After Passing the Ball

When teaching players how to play, especially the younger players, I like to keep things simple and consistent. One of the basic teaching fundamentals I use is that a player has 3 options when in possession of the ball. The player can pass, dribble, or shoot. Therefore, they should be in the Triple Threat position, where the can do all 3 moves. Staying consistent with the 3 options, I emphasize that if the player passes the ball, they again have 3 options in what they can do next. First, the player can pass and cut toward the basket. Second, the player can pass and follow their pass. Third, the player can pass and go away.

Staying consistent, if the player passes and cuts, they again have 3 options on how to cut.

1. The passer can make a speed cut. Often referred to as a Give and Go, a speed cut is a hard, quick cut between the defender and the ball, taking advantage of a defensive lapse.

2. The passer can make a V cut where the passer takes a step or two away from their pass, and then cuts back over the top of the defender, again getting between the defender and the ball. Often a player uses a V cut when the defender tries to bump, or impede them.

3. The passer can make a back-cut. A back cut occurs when the passer again goes way from the ball, if the defender relaxes, or loses sight of the player, the player can back-cut behind the defender. Players should understand that they can be most dangerous when the ball is passed because most defenders relax after their man has passed the ball.

If the passer passes and follows the pass, again there are 3 options.

1. The passer can screen at the point of the ball and create a pick and roll action.

2. The passer can go to the ball for a handoff.

3. The passer can go past the ball for floor balance.

If the passer goes away from the ball, again there are 3 options.

1. The passer goes away to set a screen on a teammate.

2. The passer goes away and receives a back screen.

3. The passer goes away from the ball to achieve floor balance.

Players should understand that they can be most dangerous when the ball is passed because most defenders relax after their man has passed the ball. Again, I cant stress this enough. Players need to understand that they can be most dangerous when the ball is passed because most defenders relax after their man has passed the ball. The old “give and go” is still one of the most effective plays in basketball. Pass and cut is seldom in error; pass and stand is seldom correct.

I have found that constantly talking about having 3 options to players has helped players to understand how to play. Especially with younger players, constantly reminding them that there are 3 options open to them, and constantly explaining the options to them helps them to have a better understanding of correct play. It gives them something concrete and exact to think about, until the actions become second nature.