Passing: Another Fundamental Youth Basketball Players Need to Learn

While some players can dribble and score from end to another or beat the defense off the dribble in a set offense, it’s the pass the makes the player a more creative and offensive player.

Passing allows the player to get the other teammates involved, thus enhancing their ability to improve. It also gives the passer a chance to develop another skill, which is moving without the ball.

I often tell my players, usually the open player is the one who just passed you the ball. That is why the give and go is a great tool to teach.

Even though rarely seen in youth basketball, it’s a beautiful thing when a team can score on a fast break with the ball touching the floor.

When you teach players the correct way to pass, it’s equally important to teach them how to receive (catch the ball). There are 2 basic drills I use when specifically teaching passes.

1) The basic fundamentals of the bounce, chest, and outlet passing as well as receiving. The players should step to pass and receive.

This what I usually do:

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Coach Steve Jordan has graciously allowed me to use his site as a resource. I advise all coaches to visit it at: http://www.akcoach.com

The first new drill is a pass and catch affair. Half of your players stand on the baseline, while the other half stands on the free throw line extended.

Each player on the free throw line, lines up across from a player on the baseline. This way they can pass to each other.

Every time they pass the ball, make them step into the pass. They take one step toward the player they are passing to.

Every time they catch the ball, they should give the passer a target and take one step toward the passer with their hands outstretched to receive the pass.

I know this seems too simple but it is necessary. When my daughter was in 4th grade, she was a head taller than the rest of the kids. She was also the best pure shooter on the team.

Guess what, she only scored 6 points the whole season because she couldn’t catch the ball. That ball would bounce off of her chest, her legs, her hands, and even her head.

She got more passes stolen away from her because she refused to take the step to receive the pass. I can not stress it enough that these kids need to learn how to make sharp, crisp passes and move into the pass to receive it.

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This is a good fundamental start. Tomorrow we will send you the 2nd drill I have researched and used with all of my teams. When asked what drill is their favorite, the players have overwhelmingly chosen this as their choice.

Again enjoy and feel free to ask questions either in the comment box or email me at keith@bestyouthhoops.com