When you’re working with young players, one of the first skills you need to build is solid passing. Good ball movement not only creates scoring opportunities but also teaches teamwork and decision-making. As a veteran coach, I’ve learned that the best way to build confident passers is by starting with simple, structured drills and then adding layers of difficulty. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the best youth basketball passing drills that you can use with any age group. These drills are simple, game-like, and can be adjusted based on your players’ skill level.
Why These Are the Best Youth Basketball Passing Drills
The common theme in all of these drills is progression. Start simple, then add movement, pressure, or game-like obstacles. Young players need to feel success before you challenge them with more complexity.
By incorporating these drills into every practice, your team will develop better passing habits, cut down on turnovers, and build confidence with the ball.
1. Cone Passing Drill (Progression Style)
This drill builds ball control, accuracy, and the ability to pass under pressure.
How it works:
- Place cones in a straight line on the court.
- Have your player slide left or right, making a pass with the corresponding hand.
- The coach (or partner) passes the ball back each time.
Progressions:
- Start with one ball, simple passes through the cones.
- Add a second ball for quicker touches.
- Finish with “knockdowns,” where players bounce-pass to knock over cones.
Coaching tip: Move cones closer together or create curves to increase difficulty and mimic real defensive traffic.
2. Two-Person Passing on the Move
Passing while standing still is easy. Passing on the move is game-like.
How it works:
- Pair players in lanes going up and down the court.
- Start with stationary passing using just the left hand, then progress to both hands.
- Once they’ve mastered control, have them walk or jog while passing.
- Add a “touch pass” version, where players keep the ball moving quickly without holding it.
This develops rhythm, touch, and the ability to make quick decisions in transition.
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3. Man in the Middle
Every youth coach should have this in their toolbox. It’s fun, competitive, and teaches spacing and anticipation.
How it works:
- Two passers stand apart, one defender in the middle.
- Passers must “close one window, then open another” (example: fake high, pass low).
- If the defender deflects or touches the ball, the passer goes to the middle.
This drill emphasizes timing, fakes, and the importance of ball protection against pressure defense.
4. Wall Passing Drill
Perfect for gyms with limited space or when you want high-rep passing.
How it works:
- Players face a wall and pass to a marked spot.
- Emphasize using the hips and core for power (“twist pass” technique).
- Work chest passes, bounce passes, and “kick-out passes” (simulate driving and passing out to a shooter).
Keep these short, 25 to 30 seconds per set, but intense.
Final Thoughts for New Coaches
If you’re new to coaching, don’t overwhelm yourself or your players by trying to cover everything at once. Start with one or two of these best youth basketball passing drills, master them, and then move on to progressions.
Passing is a skill that grows with repetition, and these drills give your players the foundation they need to become strong teammates and smart decision-makers on the court.
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