Basketball Skills - Passing and Dribbling

This is a list of Skills and Drills for passing and shooting in the game of Basketball. I have compiled this list for anyone that is interested in working on their basketball game. Each skill is completely described in great detail. I have also provided a warm-up or practice drill using each skill. Please enjoy!!

Basketball

a.       Chest Pass- The ball is held in both hands, thumbs behind the ball and held chest high. Step in the direction in which you want to throw the ball with arms fully extended snapping at the wrists.

b.      Partner Pass – Drill to give students some repetitions with chest pass

i.               Students find a partner

ii.                   Students will pass ball back and forth using chest pass

c.       Bounce Pass- This pass is a short distance pass used to avoid a deflection or interception when a player is being closely guarded.

d.      Partner Bounce Pass

i.                     Students find a partner

ii.                   Students pass ball back and forth using bounce pass

e.       Overhead Pass- This pass is used to get the ball over a defenders head, usually to a post player.

f.        One-Hand Overhead Pass (Long In-Bound Pass) - This pass is used to cover a long distance on the court.

g.       Triangle Drill – Students rehearse all of the passes in this drill

i.                     Students get into groups of 3

ii.                   Students will pass the ball around the triangle using the passes listed above

h.       Catching and holding the ball-Provide the passer with a target by holding one or both hands up.

i.         Reaction Pass Drill- helps students become more aware of their surroundings on the basketball court.

i.                     One partner (partner A) has the ball; the other player (partner B) is 15 feet away facing the opposite direction as partner A.

ii.                   Player A, who has the ball, calls out partner B’s first name followed by a pass.

iii.                  Upon hearing his name partner B quickly turns around and catches the ball. The pass should vary, making the player jump or move side to side. 

j.        Dribbling- means of sending the ball to the floor so that it comes directly back to you.

k.      Walking Dribble – slow movement while dribbling the basketball.

l.         High-Speed Dribble- is used when a player is unguarded and moving quickly.

m.     Low-Control Dribble- is used when a player is being closely guarded or in a congested area.

n.       Crossover Dribble- use this dribble in order to change directions, only effective is the defender is guarding too closely.

o.      Reverse (Spin) dribble- This dribble allows the player to change directions against an opponent that is guarding to closely.

p.      Dribble Relay- allows students to be active while also enhancing their dribbling.

i.         Students get in groups of 4, 2 students on 1 end of the court and the other 2 are at the other end.

ii.       The first player dribbles the basketball down to the other player, then that player dribbles the ball up to the original player using a different dribble

iii.      1^st team to have each player go twice is the winner.