Basketball Suggestions, Volume II

Introduction

The contents of this book is based upon personal experiences, observations, comments, thoughts, and readings about basketball and how it might be played better.

Each section contains suggestions you may consider to improve your skills and performances and to make the game more enjoyable. The information and suggestions in each section are not to be considered an exhaustive list and they are not always in order of importance.

In the event you have questions, either ask your coach or contact the author.

The use of he and his herein will also mean she, her, or player.

A. Passing

Generally The pass makes the shot.

a. Pass the ball as soon as the receiver can use it.

b. Other times pass to where the receiver will be.

c. Pass to where the receiver can best use it.

d. Try not to telegraph your passes.

e. Most times snap your passes.

f. The pass that leads to and assist pass is important.

g. Re-feed the postman after he passes back out.

Generally, if a teammate has a higher percentage shot you should pass to him.

When there is a choice make the simple pass.

On a dribble drive to the rim and you leave your feet you are allowed to pass the ball until you land again. You will find that you will generally be able to make a very delayed pass.

When you penetrate and the defensive center aggressively comes out to guard you, loop the ball high to your center.

When a penetrator is picked up by the opposing center the penetrator should consider making a pass from over his opposite shoulder back to his center or jump up and at the top of the jump, pass the ball high back over his head with 2 hands to his center.

Learn and practice look away passes, especially off of the dribble.

The man with the ball should lead the roll man so he has momentum going to the rim, unless you expect him to take a pull-up jump shot.

After a kick out by a teammate from near the rim his defender may relax and drop off him. In that case you might immediately pass the ball back to him.

Dribble hand-offs to a teammate are effective.

Many players who have passed the ball will remain almost stationary. Unless a set play is in progress the passer should work to create a passing lane and if his defender has not dropped off a few steps he should cut to the rim.

Passers have to make good decisions. Sometimes it may be better to hold on to the ball than make an obvious turn-over or make a risky pass.

As you develop as a passer practice passing the ball with a minimum amount of follow through, especially with the body.

Develop the ability to make simple passes without giving away your intent.

The passing hand or hands and the fingertips should point at the target.

Target the pass for the throat of the receiver except on a