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Passing / 6 MINUTES

Hit the target hand

Develop passing accuracy and communication by requiring receivers to show a two-hand target away from imaginary defensive pressure.

ON THE FLOOR

Partner / station setup
Hit the target hand — drill diagramPartners pass to the target hands beside the receiver’s body, secure the catch, then return the ball.Target hands1212
One example at a teaching pace.
Partners pass to the target hands beside the receiver’s body, secure the catch, then return the ball.
1PlayerXDefenderBallMovePass / shotDribble

Motion is off with your reduced-motion preference. The setup and action paths show the rep.

Players

Pairs

Equipment

1 basketball per pair, 2 spot markers or cones per pair

Space

Any open half court or sideline space

Set it up

Set two markers 12 to 15 feet apart facing each other. Partners stand on their assigned markers, one holding a basketball.

Run the activity

  1. The receiver drops into a balanced stance with knees bent and extends both hands to their left or right side as an active target.
  2. The passer steps toward the target with their dominant foot and delivers a sharp, two-handed chest or bounce pass directly into the hands.
  3. The receiver secures the ball, pivots into a balanced stance facing their partner, and pauses for one second. The previous passer now shows a target for the return pass.
  4. Pairs alternate roles continuously for 60 seconds before switching to one-handed push passes.
ONE CUE TO SAY OUT LOUD

“Show hands, step to target”

Watch for this

Passer aims at the chest regardless of where the receiver is showing hands, ignoring the target.

Make it easier

Reduce the distance between partners to 8 feet and allow the receiver to keep the target centered in front of the chest.

Add a challenge

The receiver flashes one hand high or low on random counts, forcing the passer to quickly read and deliver the ball on time.