Passing Off the Dribble
-Scan the floor while dribbling to spot open teammates before picking up the ball.
-Get your hand underneath the ball when ending the dribble to secure control before pushing the pass with backspin.
-Use a jump stop when collecting the dribble to give yourself options to pass, pivot, or fake.
-If you make a one handed pass use a quick tap on the ball with the other hand to secure the ball in your passing hand before making the pass.
-Speed and forward momentum often lead to the ball sailing over the head of the intended target. So, it is especially important to finish a pass off the dribble with the passing hand pointed directly at the target.
Penetrate and Dish or Kick
-Aggressively driving into the lane is not always about getting yourself a shot. Sometimes it is about drawing the defense to you so that your teammates are open and you can get them the ball.
-When a coach uses these term dish it usually means to drop the ball off to a teammate at the block or near the paint. Kick means to throw a strong pass to a player on the perimeter.
-Driving with your head up and playing under control is essential.
-The driver should use a jump stop in the lane to stay balanced, avoid traveling, and deliver an accurate pass.
-Read the defense. See how the defense moves to stop the drive. Watch their hands, a lot of passes are thrown into a defender's hand.
Flick Pass
-Also known as a Over the Shoulder Pass.
-Avoid pulling the ball back before the pass, as this signals your intent to the defense.
-Rely on a fast flick or snap of the wrist to generate speed and accuracy over short distances.
-Keep the ball on your fingertips rather than your palm for better feel and a quicker release.
-Extend your passing hand toward your target with your fingers pointing where you want the ball to go.
-The best times to use this pass is when you are tightly guarded, off the dribble, or when making a quick redirection pass.
Behind the Back Pass
-Place your hand slightly under and on the side of the basketball.
-Execute a quick arm wrap and snap your wrist to propel the ball backward.
-For an air pass, throw the ball slightly upward so it does not drop too low for your teammate to catch. For a bounce pass, aim for the ground about three-quarters of the way toward your target.
