Useful Tips

How to shoot a basketball

Basketball Passing Skills in Depth Training

Chest Pass

1. Receive the ball in the triple-threat position (feet shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered, knees bent, shooting hand on top of the ball and your other hand to the side, and elbows bent at 90-degree angles).
2. Hold the ball on a level even with your sternum.
3. Push off your back foot.
4. Take a step with your front foot.
5. Extend your arms in a quick motion to pass the ball.

• When your teammate is moving, lead the ball far enough in front of your teammate so he or she doesn't have to break stride to catch it. When your teammate is standing still, pass the ball so your teammate is not forced to move.
• Avoid using the chest pass when a defender is lurking around your teammate. This pass is easier to steal because it's generally thrown in a straight line.
• You can throw the chest pass with velocity since you don't bounce it.
• The chest pass is best used on the perimeter of the court.

Bounce Pass

1. Receive the ball in the triple-threat position (feet shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered, knees bent, shooting hand on top of the ball and your other hand to the side, and elbows bent to 90-degree angles).
2. Hold the ball at waist level. You may need to alter the position of the ball from hip to hip depending on your defender's location.
3. Aim for a spot three-quarters of the way between you and your teammate.
4. Push off your back foot.
5. Take a step with your front foot.
6. Extend your arms in a quick, downward motion to pass the ball.

• When your teammate is moving, lead the ball far enough in front so your teammate can catch the ball in stride.
• Pass the ball so your teammate is not forced to move.
• Attempt to get your teammate the ball so that he or she is in the triple-threat position upon receiving the ball.
• The bounce pass is difficult for a defender to steal. The change of direction is hard for the defender to judge.
• When your teammate is on the move, a bounce pass is easier to handle than a chest or overhead pass.
• Practice the trajectory and speed of your bounce pass to increase your accuracy.
• Try not to telegraph your pass to your defender. Learn to feint a move in a different direction first, or develop your "no look" passing.

Overhead Pass

1. Receive the ball in triple-threat position (feet shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered; knees bent; shooting hand on top of the ball and your other hand to the side; and your elbows bent almost 90 degrees).
2. Place your hands on either side of the ball. (Image 1)
3. Bring the ball directly behind your head with your forearms parallel to the court. (Image 2)
4. Push off your front foot. (Image 3)
5. Take a step with your back foot. (Image 4)
6. Snap your elbows down with your arms, finishing when arms are completely extended in front of you. (Image 5) click photos to enlarge

• There's no need to mimic the Incredible Hulk with this pass and throw too hard - it will already be a powerful pass.
• Use this pass when you need to go over the top of your defender. Keep in mind, however, that it's an easy pass to steal.

Behind The Back Pass

1. Hold the ball in both hands.
2. Begin moving the shoulder of your dominant hand toward your back.
3. Cup the ball in your dominant hand.
4. Cock your wrist with your fingers pointed in the direction your shoulder is moving.
5. Carry the ball 180 degrees so the ball is now behind you. Your arm should be wrapped around behind you as if you're getting ready to take a formal bow.
6. Release the ball directly behind you.

• Practice against a wall to determine your release point.
• This pass is much more effective when you're moving because you can more easily go in the opposite direction of the ball.
• Be patient. It takes some time to figure out the motion.
• If you're not comfortable with the pass, don't do it in a game situation.
• Learn to pass accurately without looking where you're throwing.

Alley-Oop .....(forget about this one)

1. Find somebody who has the vertical leap to dunk easily. Or find a basket that allows you to adjust the height of the rim.
2. Decide you're going to throw the alley-oop before you get to the three-point arch.
3. Make eye contact with your partner who has the hops.
4. Toss the ball toward the basket with a shot-like motion - soft and with an arch - when your teammate is two or three steps away from jumping.
5. Aim for a spot barely above the rim, and to the side that your teammate is approaching from.
6. Watch as your teammate chocks up an assist for you with a thundering dunk.

• A soft, arching toss is easier for your teammate to receive.
• Work on the timing frequently to learn the motions of the play.
• Trust your teammate.

Pass fake – This is effective against aggressive defender...

One hander Pass vs Two Hander Pass

One hander allows faster and more agility while two hander pass offer more precision.

Side pass – It is useful when you are overplayed...