Basketball Passing: The Bounce Pass

Using a bounce pass can help put your teammates in a position to run and score on offense.

There are a variety of fundamental skills you should practice to find success on the basketball court. One of the most important is passing.

“Passing is one of the most underrated skills in the game of basketball,” says former high school and college player Kristin Ronai. “Being able to effectively distribute the ball to your teammates is vital to the success of your team.”

An effective pass to add to your arsenal is the bounce pass.

HOW TO

To make a bounce pass, transition from a triple-threat position and bring your hands directly behind the ball.

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• Aim the ball three-quarters of the way between you and your teammate, so the ball will pop up off the ground in a favorable position for the catch, about waist-high.
• As you begin the pass, thrust your thumbs downward to create velocity on the ball as it travels to your teammate.
• Take a step with your non-pivot foot, bounce the ball at your aiming point and, as you make the bounce pass, continue forward in the direction of the pass.

“A bounce pass is an effective way to transfer the ball to your teammate and put them in a position to successfully continue the offense,” Ronai says.

Strong passing can be crucial to a team’s success on the hardwood. Add the Five-Star Passing Drill to your next practice to help build your team’s chemistry, communication and passing skills.