BASKETBALL

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

From peach baskets to nylon, the complete basketball history guide:
Basketball has not always been the same game we know and love today. Before there were plexiglass
backboards, nylon nets, and actual basketballs, there were peach baskets and soccer balls.
Before there was 5-on-5, there was 9-on-9. Before there were dunks, 30-foot shots, and final scores in the triple
digits, there were single-digit scores, no dribbling, and janitors who had to bring out a ladder every time a
player scored so the ball could be removed from the baskets.
From its humble beginnings in a Massachusetts gymnasium to becoming a worldwide game, basketball has
evolved a great deal since its invention in 1891 by James Naismith.
Read on to learn the full story of when basketball was created, how the game has changed since its invention,
and how basketball became a global phenomenon.

YEAR
1891 Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, invented basketball while trying
to create a new game to keep his students active during the winter months. The game was
initially played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals. Dr. James Naismith invents
basketball at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts (now
known as Springfield College).
On December 21, Naismith hung up peach baskets at each end of the gymnasium and
introduced a set of 13 basic rules for the game. The first basketball game was played that day
and it finished with a score of 1-0.

1892 The first official basketball game is played. The first public game of basketball was played on
March 11, 1892. It took place in Springfield, Massachusetts at the YMCA between students and
faculty. The students won 5-1.
1893 The first international basketball game took place in Paris, France at a local YMCA.

On February 7, 1893, the first college men's basketball game took place as Vanderbilt beat the
Nashville YMCA by a score of 9-6.

The first college women's basketball game was played at Smith College in Northampton,
Massachusetts on March 22, 1893. The freshman class defeated the sophomore class 5-4.

The second college basketball game took place on April 8, 1893 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
between Geneva College and the New Brighton YMCA. Geneva won 3-0.

1894 The soccer ball that was previously being used in games was replaced with what we now know
as the official basketball.
1895 The first basketball game between two colleges took place on February 9, 1895 between
Hamline University and Minnesota A&M. Minnesota A&M won 9-3. In this game, rules
allowed for 9 players per side.
1896 The first intercollegiate basketball game using the modern rules of 5 players per side took place
on January 18, 1896 in Iowa City, Iowa. The University of Chicago beat the University of Iowa
15-12.
1897 The U.S. Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) takes over the handling of basketball activity from
YMCA.
1898 The first professional basketball league, the National Basketball League (NBL), was formed in
New Jersey. The Trenton Nationals were the first champions. The league disbanded in 1904.
1904 Basketball was included as a demonstration sport in the Summer Olympics held in St. Louis,
Missouri. This marked the first appearance of basketball in the Olympic Games.
1906 Metal hoops, nets, and backboards were introduced, replacing the peach baskets.
1909 Unlimited dribbling is allowed for the first time. In 1901, players were allowed to dribble the
 ball for the first time, but they were only allowed to dribble once and they weren't allowed to
shoot after.
1932 The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was founded on June 18, 1932, the first
international basketball organization tasked with coordinating tournaments and teams.

First Olympic Basketball Tournament. Basketball was introduced as an Olympic sport in the
1932 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. The United States won the gold medal.

1936 Basketball is introduced to the Olympic Games. Basketball made its debut as an official
Olympic sport at the Berlin Summer Olympics. The United States won the gold medal,
beginning a legacy of dominance in international basketball.

1946 The Basketball Association of America (BAA) was founded, which later merged with the
National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA) in
1949.
1949 The BAA merges with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA. The league
started with 17 teams.

1950s Basketball gains widespread popularity, with the NBA and college basketball leagues
expanding.

Introduction of the 24-Second Shot Clock. The 24-second shot clock was introduced to speed
up the game and prevent teams from stalling. The first game to use the shot clock was played
between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.
1950s- The NBA experienced significant growth and popularity, thanks in part to the emergence of
1960s legendary players like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West.
1967 Formation of the American Basketball Association (ABA). The ABA was formed as a rival
league to the NBA. The league introduced several innovations, including the three-point line
and a red, white, and blue basketball.
1968 The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opens on February 17, 1968.
1976 Women's basketball is officially added to the Olympic Games.

