Passing / 5 MINUTES
Bounce through the gate
Send a gentle bounce pass into a partner’s ready hands.
ON THE FLOOR
Partner / station setupMotion is off with your reduced-motion preference. The setup and action paths show the rep.
MAKE IT FIT YOUR GROUP
Coach the players in front of you.
Ages 6–8
A large soft ball and a short lane can help first-time catchers. Widen the gate rather than demanding harder passes.
- Work & rest
- Five shared catches, then a short reset; partners choose a comfortable distance.
- Look for success
- The ball reaches the partner’s hands without the receiver chasing it or getting hit in the feet.
2 partners in one clear passing lane
Child-sized basketball, Two flat floor markers
A short partner passing lane
Set it up
Partners stand a comfortable short pass apart. Put two flat markers between them as a wide gate. Leave space behind each player for a missed catch.
Run the activity
- The receiver faces the passer and shows two ready hands before the ball leaves.
- Step toward the partner and bounce the ball through the gate so it rises comfortably toward the hands.
- Catch with two hands, settle the feet and return the same kind of pass. Move closer when the ball arrives too low or too hard.
- Count five comfortable catches together, pause to adjust the gate, then begin another short round.
“Hands ready. Bounce it to your partner.”
Watch for this
Aiming only at the floor markers and ignoring where the receiver can actually catch the ball.
Make it easier
Roll a soft ball through a wider gate before progressing to a gentle bounce.
Add a challenge
Let the receiver move one step sideways, then stop and show a new target before the next pass.
Coaching references
Original HoopSketch activity and drawing. These references informed the coaching principles; the age fit, constraints and pacing are our editorial guidance. Adjust to readiness and your league’s rules.
Age and development framework
References checked October 22, 2026. Basketball-coach review pending.