U12 Basketball Curriculum

Partner Chest Passes

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tagspassing, with-partner, backyard, half-court, beginner

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Partner Chest Passes

🎒 Gear Needed: 1 x basketball, partner
⏱ Suggested Time: 5 - 10 minutes
👥 Participants: Partner (Passer and Receiver)
📍 Space: Backyard / Half-Court
📊 Difficulty: Beginner

📝 Instructions

  1. Alignment: Partners stand facing each other 3.5 to 4 metres apart, each in an athletic, balanced triple-threat stance. One player holds a basketball at chest level.
  2. Target Presentation: The receiver shows a clear target by extending both hands in front of their chest with fingers relaxed and spread wide.
  3. Execution of the Pass: The passer steps firmly with their lead foot toward the partner’s chest. In one fluid motion without winding up or cocking the ball behind the head, the passer pushes the ball forward, snapping both wrists outward at full extension.
  4. Follow-Through: The passer holds their follow-through for one second: arms extended straight, thumbs pointing down to the court, and palms turned outwards.
  5. The Catch and Transition: The receiver steps forward with their lead foot to meet the ball, cushions the impact with their fingertips, pulls the ball into their shooting or passing pocket, and immediately steps into their return pass.
  6. Cadence Challenge: Complete 30 continuous passes back and forth without dropping the basketball or letting it touch the ground.

💡 Coaching Cues

  • No Wind-Up: Deliver the pass straight from your chest like a punch; winding the ball behind your head or dipping it to your knees gives defenders time to intercept.
  • Hit the Singlet Logo: Aim your pass squarely at your partner’s chest or the singlet logo on their shirt so they can catch without lunging or breaking stride.
  • Thumbs Down, Palms Out: Snap both wrists aggressively through release; ending thumbs down creates true backspin that keeps the ball flat and easy to handle.
  • Meet the Pass: Step toward the incoming ball with active feet rather than waiting on your heels for the ball to reach you.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: Shorten the distance to 2.5 metres and allow players to catch and pause in triple threat for two seconds before passing back.
  • Make It Harder: “Rapid Fire 30-Second Challenge”: count how many clean, crisp chest passes partners can complete in 30 seconds from a 4-metre distance without technical errors.

📺 Video Demonstration