The NBA and the American Basketball Association (ABA) merged, bringing together the best
players from both leagues and solidifying the NBA's position as the top professional basketball
league.
1979 Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Join the NBA. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird joined the NBA,
bringing new excitement to the league. The two players would go on to have a fierce rivalry
and help popularize the sport in the 1980s.

The NBA adopts the 3-point line for the first time for the 1979-1980 season.

1992 Formation of the Dream Team. The United States assembled a team of NBA stars for the
1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. The team, known as the Dream Team, included Michael
Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, among others, and won the gold medal. The "Dream
Team" wins the Olympics, highlighting basketball's global appeal.

1997 The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is established.

2020s Basketball remains a global sport, with the NBA and WNBA at the forefront.

Top players like Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Allen
Iverson, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash and more help revolutionize the game and
raise the popularity of basketball. Stars like Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Manu
Ginobili, and Pau Gasol help globalize basketball.
2006 Introduction of the Instant Replay System. The NBA introduced an instant replay system to
help referees make more accurate calls. The system allows referees to review footage of certain
plays to ensure they made the correct call.
PRESENT Present day: Basketball continues to thrive globally, with the NBA attracting star players and a
DAY massive fan base from around the world. The game has evolved, and with the invention of the
3-point line has become more fast-paced and high-scoring than ever.

BASKETBALL
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
Basketball requires essential facilities like a court with baskets and backboards, along with equipment such as
balls, uniforms, and shoes. Additional equipment includes scoreboards, game clocks, and whistles for organized
play.
Essential Facilities:
 Basketball Court: A flat, rectangular surface with baskets at opposite ends. The size of the court for the
NBA and college games is 94ft. long and 50ft. wide.

 Backboards and Rims: Steel rims (18 inches in diameter) with attached net affixed to a backboard that
measures 6 feet by 3.5 and one basket is at each end of the court, mounted 10 feet above the court.

 Line Markings: Boundary lines, center circle, free-throw line, and 3-point line markings.
 Foul Line: for all size courts, the foul line is marked 15ft. in front of the backboard.
Essential Equipment:
 Basketball: A ball with a circumference of 29.5 to 30 inches for men and 28.5 inches for women.
 Uniforms: Loose-fitting vests or tank tops and shorts.
 Basketball Shoes: Specially designed shoes for support and grip.
 Whistle: Used by officials to stop play and signal fouls.

Additional Equipment for Organized Play:

 Scoreboards: To display the score and other game information.
 Game Clocks: To keep track of the game time.
 Shot Clock: A timing device used in some leagues to force offensive players to shoot the ball within a
certain amount of time.
 Alternating Possession Arrows: Used to indicate which team has the ball after a foul or violation.
 Score Sheets: For keeping track of points, fouls, and other game statistics.
 Mouthguards: Recommended for player safety.
 Coaching Boards: Used by coaches to diagram plays.

