A few tips and drills to improve your passing
Bounce passes
Bounce passes can be easy to learn with the correct techniques.
First, Focus on the Right Form
Use both hands – Start with the ball at chest level and step forward.
Aim for ⅔ of the way – The ball should hit the floor about two-thirds of the distance to your teammate.
Follow through – Extend your arms and snap your wrists downward to create a strong, controlled bounce.
Work on Accuracy
Target practice – Set up cones or use a wall to aim for a specific spot.
Pass to a moving teammate – Work on hitting them in stride so they don’t have to reach too much.
Strengthen Your Pass
Use your legs – Step into the pass to add power.
Grip the ball correctly – Spread your fingers and use your fingertips for better control.
Game-Like Drills
Partner drills – Stand about 10-15 feet apart and pass quickly back and forth.
Defender drills – Practice bounce passes against a defender to improve timing.
Wall drills – Pass against a wall and catch it on the rebound.
Watch & Learn
Study how pros like Chris Paul or Nikola Jokić use bounce passes in tight spaces.
The key is repetition— The more you practice, the better your bounce passes will be in real games.
Chest passes
Chest passes are the main passing technique that involve strength and speed.
Master the Proper Technique
Start with the ball at chest level – Hold the ball with both hands, fingers spread wide.
Step into the pass – Use one foot to step forward to generate power.
Extend your arms fully – Push the ball forward and snap your wrists for a clean release.
Follow through – Your thumbs should point down and palms should face outward after releasing.
Work on Accuracy
Wall Target Practice – Stand a few feet away from a wall and aim for a specific spot.
Pass to a Moving Target – Work with a partner and pass while moving to simulate game situations.
Hit the Hands – Always aim for your teammate’s chest or hands for an easy catch.
Add Power to Your Pass
Use Your Legs – Step into the pass and engage your core.
Strengthen Your Arms & Wrists – Do push-ups or resistance band workouts to improve passing strength.
Game-Like Drills
Partner Passing Drill – Stand 10-15 feet apart and pass quickly back and forth.
Defender Drill – Have someone stand between you and your partner to practice passing around defense.
Full-Court Passing – Make chest passes while running to improve real-game passing.
Learn from the Best
Watch players like LeBron James or Chris Paul who use crisp chest passes in fast breaks and half-court play.
Over head passes
Over head passes take a lot of strength and accuracy to make it to their chest.
Focus on Proper Form
Grip the ball firmly – Hold it with both hands, fingers spread wide.
Bring the ball over your head – Keep elbows slightly bent but strong.
Step into the pass – Use your dominant foot to step forward for extra power.
Follow through – Extend your arms fully and snap your wrists forward.
Work on Accuracy
Target Practice – Aim for a specific spot on a wall or have a partner hold their hands up.
Hit the Hands – Always aim for your teammate’s hands to make catching easier.
Distance Control – Adjust your power based on how far you’re passing.
Improve Passing Strength
Use Your Legs & Core – Generate power by engaging your lower body, not just your arms.
Do Strength Training – Push-ups, resistance bands, and medicine ball throws help with passing power.
Game-Like Drills
Partner Passing Drill – Stand 10-20 feet apart and pass back and forth.
Outlet Pass Drill – Have a partner run upcourt while you practice quick outlet passes.
Press Break Drill – Have a defender in front of you while you work on passing over them.
Learn from the Best
Watch big men like Nikola Jokić or Kevin Love, who use overhead passes to start fast breaks.