Galen Harkness • October 30, 2023
The Art of Passing: 3 Essential Passes Every Basketball Player Should Master
Basketball is a game of movement, teamwork, and strategy. At its core, passing the ball is one of the game's most fundamental yet impactful skills
**The Art of Passing: 3 Essential Passes Every Young Basketball Player Should Master**
Basketball is a game of movement, teamwork, and strategy. At its core, passing the ball is one of the game's most fundamental yet impactful skills. For young players aspiring to elevate their game, mastering key passes can be a game-changer. Today, we'll dive into three crucial passes and explore their benefits and the challenges they pose to the defense.
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**1. The Pocket Pass on Pick and Rolls**
The pick and roll is a classic basketball play. The pocket pass, delivered swiftly between defenders as the ball handler comes off a screen, can be lethal when executed correctly.
*Benefits for the Offense:*
- **Creates Open Shots**: The pocket pass often leads to an easy scoring opportunity, as the roller usually has a clear path to the basket.
- **Diversifies the Offense**: It keeps the defense guessing, as they have to defend both the ball handler and the roller.
*Pressures for the Defense:*
- **Forces Quick Decision Making**: The defense must decide in a split second who to guard – the shooter or the roller.
- **Risks of Overcommitting**: Misreading the play can lead to defensive players either leaving the roller open or giving the ball handler an open shot.
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**2. The Penetrate and Kick Pass**
Driving into the paint draws defenders in, and a quick kick-out pass to an open teammate on the perimeter can be deadly.
*Benefits for the Offense:*
- **Opens Up Perimeter Shots**: Often results in open three-point opportunities.
- **Balances Inside-Outside Game**: It ensures that the offense isn't too predictable.
*Pressures for the Defense:*
- **Spreading the Defense Thin**: Defenders have to cover both the paint and the perimeter, making it challenging to defend effectively.
- **Late Closeouts**: If defenders commit too much inside, they may be too late to contest outside shots.
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**3. Push and Pitch Ahead Pass**
In fast-break situations, the push and pitch-ahead pass can quickly move the ball up the court before the defense is set.
*Benefits for the Offense:*
- **Exploits Defensive Imbalance**: Takes advantage of moments when the defense isn't organized.
- **Creates Easy Transition Points**: Often leads to layups or open jumpers.
*Pressures for the Defense:*
- **Forces Hasty Retreats**: The defense has to rush back, which can lead to mistakes.
- **Challenges Defensive Assignments**: In the chaos of a fast break, defenders can lose track of their assignments.
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**The Importance of Passing for Team Success**
Passing isn't just about moving the ball. It's about creating opportunities, building trust among teammates, and establishing a rhythm on the court. Good passers control the game's tempo, ensure balanced team play, and ultimately, contribute significantly to team success.
For basketball players in the 6th to 12th grade, mastering these passes can set you apart. It showcases your understanding of the game, your commitment to teamwork, and your desire to create the best opportunities for your team to score. Remember, basketball is a team sport, and passing is the glue that binds individual talents into a cohesive unit.
So, as you hit the court, practice these passes, understand their nuances, and always look for that open teammate. Elevate your game, one pass at a time.
Every player wants to make an impact. Score. Steal. Pass. Rebound. Make plays. Help your team. That's the fun of the game. But what if you're not the biggest or the tallest player on the court? Don’t let size hold you back. What matters more is your effort, mindset, and willingness to work. Here are 5 ways smaller players can consistently impact the game: 1. Run the Floor Sprint hard every time. Even if you don’t get the ball, you put pressure on the defense —and open up opportunities for your team. 2. Cut with Purpose Move without the ball. Defenders relax when you stand still. Cut hard, look for gaps, and make plays from movement. 3. Push the Pace When you get the ball, go. Put pressure on the defense before they’re set. Play fast. Make good decisions. 4. Get Paint Touches Attack the paint. Great things happen when you get inside—draw defenders, finish strong, or kick out to teammates. The paint changes the game. 5. Hustle Plays Win Games Dive for the loose ball. Battle for rebounds. Take charges. Be feisty, relentless, and tough to play against. What Separates Players? Mindset. Do you believe you belong? Do you believe you can make a difference? Keep showing up. Keep working hard. Keep finding ways to impact the game. Your size doesn’t define your value. Your effort and mindset do. https://www.loom.com/share/0c0113c8b25c422ba7e10803b818d6b0?sid=ccecfb29-bc1a-4dc1-ac51-a0ba204e3d18 The video below is of TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. The average height in the NBA is 6'7". TJ is 6'1" and has a MASSIVE impact on the game. He does all the things listed above and more.
Last night, one of our EYG players hit eight threes in a single game. Not because he got hot. Because he made the decision to shoot— And had the confidence to let it fly. That confidence came from 7 months of consistent training: 4 workouts per week 2 full seasons of 5-on-5 play Mostly group training, with a few private sessions He had a goal. He showed up. He did the work, even on the hard days. And when the moment came, he was ready. This isn’t the end of his journey. It’s just a stepping stone. If you know a player with a goal—someone ready to work— EYG is here when they are. Let’s keep growing. Keep working. Keep dreaming. Keep elevating your game.
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