Passing SkillsAdvanced Passing SkillsThese tips were provided by a current Southern Conference Head CoachYour passing skills determine whether or not your offense works. Passing sets the pace for the offense. Make smart passes. Telegraphed passes are easier for the defensive players to read and possibly steal. Players should use eye, head and ball fakes before passing the basketball. Don't stay at the same speed the whole game; if you do your defender will always know how fast you will go. Good defenders will time your dribble or pass and contantly take the ball away and you out of the game. Avoid focusing too much on the one-on-one aspect of offense, rather than the team aspect. Players that are more concerned with their individual game hurt the overall success of their team. Big problem in today’s game…too many players care about personal stats and not the win. Look to pass before looking to shoot. Players must always be aware of their teammates and the defensive players on the court. If a teammate is open and has a better scoring opportunity, then the pass must be made to them. This is one of the major faults a coach has to correct when a player comes to his program.
Be a part of the game, instead of standing around and watching the action. Players should not be spectators of the game. They must always be involved and moving, even when they don't have the basketball. Be ready to accept a pass or make a pass. Be extremely “hard to guard”…the points will come if you stay active. Be aware of how much time is left on the game clock or shot clock. Players must always know how much time is left on the shot clock during each possession. They must also be aware of how much time remains at the end of each quarter, the half, and the game. This is every player’s responsibility, not just the point guard's and coach's. When you understand and apply game time management, your passes have more purpose. Be a student of the game…great way to increase your basketball IQ. You will know when to pass and when to shoot.
Look for more than one option on every play. Do you shoot? Do you pass? Do you run the next step of hte play? This makes the defenders' job much harder. Players must always look for various scoring options on their set plays. If the first option that opens up leads to a good scoring opportunity, then the pass should be made. Otherwise, the players should look for other options.
Know your teammates' ability levels. Avoid using fakes and moves that your teammates are not ready for or familiar with. You must play within yourself on the court. New moves and fakes can be worked on during practice - not the game. Keep your cool -- don't commit a cheap and foolish foul after making a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes in basketball. When it happens on the offensive end of the court, players should hustle back and play good, strong defense to make up for it. They should avoid committing fouls out of frustration. Slapping down to block a shot, reaching without moving your feet, forgetting to box out, making a weak pass etc.
Maintain your concentration throughout each offensive possession. Passing is important. Players must always stay focused and concentrate when playing basketball. They should know what their responsibility is at all times and also follow the action of their teammates. This is a skill that needs constant improvement.
Passing skills are important to determine the success of the offense. Passing sets the pace.
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