Basketball Passing and Pivoting Techniques Mastery

Characteristics of Passes and Receptions

Strong, fast, and maximum security from interception are key. The ball must move as far away from the defender as possible. The pass should ultimately be executed with the fingers and must travel between the receiver's waist and chest.

Types of Passes

• Chest pass with two hands
• Two-hand chopped chest pass
• Two-hand overhead pass
• Normal hand pass
• Hand delivery to hand back pass
• Crushed hand pass
• Baseball pass

Stopping Techniques

Stopping refers to how a player manages their feet upon receiving the ball:

• Stop at one time: Catching the ball when both feet touch the ground simultaneously.
• Stop two times: Catching the ball while one foot hits the ground before the other.

The Pivot Action

The pivot is the action that allows a player with the ball in their hands to turn in any direction around one foot that remains on the ground. This foot is called the pivot foot.

• If the stop was one time, the player can choose the most appropriate pivot foot.
• If the stop was two times, the pivot foot will always be the foot that came to the ground first.

Types of Changes of Address (Direction Changes)

Normal Change

The attacker fakes a move with the left hand as if to attack the defender's right side, forcing the defender to shift position. The attacker then changes direction with a low and fast dribble, continuing to bounce with the right hand while protecting the ball with the left arm.

Pivot (Reverse) Change

The attacker fakes a move with the left hand as if to attack the defender's right side to force movement. When the defender closes in, the attacker executes a stop, planting the right leg forward while holding the ball in the left hand. From this position, the player pivots on the left foot and moves out. The left foot steps out in the direction of the move with a low and fast dribble between the feet, using the left hand. The head turns in the direction of the move while receiving the ball with the right hand, initiating a change of pace in the correct direction.

On the Back Change

The attacker fakes a move with the left hand, and as the left leg steps forward, the ball is positioned near the body. The player executes a low dribble, pivoting on the left foot in the outbound direction. The player then receives the ball and moves in the right direction using a change of pace.