toward your target as you pass • Extend your arms fully as you release the ball • Thumbs point down when pass is completed The Bounce Pass • • • • • • Spread your fingers along the sides of the ball Start with the ball at chest level Keep your knees bent Extend arms downward as you make the pass Upon release, turn palms outward toward the floor Aim to have the ball contact the floor about two-thirds of the way to the receiving player When to use a Chest Pass • When you need to get it to your teammate fast • When you have a wide open lane to pass the ball through When to use a Bounce Pass • When you have close defensive coverage • As another option if your opponent is expecting you to make a chest pass Practice makes Perfect! • Practice Chest Passes against a wall • Practice Bounce Passes with a partner by aiming for a line or a target on the floor 2/3 of the way between you and your passing partner * See note at left… *Practice enough and you too could pass just like NBA legend Larry Bird!!! Congratulations! Nice Pass!!! • Now you know the fundamentals to help you pass like the pros!