The skip pass goes over a defender to hit a teammate on the opposite wing. It’s a high-level passing skill. This drill teaches the arc and the distance.
What you need: Basketball. Three kids per rep. Half-court.
Setup: Three kids stand in a triangle. Two on the same baseline (A and B, 15 feet apart), and C on the opposite baseline.
How to run it:
- A has the ball. B stands between A and C passively (no pressure).
- A throws a skip pass high over B’s head to C.
- The ball travels in an arc and lands at C at chest height.
- C returns a skip pass back to A, over B.
- Do 8 skip passes. Rest. Rotate so each kid gets reps as the passer.
What to watch: Is the pass going high enough to clear the middle player? And does it arrive at the right height to the receiver? Too high is easier than too low.
If they’re struggling: Use a bigger, softer ball. Reduce the distance. Have B move further away so the pass is easier.
If they’ve got it: Add a defender who plays soft pressure on B. The skip passer must time the pass and throw it before the defender can cut it off.