Slamdunk

What do Pete “the Pistol” Maravich and Magic Johnson have in common? If you answered that they were both great play makers and masters at passing the basketball, then you would be correct. If you would like to become an elite basketball player, it is essential that you master the fundamentals of passing a basketball. Why? It is very difficult for any basketball player to compete and succeed at the highest level–especially if he would like to win championships–if he does not learn how to pass a basketball effectively to his teammates.

Basketball is a team sport. Unfortunately, a lot of basketball players, make the mistake of thinking that they can win games and championships by solely outscoring their opponent(s). Not a single basketball player, since the invention of basketball by James Naismith in 1891, has ever won a championship without involving his teammates–that is over 100 years and counting!

Even Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, did not win his first NBA championship ring until after he learned how to “share” the basketball with his teammates by creating scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates–in essence, he improved his basketball passing skills. In a nutshell, great basketball players know how to pass the ball.  Read more...

One of the skills important for a player to learn before playing the actual game of basketball is passing the basketball. Passing is the act of the handing over the basketball to the player’s teammate. Communication between the team members is crucial in passing. You have to acknowledge the pass first, either verbally or nonverbally, before handing over the basketball to a player. Passing can be used as an escape route if the player is heavily guarded by the defenders in order to keep the ball in the team’s possession and later on shooting the basketball to the team’s basket. In basketball, passing skills are acknowledged by statistics, which are called an assists. Passing the basketball may be done in several ways.

The Chest Pass

This pass is thrown in a straight line with high velocity used on the court’s perimeter. When the recipient is moving, this pass is made ensuring that the player doesn’t over reach to catch the basketball. When the recipient is stationary, this pass is made ensuring that the player who will accept the basketball doesn’t have to move. This pass is received in a triple threat position wherein the feet are shoulder width apart, elbows and knees bent, the shooting hand at the top and the other hand on the side of the basketball. In passing the basketball, it must be held at the level of the sternum, then by pushing the back foot and taking a step with the front foot while extending the arms to make the pass.  Read more...