BASKETBALL
MECHANICS AND RULES OF THE GAME
Basketball: Rules and Regulations
1. Officials: 2 Referees and 2 score keepers
2. Coaches: Responsible for discipline, calling time-out, and making substitutions.
3. Playing the game:
 Each team begins with 5 players on the court.
 Each game consists of four, 8-minute quarters. 1 minute between each quarter and up to a 10-
minute half time.
 A jump ball starts the game, after which possession situations are decided by an alternating
direction arrow.
 The ball may be passed, thrown, tapped, rolled or dribbled but not kicked or carried.
 Once you stop dribbling you must pass or shoot. Another player must possess the ball before you
may dribble again.
 A player is in possession of the ball when s/he is holding or dribbling a live ball.
 A team is in possession of the ball when a team member is in possession or when the ball is
being passed between two teammates.
4. Scoring
 Shots from the field = 2 points (inside the 3 point line)
 Shots from outside the 3 point line = 3 points
 Foul shots = 1 point
5. Live Ball
 Ball becomes live when: tapped at a jump ball, is touched by a player on the court or when it is
handed to the player on the foul line.
6. Dead Ball
 A ball is dead when: a point is scored, a foul occurs, the ball touches the basket supports, at the
first of two free throws or touches the boundary line.
7. Throw-ins
 When a ball is out of bounds, possession is awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last.
 During a throw in, only the in-bounder may be out of bounds. The In-bounder may roll, throw or
bounce the ball into play. The ball must be passed directly into the court within 5 seconds.
8. Foul Shots
 A point awarded on an unhindered shot scared from within the free throw circle and behind the
free throw line.
 Taken after a technical foul, a personal foul in the act of shooting or after a team has committed
7 fouls in the half (a bonus situation)
9. Violations
 A minor infraction of the rules, penalized by a loss of the ball
 Violation = automatic dead ball
 3 types of violations –
1) Free throw violation
2) Goal tending and basket interference
3) Floor violations = traveling, double dribble, back court, 3 seconds in key, carrying the ball
 10 second violation = ball must be over the center line within 10 seconds
 5 second violation = by a dribbler that is closely guarded, by an offensive player with the ball
that is closely guarded and the ball must be in-bounded from the sideline within 5 seconds
10. Fouls
 Infraction involving personal contact with an opponent
 If a player is not shooting when fouled, her/his team is awarded the ball until the 7th foul, then
free throws are awarded
 If shooting, the fouled player is awarded free throws 1 if the fouled shot went in or 2 if it was
missed, 3 if fouled while attempting a 3-point shot and missed

Fouls and Violations

In addition to stealing the ball from an opposing player, there are other ways for a team to get the ball.
One such way is if the other team commits a foul or violation.
FOULS

Personal fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact.

 Hitting
 Pushing
 Slapping
 Holding
 Illegal pick/screen -- when an offensive player is moving. When an offensive player sticks out a limb
and makes physical contact with a defender in an attempt to block the path of the defender.

Personal foul penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then he gets two free throws if his shot
doesn't go in, but only one free throw if his shot does go in.

 Three free throws are awarded if the player is fouled while shooting for a three-point goal and they miss
their shot. If a player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and makes it anyway, he is awarded one
free throw. Thus, he could score four points on the play.
 Inbounds. If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team the foul was committed upon. They
get the ball at the nearest side or baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the
court.
 One & one. If the team committing the foul has seven or more fouls in the game, then the player who
was fouled is awarded one free throw. If he makes his first shot, then he is awarded another free throw.
 Ten or more fouls. If the team committing the foul has ten or more fouls, then the fouled player receives
two free throws.

Charging. An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player. The ball is
given to the team that the foul was committed upon.

Blocking. Blocking is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender not establishing position in time to
prevent an opponent's drive to the basket.

Flagrant foul. Violent contact with an opponent. This includes hitting, kicking, and punching. This type of foul
results in free throws plus the offense retaining possession of the ball after the free throws.

Intentional foul. When a player makes physical contact with another player with no reasonable effort to steal
the ball. It is a judgment call for the officials.

Technical foul. Technical foul. A player or a coach can commit this type of foul. It does not involve player
contact or the ball but is instead about the 'manners' of the game. Foul language, obscenity, obscene gestures,
and even arguing can be considered a technical foul, as can technical details regarding filling in the scorebook
improperly or dunking during warm-ups.

VIOLATIONS

Walking/Traveling. Taking more than 'a step and a half' without dribbling the ball is traveling. Moving your
pivot foot once you've stopped dribbling is traveling.

Carrying/palming. When a player dribbles the ball with his hand too far to the side of or, sometimes, even
under the ball.

Double Dribble. Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or picking up the dribble and
then dribbling again is a double dribble.

