Being a good passer is essential for any basketball player, regardless of their position. Some reasons why it’s important to be a good passer are to Create Scoring Opportunities: A good passer can help their team create scoring opportunities by making accurate passes to their teammates. By passing the ball quickly and efficiently, they can catch the defense off-guard and create open shots for their teammates. Teamwork and Cohesion: Good passing is a key component of team play. A good passer understands the importance of teamwork and can help create a cohesive team by making selfless passes and involving all their teammates in the game. Improves Offensive Efficiency: A good passer helps improve the offensive efficiency of the team by maintaining ball possession and preventing turnovers. By making good passes, they can move the ball quickly and efficiently around the court, keeping the defense on their toes. The following are some of the best passing drills to improve your game.
1. Chest Pass Drill: This is a basic passing drill that helps players develop accuracy and speed in their chest pass. Players stand facing each other and pass the ball back and forth with their hands, making sure to use proper technique and snap their wrists to increase the speed of the pass.
2. Two-Ball Drill: This drill requires two basketballs and two players. The players stand facing each other and pass the balls back and forth using various passing techniques such as chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass, etc. This drill helps players develop hand-eye coordination and improves their ability to make quick, accurate passes.
3. Triangle Passing Drill: This drill involves three players standing in a triangle formation, passing the ball to each other in a predetermined sequence. This drill helps players develop communication skills and learn how to move without the ball.
4. Partner Passing Drill: This is a simple but effective drill that requires two players standing about 10 feet apart. The players take turns passing the ball to each other, using different passing techniques such as chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass. This drill helps players develop their passing accuracy and consistency.
5. Pick and Roll Passing Drill: This drill involves two players, one acting as the ball handler and the other as the screener. The ball handler passes the ball to the screener, who then rolls to the basket to receive the pass back from the ball handler. This drill helps players develop their pick and roll skills and improve their passing accuracy in game situations.
6. Blindfolded Passing Drill: This is an advanced passing drill that challenges players to rely on their instincts and feel for the ball rather than their vision. One player is blindfolded while the other player passes the ball to them from different angles and distances. This drill helps players develop their spatial awareness and ability to anticipate the ball’s trajectory.
7. One-Handed Passing Drill: This drill requires players to pass the ball using only one hand, either left or right. This drill helps players develop their weaker hand and improve their passing accuracy and speed.
Chair Passing Drill: This drill involves placing a chair or obstacle on the court, and players pass the ball around it. The obstacle forces players to adjust their passing angles and develop their passing accuracy and creativity.
8. Figure Eight Passing Drill: In this drill, players pass the ball in a figure eight pattern around their legs, making sure to switch between their left and right hand. This drill helps players develop their ball handling skills and passing accuracy while moving.
9. Full-Court Passing Drill: This drill requires players to pass the ball down the court using various passing techniques, such as chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass. This drill helps players develop their passing accuracy and decision-making skills in fast-paced game situations.
10. Pick and Pop Passing Drill: In this drill, players work on the pick and pop play, where the screener pops out to the perimeter after setting the screen. The ball handler passes the ball to the screener, who then makes a quick pass to a teammate cutting to the basket. This drill helps players develop their passing accuracy, decision-making skills, and ability to read the defense.
11. Outlet Passing Drill: This drill focuses on outlet passes, which are used to quickly transition from defense to offense. One player starts with the ball under the basket and passes it to a teammate sprinting down the court. This drill helps players develop their passing accuracy and speed while under pressure.
12. Four Corners Passing Drill: In this drill, four players stand in each corner of the court, passing the ball in a predetermined pattern. This drill helps players develop their communication and teamwork skills, as well as their passing accuracy and decision-making abilities.
13. Moving Target Passing Drill: This drill involves a player moving around the court while other players pass the ball to them. The moving player must catch the ball and quickly pass it to another player while still on the move. This drill helps players develop their passing accuracy and decision-making skills while in motion.
14. Around the World Passing Drill: In this drill, players pass the ball around their bodies in a circular motion, switching between their left and right hands. This drill helps players develop their ball handling and passing accuracy, as well as their coordination and timing.