Partner passing drill diagram
Partner passing drill step by step
- 1
O1 and O2 face each other about 12 to 15 feet apart. O1 steps toward O2 and throws a chest pass.
- 2
O2 answers with a bounce pass. The ball hits the floor about two thirds of the way to O1 so it bounces up around the waist.
- 3
O1 throws an overhead pass, holding the ball above the forehead and snapping it at the partner's chin.
- 4
Now both players shuffle toward the baseline side by side, passing back and forth as they go. O2 passes to O1 on the move.
- 5
At the baseline, the partners turn around and come back. Lead your partner with each pass so they catch it without breaking stride.
How to set up the partner passing drill
Put players in pairs with one ball per pair. Line the pairs up across the court, partners facing each other about 12 to 15 feet apart. Younger players can start closer.
Use the sidelines and lane lines as marks so each pair has its own space and balls don't fly into the next group.
How to run the partner passing drill
Call out one pass at a time. Pairs throw 10 chest passes, then 10 bounce passes, then 10 overhead passes. Watch the footwork on every pass: step toward the partner and follow through toward the target.
Then move it. Partners shuffle sideways down the floor and pass back and forth, then turn and come back. Once that is clean, have them jog or run and lead each other with the pass. This is the part that looks most like a game.
Partner passing drill coaching points
Chest pass
Hold the ball at the chest with thumbs behind it. Step toward your partner and push with both hands, finishing with thumbs pointing down and palms out.
Bounce pass
Aim for a spot on the floor about two thirds of the way to your partner. The ball should come up to their waist.
Overhead pass
Hold the ball above your forehead. Keep it from going behind your head, where it can be stolen. Step and snap the wrists to throw it at your partner's chin.
Receiver
Give a target with both hands up, fingers spread. Step to meet the pass and catch with two hands.
Basketball passing drills for partners: variations
One-hand push pass
Pass off the dribble with one hand, from each side. It is the pass players use most in games.
Two-ball partner passing
Each partner has a ball. One throws a chest pass while the other throws a bounce pass at the same time, so players have to catch and release quickly.
Partner passing with a defender
A third player stands in the middle and tries to deflect passes. Passers have to fake and use a pivot to get the ball by.
Timed passing
Count completed chest passes in 30 seconds. Move the partners farther apart after each round.
Passing drills for younger players
For 7U and 8U players, start about 8 to 10 feet apart and use a smaller ball. Teach the chest pass and bounce pass first. The overhead pass can wait until players are strong enough to throw it without winding up behind the head.
Common partner passing drill mistakes
- Throwing the pass flat-footed with no step toward the partner.
- Bounce passes that hit the floor too close to the passer and bounce up too high or too low.
- Bringing the ball behind the head on an overhead pass.
- Receivers standing and waiting for the ball to reach them.
- Throwing the ball behind a moving partner when passing on the move.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Partner passing drill FAQ
What are the three basic passes in basketball?
The chest pass, the bounce pass, and the overhead pass. Most coaches also teach a one-hand push pass off the dribble.
Where should a bounce pass hit the floor?
About two thirds of the way from the passer to the receiver, so the ball comes up to the receiver's waist.
How far apart should partners be for passing drills?
About 12 to 15 feet for most players. Start younger players closer, around 8 to 10 feet, and move them back as their passes get stronger.
What are good basketball passing drills for beginners?
Partner passing is the best place to start. After that, try a passing circle with a defender in the middle and the three man weave once players can pass on the run.