Held ball. Occasionally, two or more opposing players will gain possession of the ball at the same time. In
order to avoid a prolonged and/or violent tussle, the referee stops the action and awards the ball to one team or
the other on a rotating basis.

Goaltending. If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's on the way down toward the basket, while it's
on the way up toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it's in the cylinder above the rim,
it's goaltending and the shot counts. If committed by an offensive player, it's a violation and the ball is awarded
to the opposing team for a throw-in.
Backcourt violation. Once the offense has brought the ball across the mid-court line, they cannot go back
across the line during possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to pass inbounds.

Time restrictions. A player passing the ball inbounds has five seconds to pass the ball. If he does not, then the
ball is awarded to the other team. Other time restrictions include the rule that a player cannot have the ball for
more than five seconds when being closely guarded and, in some states and levels, shot-clock restrictions
requiring a team to attempt a shot within a given time frame.

BASKETBALL TERMINOLOGY
Dribble: ball movement caused by the player in control who bounces the ball in a one-handed pushing action
towards the floor

Blocking: is an illegal personal contact with an opponent, which impedes or stops her/his progress

Holding: is an illegal personal contact with an opponent, which interferes with her/his freedom to move

Pivot: occurs when a player in possession of the ball steps in any direction with the same foot while keeping the
other foot anchored to the floor

A try: an attempt to shoot the ball into the basket, for a possible score of 2 or 3 points

The act of shooting: begins simultaneously with the start of the try and ends after the ball is clearly in flight

Infraction/Foul: is the breaking of the game rules

BASKETBALL REFEREE SIGNALS

DIFFERENT POSITIONS OF PLAYERS
1. POINT GUARD (PG)- usually the fastest player on the team, organizes the team’s offense by
controlling the ball and making sure that it gets to the right player at the right time.
2. SHOOTING GUARD (SG)- creates a high volume of shots on offense, mainly long-ranged; and
guards the opponent’s best perimeter player on defense.

Offensive -- Dribbling, passing, and setting up offensive plays are a guard's main responsibilities. They also
need to be able to drive to the basket and to shoot from the perimeter.

Defensive -- On defense, a guard is responsible for stealing passes, contesting shots, preventing drives to the
hoop, and for boxing out.

3. SMALL FORWARD (SF)- often primarily responsible for scoring points via cuts to the basket and
dribble penetration; on defense seeks rebounds and steals, but sometimes plays more actively.
4. POWER FORWARD- (PF) plays offensively often with their back to the basket; on defense, plays
under the basket (in a zone defense) or against the opposing power forward (in man-to-man defense)

Offensive -- Forwards are responsible to get free for a pass, take outside shots, drive for goals, and rebound.

Defensive -- Responsibilities include preventing drives to the goal and rebounding.

5. CENTER (C)- uses height and size to score (on offense), to protect the basket closely (on defense) or to
rebound.

Offensive -- The center's goal is to get open for a pass and to shoot. They are also responsible for blocking
defenders, known as picking or screening, to open other players up for driving to the basket for a goal.
Centers are expected to get some offensive rebounds and put-backs.

Defensive -- On defense, the center's main responsibility is to keep opponents from shooting by blocking
shots and passes in the key area. They also are expected to get a lot of rebounds because they're taller.
 The 13 Original Rules of Basketball
The original 13 rules of basketball were established by Dr. James Naismith when he invented the game in 1891.
They described how to move the ball, how to score, what was and was not allowed (including what a foul is),
and other rules of the game. The original rules were printed and hung up on a bulletin board at the gymnasium.
Here are the 13 basketball rules as they were originally written:
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands, but never with the fist.
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to
be made for a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed if he tries to stop.
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands. The arms or body must not be used for holding it.
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking in any way the person of an opponent shall be
allowed; the first infringement of this rule by any player shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him
until the next goal is made, or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game, no
substitute allowed.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of Rules 3, 4, and such as described in Rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count as a goal for the opponents (consecutive means
without the opponents in the meantime making a foul).
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there,
providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges and the
opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field and played by the first person touching it.
In case of dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If
they hold it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a
foul on that side.
10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three
consecutive fouls have been made. They shall have power to disqualify people according to Rule 5.
11. The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it
belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made, and keep account of the goals
with any other duties that are usually performed by a referee.
12. The time shall be two 15-minute halves, with five minutes' rest between.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In case of a draw, the game may,
by agreement of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.

