If you’re a fan or even a beginner player of the sport, you’ll probably enjoy following the different types of basketball passes.
After all, this is one of the most interesting and exciting fundamentals of the sport.
A well executed pass can leave spectators, players and, above all, opponents looking for the ball, not knowing where it ended up!
Meanwhile, your teammate scores the point and puts your team ahead!
That’s the mission of the pass: to contribute to plays that will take the ball to the basket.
That’s why mastering the different types of pass in basketball is so important. They serve as an alternative for the most difficult moments in a game.
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6 types of pass in basketball you need to know about
The list of the most well-known types of basketball pass used by amateur and professional players includes:
- Chest pass
- Chopped pass
- Overhead pass
- Shoulder pass
- One-handed pass
- One-handed pass to evade the marker
Below, we detail each of them, explaining how to execute them and when to use them. Check out the tips and videos to understand how to practice and execute them correctly.
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1. Chest pass (or direct pass)
The chest pass is executed by holding the ball at chest height and throwing it towards the receiver with both hands, which is why it is also called a direct pass.
For its most efficient execution, it is important to keep your elbows away from your body. This position improves the precision and power of the pass, helping the ball to reach the desired player so that he can make one of the types of shots towards the basket, or make another pass.
Another important precaution is to ensure that the pass is made with enough speed to reach the receiver before the defenders can intercept it.
Any position in basketball can perform the chest pass, but it is often used by players on the periphery of the court.
As you get to know everything about basketball, you learn that this is one of the most basic passes in the sport, but also one of the most effective if the aim is to move the ball quickly around the court.
The direct pass was popularized by one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Bob Cousy, who played point guard for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963 and briefly with the Cincinnati Royals.
Cousy was known for absurdly incredible and precise passes, making his name in world basketball as one of the best passers in the world! Want to take a look at some of his shots? Check out this video that the NBA released on YouTube with the athlete’s most incredible shots.
2. Chopped pass
In the chip pass, the ball is thrown towards the ground near the receiver. It bounces once before reaching him.
Once again we’re talking about a pass that needs to be made with enough force and speed for the ball to bounce towards the receiver, before an opponent intercepts it.
However, the detail is that the force must not be so great that it carries the ball too far, making it impossible to receive.
The pinpoint pass is often used by playmakers and wingers who are distributing the ball around the perimeter of the court.
It is generally used when defenders are too close, as the ball bounces on the ground, making it difficult to intercept.
| Chopped pass: ideal for getting past the defense and creating quick moves. |
Want to find out more about the perfect execution of these first two types of pass in basketball? Then it’s worth watching the video below with a very detailed tutorial on the chest pass and the dribble pass.
3. Shoulder pass
The shoulder pass is similar to the chest pass, but the ball is thrown from the shoulder towards the receiver.
As you can see in the video above, the throwing motion must be smooth and controlled, while still being strong and precise.
To do this, the shoulder must be pointing towards the receiver, regardless of how far away they are.
It’s important to keep your fingers spread out for better control of the ball and its trajectory.
Generally, this type of pass in basketball is used when space is limited or when the athlete wants to throw the ball long distances, as in the video we used above to exemplify this type of pass in basketball.
4. Over-the-head pass
In situations where it is necessary to move the ball from the perimeter players to the basket, the over-the-head pass is an interesting alternative.
It’s one of the fastest and highest types of pass in basketball, made with both hands above the head.
To execute it, hold the ball with both hands above your head, fingers spread wide and elbows close to your body.
Push the ball with force and precision in the desired direction, using the movement of your arms and body.
| Fun fact: The over-the-head pass is ideal for starting a counter-attack and creating quick moves. |
5. One-handed pass
One of the most interesting types of basketball pass to watch is the one-handed pass.
This option is generally used when the scorer is too close or when there isn’t enough time to control the ball and make the pass.
The execution takes place with the player holding the ball with one hand, while the other is used only to guide the movement of the ball.
He then extends his arm with the ball towards the receiver and, with a flick of the wrist, throws the ball.
6. One-handed pass to evade the marker
The one-handed pass to evade the marker protects possession from pressure markers.
It is also an effective technique for <92>deceiving the defender and creating space for an attacking move.
During the pass, the player holds the ball with one hand, while using the other hand to simulate the pass.
The player extends the hand holding the ball towards the receiver as if to make a pass, while the other hand is used to make a fake throwing movement.
To execute the move, move your foot, dodge your opponent with your arm and throw.
So, did you enjoy learning about the main types of pass in basketball? So, if you’re just starting to train, put our tips into practice and have a great game. But if you’re all about watching, whether it’s NBA, NBB or any other type of sport, use the content to analyze the plays of this sensational sport even better!
Are you passionate about basketball? Then keep enjoying the information about the sport by visiting the links below:
- The 30 greatest basketball players of all time
- How to bet on basketball at Betano in 2024: everything you need to know
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