Basketball · Passing

Chest and bounce passes with a partner

Partners pass back and forth with two-handed chest and bounce passes, stepping back after ten clean catches.

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Time
10 min
Players
2–20
Age
U7+
Area
Half court
Equipment
10 basketballs, one per pair (size 5 under 12, size 6 or 7 older)

Setup

  1. Pairs face each other about 3 m apart, one ball per pair.
  2. Spread pairs out across the court so passes don't cross.

How it runs

  1. Chest pass back and forth for 1 minute.
  2. Bounce pass for 1 minute; the ball hits the floor two-thirds of the way.
  3. After ten clean catches in a row, both step back one pace.

Coaching points

  • Thumbs behind the ball, fingers spread, step towards your partner.
  • Push through and finish with thumbs down and palms out.
  • Catcher shows hands up as a target and catches with fingertips.
  • Eyes on your partner's chest, not on the ball.

Common mistakes

  • Throwing from one side or above the head instead of the chest.
  • Bouncing the ball too close to the passer, so it arrives at the ankles.
  • Catching flat-footed with arms straight instead of giving with the ball.

Say it: “Step, push, thumbs down.”

Make it harder

  • Add a defender between partners with hands up; pass around them.
  • Weak-hand one-handed push passes.

Make it easier

  • Stand 2 m apart and roll the ball first.
  • Count five clean catches instead of ten.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.