HOOPSKETCHBASKETBALL
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Passing / 8 MINUTES

Drive, pitch, replace the window

Deliver a controlled pass to a teammate who has moved into sight of the drive.

ON THE FLOOR

Half court · attack ↑
Drive, pitch, replace the window — drill diagramThe driver approaches the helper as the wing drops into sight. The dashed paths show the kick-out and subsequent safety pass; reset if either window is covered.Safety stays visible123X
The driver approaches the helper as the wing drops into sight. The dashed paths show the kick-out and subsequent safety pass; reset if either window is covered.
1PlayerXDefenderBallMovePass / shotDribble

Motion 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 12–14

Keep the approach short and the helper predictable. Teach the wing’s movement before adding another defender.

Ages 15–18

Let the helper choose when to commit, and reward a controlled reset when no passing lane appears.

Work & rest
One complete rep per role, with time to reset the receiving windows between trips.
Look for success
The driver sees the target before passing and the wing catches without reaching through a defender.
Players

3 attackers and 1 guided help defender

Equipment

One basketball, Basket, Three perimeter markers

Space

Half court with a wing outlet and top safety

Set it up

Place a handler at the top, a wing receiver and a safety on the opposite side. A guided defender starts inside the lane and shows help as the handler approaches.

Run the activity

  1. The handler makes a controlled one- or two-dribble approach and reads whether the helper steps toward the ball.
  2. The wing moves a short distance into an unobstructed receiving window, keeping space from the helper and safety.
  3. Pass only after seeing the receiver. The wing catches on balance and moves the ball to the safety while the driver clears the lane.
  4. Reset rather than forcing a pass through a closed lane. Rotate the driving, wing, safety and help roles after each rep.
ONE CUE TO SAY OUT LOUD

“Drive to see. Pitch to hands.”

Watch for this

Leaving the floor before finding the receiver, or passing to where the wing used to stand.

Make it easier

Walk through the drive and receiver movement before allowing the helper to change position.

Add a challenge

Add a second guided defender who can recover toward the wing and create a pass-back read.

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.