The chest pass is the first pass kids learn. It’s the easiest to control and the hardest to defend. This drill is just that: catch, pass, repeat.
What you need: 8-foot basket. Youth ball. Two kids per pair. Open space.
Setup: Partners stand facing each other 8 feet apart on flat ground.
How to run it:
- Start with one kid holding the ball at chest level. Feet shoulder-width apart.
- They pass the ball by extending their arms straight out from the chest, thumbs pointing down at release.
- Partner catches it at chest level and returns it.
- Do 15 passes back and forth. Then rest.
- Do 2 rounds.
What to watch: Are they catching and passing from the same height? Chest to chest. If the pass drops below waist or flies high, the hand position is wrong.
If they’re struggling: Move to 6 feet apart. Use a softer, bigger ball. Count only 10 passes per round instead of 15.
If they’ve got it: Move back to 12 feet. Add a quick catch-and-pass (no pause between). Keep it snappy.