Basketball rules revolve around two teams of five players aiming to score by shooting a ball through a hoop,
while preventing the opposing team from doing so. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at
each end. Key rules include dribbling the ball, advancing it across the mid-court line within a certain time, and
avoiding fouls or violations.
Core Rules:
 Objective: Score more points than the opposing team by shooting the ball through their hoop.
  Teams: Each team has five players on the court at a time.
 Ball Movement: Players can move the ball down the court by dribbling (bouncing the ball) or passing it
to teammates.
 Dribbling: A player must dribble the ball with one hand while moving.
 Traveling: Taking more than two steps without dribbling after catching the ball is a violation.
 Double Dribbling: Dribbling with both hands simultaneously or stopping and then resuming dribbling
is a violation.
 Backcourt Violation: Once a team advances the ball into their frontcourt, they cannot bring it back to
their own backcourt.
 Shot Clock: Offensive teams have a limited time (24 seconds in most leagues) to attempt a shot after
gaining possession.
 Fouls: Illegal physical contact with an opposing player result in a foul, potentially awarding free
throws.
 Scoring: Field goals (shots inside the three-point arc) are worth two points, while shots outside the arc
are worth three.
 Game Length: Games are typically divided into quarters, with overtimes if necessary.
 Putting the Ball in Play: The game begins with a jump ball in the center circle, and the ball is put in
play after most stoppages.
Key Considerations:
 Ball in Bounds: The ball must remain within the court boundaries.
 Out of Bounds: The last team to touch the ball before it goes out of bounds loses possession.
 Timeouts: Teams have a limited number of timeouts during a game.

BASKETBALL
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS

Ball Handling / Dribbling

 Ready position
 Maintain body control and balance
  Ball controlled beside and slightly ahead of the body
 Ball is pushed towards the floor (pads of fingers)
 Dribble slightly above waist height
 Ball awareness eyes up

15 Common Types of Basketball Pass

Two Handed Chest Pass

 Fingers spread, thumbs behind ball

 Elbows bent, in line with shoulders
 Ball held at chest and passed to chest of receiver
 Step into pass
 Arms extend, palms face out, thumbs point down

Two Handed Bounce Pass

 Same as above
 Ball is bounced slightly before the feet of the receiver (3/4 of the distance to the receiver)

Two Handed Overhead Pass

 Ball is raised over the head with tow hands

 Fingers spread, thumbs rest under the ball
 Elbows flexed, wrists cocked
 Step into pass
 Arms extend, wrists flick, thumbs point up
 Received above chest level

Wraparound Pass

 The wraparound pass is a creative and deceptive basketball pass where the player wraps the ball around
a defender to reach a teammate. This pass is particularly useful when a defender is guarding the direct
passing lane or when the passing angle is limited.
 To execute a wraparound pass, the player extends one arm around the side of the defender while
simultaneously tucking the ball against their body with the other hand.
 The passer then quickly releases the ball from the tucked position, creating an arc around the defender to
find an open teammate. This pass requires good ball-handling skills, court awareness, and precise
timing.
 It is an effective tool for surprising defenders and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. The
wraparound pass should be used sparingly and with caution, as it carries a higher risk of turnovers if not
executed properly.

