10-Minute Passing Basics

Goal: a consistent spiral with reasonable accuracy.

Setup (1 minute)

• Start close (10–15 feet apart)
• Pick a target (partner’s chest, a chair, a bucket)

1) Grip check (1 minute)

• Fingers on the laces, not the front of the ball
• Index finger near the tip — creates the spiral
• Firm but not squeezing — “hold an egg, not a brick”

2) Stance and step (3 minutes)

• Feet shoulder-width apart
• Step toward target with the lead foot
• Hips rotate, then arm follows
• Follow through — hand should finish pointing at the target
• 10 throws, focus on form not distance

3) Target throws (4 minutes)

• 10 throws each at a target
• Move back a few steps only if accuracy stays clean
• If throws go wild, move closer

4) Finish with confidence (1–2 minutes)

• 5 easy, close throws
• End on a good rep

Coaching cues

• “Step and throw” — not arm-only
• “Finish pointing at the target”
• “Elbow above the shoulder”