The bounce pass goes on the ground. It’s slower than a chest pass but harder to intercept. This drill teaches the angle. The ball bounces at a point between you and your partner.
What you need: 8-foot basket. Youth ball. Two kids per pair. Flat court.
Setup: Partners stand facing each other 10 feet apart.
How to run it:
- Start with the ball at chest level. You’re going to bounce it to your partner.
- Aim for a spot on the ground halfway between you and them. That’s your target.
- Push the ball down and forward so it bounces at that spot and comes up at chest height to your partner.
- Partner catches it and bounces it back to you.
- Do 12 bounce passes back and forth. Rest. Do 2 rounds.
What to watch: Is the ball bouncing at the halfway point or does it bounce too close or too far? The bounce point controls where the catch happens.
If they’re struggling: Move closer to 8 feet. Use a bigger, softer ball. Aim for a line on the court instead of calculating the midpoint.
If they’ve got it: Move back to 12 feet. Add a quick catch-and-pass. Make it a rapid fire series without stops between passes.