Lob Pass

 The lob pass is an aerial pass thrown high above the defenders’ reach to allow a teammate to catch the
ball near the basket for a shot or a dunk. It is used when there is a height advantage or a clear path to the
basket.
 The passer throws the ball with an upward trajectory using a gentle arc to give the receiver time to
position themselves and make the catch. Timing and accuracy are crucial in executing a successful lob
pass.
 It is often used on fast breaks, alley-oop plays, or when the offensive player has gained an advantageous
position near the basket.
 The lob pass requires good communication and understanding between the passer and the receiver, as
well as precise judgment of distance and timing.

Behind-the-back Pass

 The behind-the-back pass is a flashy and creative pass that adds flair to the game. It involves throwing
the ball behind the passer’s back to a teammate. To execute this pass, the player uses their dribbling hand
to wrap the ball around their back, releasing it with a flick of the wrist.
  The behind-the-back pass can be effective in situations where defenders are closely guarding the passer
and it provides an unexpected angle to get the ball to an open teammate.
 However, it requires skill, timing, and awareness of the surrounding players to avoid turnovers or
intercepted passes. It is important to use this pass judiciously and prioritize accuracy over showmanship.

No-look Pass

 The no-look pass is a deceptive pass that involves faking a pass in one direction while quickly delivering
the ball in another direction, all without looking at the intended recipient. It requires a high level of court
vision and trust in teammates.
 The player uses their eyes and body movements to deceive defenders before delivering the pass. It can
be an effective way to catch opponents off-guard and create scoring opportunities. However, it is a high-
risk pass as it relies heavily on anticipation and timing.
 Precision and familiarity with teammates’ movements are essential to execute the no-look pass
successfully. It is a skill that is typically reserved for experienced and skilled players who have a strong
understanding of their teammates’ positioning and tendencies.

Alley-oop Pass

 The alley-oop pass is an exciting and crowd-pleasing play that involves throwing the ball towards the
rim for a teammate to catch and score in mid-air. It is commonly used for high-flying players who excel
in dunking.
 The passer needs to throw the ball with precise timing and accuracy, allowing the recipient to catch it in
stride and finish with a spectacular slam dunk.
 The alley-oop pass requires good communication, understanding, and chemistry between the passer and
the recipient. It is often used in fast breaks or half-court plays near the basket to take advantage of height
or athleticism.
 However, it is essential to use the alley-oop pass judiciously, as mistimed or inaccurate passes can result
in turnovers or missed opportunities.

Outlet Pass

 The outlet pass is a quick and long-distance pass made by a rebounder or an inbounding player after a
defensive rebound or an opponent’s made basket. It is designed to initiate a fast break or start a quick
offensive transition.
 The passer immediately looks for an open teammate who is ahead of the defense and throws a long pass
to get the ball up the court quickly.
 The outlet pass requires accuracy, speed, and awareness of the teammates’ positions on the court. It is
important for the recipient of the pass to anticipate and adjust their position accordingly to receive the
ball and initiate the offensive play.
 The outlet pass is a crucial element in fast-paced basketball, as it can catch opponents off-guard and lead
to easy scoring opportunities.

Touch Pass

 The touch pass is a quick and accurate pass that is executed with a deft touch, often with one hand or
fingertips. It is used to keep the ball moving fluidly between teammates and to exploit gaps in the
defense.
 The touch pass is especially effective when players are in motion or when the passer is under pressure
from defenders.
 It requires excellent hand-eye coordination and a delicate touch to control the ball’s speed and direction.
The pass is made by lightly tapping or flicking the ball to a teammate, allowing for a seamless
continuation of the offensive play.
 The touch pass can be used in various situations, such as cutting to the basket, changing the direction of
the ball, or setting up a teammate for a shot. It adds speed and unpredictability to the offense and often
catches defenders off-guard.

Baseball Pass

 The baseball pass is a long-distance pass that resembles a throw in baseball. It is typically used to
quickly advance the ball from one end of the court to the other, bypassing the defense.
  The passer throws the ball with an overhead motion, similar to a baseball throw, using one or both
hands.
 The baseball pass requires strength, accuracy, and good judgment to gauge the distance and timing. It is
commonly used in fast breaks, outlet situations, or when a teammate breaks away from defenders for an
easy scoring opportunity.
 The pass is particularly effective when there is limited time or space to make a traditional long pass.
However, the baseball pass should be used selectively, as it carries a higher risk of turnovers or
interceptions due to its long trajectory.

Over-the-shoulder Pass

 The over-the-shoulder pass is a flashy and creative pass used in situations where a traditional pass is not
feasible due to defenders or obstacles.
 This pass involves the passer quickly turning their back to the intended receiver, then tossing the ball
over their shoulder with one hand while looking in the opposite direction. It requires excellent court
vision, timing, and trust between teammates.
 The over-the-shoulder pass is often utilized on fast breaks or when the passer is closely guarded and
needs to quickly release the ball. It can be an effective way to surprise defenders and create scoring
opportunities. However, it is a high-risk pass that requires practice and coordination to avoid turnovers.

Pick-and-roll Pass

 The pick-and-roll pass is a key component of the pick-and-roll offensive play, which involves one player
setting a screen (pick) for a teammate who then drives to the basket or shoots. As the ball-handler comes
off the screen, they must read the defense and make a quick decision to either drive, shoot, or pass.
 The pass in the pick-and-roll situation is often a quick and accurate delivery to the rolling player who is
moving toward the basket after setting the screen. This pass requires good communication, timing, and
court awareness.
 The passer must assess the defense and make a precise pass to avoid turnovers or defensive traps. The
pick-and-roll pass is essential in creating scoring opportunities by manipulating the defense and forcing
them to make choices.

Skip Pass

 The skip pass is a long, cross-court pass that quickly moves the ball from one side of the court to the
other, bypassing defenders in the process. This pass is effective when the defense collapses toward the
ball, leaving a teammate open on the opposite side. To execute a skip pass, the passer must have strong
arm strength and accuracy.
 The pass must be swift and zipped across the court to avoid interceptions. The skip pass is useful in
breaking down zone defenses or when the offense needs to find an open shooter on the weak side.
 It requires good court vision and the ability to anticipate defensive rotations. The passer should be aware
of the defensive positioning and make the pass at the right time to exploit the open space.

Bullet Pass

 The bullet pass is a powerful and fast pass that allows the ball to reach its target rapidly. This pass is
characterized by a strong one-handed throw with a quick flick of the wrist, generating high velocity. It is
commonly used in situations where there is a short passing window or when the defense is tight.
 The bullet pass can help break through defenders and create scoring opportunities. It requires excellent
arm strength and accuracy to avoid turnovers. This pass is particularly useful in transition plays or when
trying to hit a cutting player for a layup.
 However, the bullet pass can be risky if not properly executed, as it can lead to deflections or
interceptions. It is essential to assess the passing lanes, anticipates defensive reactions, and make quick
decisions when attempting a bullet pass.

Set Shot

 Ready position
 Shoulders and hips square to the basket
 Ball is in front of and slightly above forehead, supported by shooting arm
 Ball held on the pads of the hand; fingers spread comfortably
 Elbow is below the ball and is in line with shooting knee and shoulder
  Wrist is fully bent so that the hand and forearm are at right angles
 Shot begins as body extends from the legs... through the arm.... elbow extension and finishes with a flick
of the wrist

***REMEMBER BEEF (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through)

BALANCE: Feet should be shoulder width apart, with dominant foot forward. Ball starts in shooting pocket
and power is generated by the legs.

EYES: Eyes focused on the rim.

ELBOW: Student forms "L" with shooting arm. Index finger over right eye for right-handed shot. Elbow is
under the ball and the wrist is bent so that the wrinkles are visible on the shooting hand. The offhand is used for
support. only.

FOLLOW-THROUGH: together with the power generated by legs, “wave good-bye” to the ball (put your
fingers in the cookie jar)